Robert Carlyle to Play PM in British Political Thriller Cobra

The new six-part Sky original drama Cobra is set in the heart of government during a major crisis.

Robert Carlyle (Trainspotting, The Legend of Barney Thomson) stars as Prime Minister Robert Sutherland and Victoria Hamilton (The Crown, Deep State) as his Chief of Staff Anna Marshall. The series, for Sky One and NOW TV, deals with an unfolding national emergency that threatens to engulf the country as the Cobra committee—a team comprised of Britain’s leading experts, crisis contingency planners and most senior politicians—fights to ensure the protection of the people of Great Britain.

It is written by Ben Richards (The Tunnel Sabotage, Strike: The Cuckoo’s Calling) and produced by New Pictures (The Missing, Catherine the Great) for Sky.

Carlyle said: “I am really looking forward to stepping into the role of the Prime Minister in a story that feels almost too true to be fiction. Cobra is a palpably thrilling and witty take on a political drama but with a humanity at the heart of the series.”

Cameron Roach, director of Sky Drama and Sky Studios, said: “Cobra gives a fascinating look into the world of politics and power under pressure, brought to life so brilliantly by Ben Richard’s scripts. It is a fantastic addition to our growing line up of home-grown British drama on Sky.”

Charlie Pattinson, co-founder and CEO of New Pictures, said: “Cobra is a thrilling mix of high-stakes politics and high-octane action. We are delighted to be working with Sky again to realize Ben Richards’ exhilarating scripts.”