Emma Thompson Cast in Russell T Davies’ Years and Years

Two-time Oscar winner Emma Thompson (The Children Act, Late Night) has signed on for Years and Years, a new BBC One drama from writer Russell T Davies.

The six-part limited series charts one family surviving the future. As Britain is rocked by unstable political, economic and technological advances, the Lyons family’s complex lives converge on one crucial night in 2019. Then, over the next 15 years, the twists and turns of everyday life are explored as viewers find out if this ordinary family could ever change the world. Thompson stars in the family saga as Vivienne Rook, an outspoken celebrity turned political figure whose controversial opinions divide the nation.

Also in the cast are Jessica Hynes (Paddington 2, W1A), Rory Kinnear (Spectre, Peterloo), Ruth Madeley (Cold Feet, Don’t Take My Baby), T’Nia Miller (Obey, Marcella), Anne Reid (Last Tango in Halifax, The Mother) and Russell Tovey (The History Boys, Quantico).

Red Production Company is behind the project, which marks the ninth collaboration for Davies (A Very English Scandal, Doctor Who) and Red’s Nicola Shindler. STUDIOCANAL is distributing and BBC One, HBO and Canal+ are co-producers.

Davies said: “This is a dream cast, put together by Andy Pryor, the man who found Jodie Whittaker to be Doctor Who. I’m very lucky, and very excited to start filming.”

Shindler, CEO of STUDIOCANAL UK, executive producer for Red Production Company, added: “No other writer could have written such an original, important and entertaining state-of-the-nation drama, with a family at its center that an audience will want to spend time with. I’m thrilled a cast of this caliber will bring them to life.”

Piers Wenger, controller of BBC Drama, added: “Russell T Davies is a master storyteller and we are utterly thrilled with this truly magnificent cast who are set to bring this unique and captivating family drama to life on BBC One.”

Casey Bloys, president HBO programming, said: “HBO is thrilled to once again partner with the BBC and to be joining Red Production Company in showcasing the stellar work of Russell T Davies and Emma Thompson with this sweeping family saga which captures the spirit of our time.”

Jean-Marc Juramie, senior EVP for pay-TV content of Canal+ Group, commented: “Canal+ is very excited to pre-buy this unique series for our line-up of foreign drama. This epic saga reuniting the acclaimed creator Russell T Davies and an A-list U.K. cast will appeal to our subscribers. Canal+ is delighted to continue its ongoing and fruitful partnership with STUDIOCANAL’s Red Production Company.”