Mark Strong to Star in FNG Europe & Africa Thriller

LONDON: British actor Mark Strong (Sherlock Holmes) has been lined up to lead the cast of Deep State, a character-driven thriller that is the first regional scripted commission for FOX Networks Group (FNG) Europe & Africa.

Deep State, which takes place in Britain, the U.S., Iran, Lebanon and France, spotlights the harsh reality of the world of espionage. The 8×60-minute Endor production was created by Matthew Parkhill (Rogue) and Simon Maxwell (American Odyssey). It is scheduled to start filming in May and will broadcast on FOX in more than 50 territories around the globe.

Also on board are actress Karima McAdams, director Robert Connolly, production designer Pat Campbell and director of photography David Higgs.

Strong remarked: “Every now and again a script comes along that you just can’t put down and Deep State is exactly that—a great example of the best kind of writing. I’m incredibly proud to be working with FNG on their first regional scripted commission. They have put together an excellent team, and I’m very much looking forward to collaborating with Robert Connolly, Matthew Parkhill, Hilary Bevan Jones. With scripts from Matthew, Simon Maxwell and Steve Thompson, producers Tom Nash and Khadija Alami and with David Higgs as DoP and Pat Campbell designing, it makes this, for me, an unmissable opportunity to return to television. The character I’m playing is completely morally conflicted—the type of role I find myself drawn to. He has to marry a secretive and extremely dangerous work life with that of a loving father and a loyal husband, and it makes for a fascinating character study. The fast-moving narrative coupled with the twists of the plot and the complexity of the makeup of the characters make it the kind of series I’d love to watch, as well as be a part of.”

Sara Johnson, VP of scripted drama, said: “Mark Strong is an incredibly diverse and powerful actor with great range and depth. With a long list of credits across stage and screen, Mark has a rare ability to create compelling and nuanced performances and we are thrilled he is returning to TV through this series, bringing the complex character of Max Easton to life.”

Parkhill, who will serve as showrunner, noted: “Deep State is a grounded, visceral thriller. It moves between the deeply personal story of a family man fighting to escape his past and the violent, dark excesses of government and global corporate power.”

Hilary Bevan Jones, executive producer for Endor, stated: “As an actor, Mark Strong has the intelligence, power and subtlety to realize troubled characters in the most extraordinary way. We are absolutely thrilled to be working on this drama with Jeff Ford and Sara Johnson at FOX Networks Group. Given the international arena and scale of Deep State we have the perfect partner in FNG.”

Jeff Ford, the senior VP of content development for FNG Europe & Africa, added: “FOX is known for bringing viewers the best, first. With a passion for storytelling we are committed to delivering programs with the highest production values of our Hollywood heritage, working with the best in the business. Deep State truly reflects this, with some of the most creative minds in the industry and finest acting talents signed up to the project. The sheer scale and ambition of this project is a testament of things to come, as we strive to produce quality, premium programming for a global audience.”