A second major transatlantic drama series revolving around the Lockerbie bombing terror attack is currently in development, this time as a co-production between the BBC and Netflix. The series, titled “Lockerbie,” aims to delve into the joint investigation carried out by Scottish and American authorities following the 1988 disaster. Pan Am Flight 103 was tragically destroyed by a bomb as it flew over the Scottish town of Lockerbie, resulting in the loss of 270 lives. This heinous act marked the deadliest terror attack in British history.
Two Prominent Dramas on the Horizon
In a noteworthy collaboration, the British broadcaster and the U.S. streaming giant are set to co-produce “Lockerbie,” a gripping six-part factual drama. World Productions, known for hit shows like “Line of Duty,” is leading the production, which was originally initiated by MGM Television and Night Train Media, in collaboration with filmmaker Adam Morane-Griffiths. It is worth mentioning that this BBC and Netflix commission comes over a year after Sky and Peacock announced their own “Lockerbie” series, which has since been delayed due to ongoing development. The Sky/Peacock drama, scripted by renowned director Jim Sheridan and his daughter Kirsten Sheridan, revolves around a family’s relentless pursuit of justice. It is being produced by Carnival Films.
A Stellar Creative Team
The BBC/Netflix drama boasts a talented team of writers, with Jonathan Lee, author of the critically acclaimed novel “High Dive,” taking the lead alongside Scottish screenwriter Gillian Roger Park, known for her work on “The Young Offenders.” Drawing extensively on interviews conducted by Adam Morane-Griffiths, who had conversations with Scottish police and U.S. investigative agencies, the series promises to provide an in-depth exploration of the Lockerbie bombing and its repercussions. Audiences will gain insight into the impact of the tragedy on the people of Lockerbie.
Behind the Scenes
Directing the series is Michael Keillor, known for his work on “Best Interests.” The executive producers for “Lockerbie” are Simon Heath and Roderick Seligman for World Productions, Steve Stark and Stacey Levin for Toluca Pictures, Adam Morane-Griffiths, Sara Curran, Herbert L. Kloiber, Michael Keillor, and Gaynor Holmes for the BBC. Joe Hill serves as the co-executive producer.
An Epic and Poignant Story
Mona Qureshi, Netflix drama commissioner, expressed her admiration for the project, stating, “The moment we read Jonathan’s pilot script, informed by Adam’s meticulous research, we understood that this team had found a way into these events that is epic and intimate, local and global, personal and political. The devastation wrought on the night of 21st December 1988 continues to reverberate through the decades.” BBC commissioner Gaynor Holmes added, “We have the right team in place to tell this extraordinary story with the greatest of care, making sure the series reflects the devastating events of that night, the complex and far-reaching investigation that followed, and the effect it had on all those who lost loved ones.”
As anticipation builds for the release of “Lockerbie,” both the BBC and Netflix aim to shed new light on the tragic events of the Lockerbie bombing. With a talented creative team and a commitment to telling the story with sensitivity, this factual drama promises to honor the memories of the victims and offer a poignant reflection on the lasting impact of this devastating act of terrorism.