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Sir Kenneth Branagh is to star as Prime Minister Boris Johnson in a five-part drama series about the U.K.'s response to the global coronavirus pandemic.

Titled This Sceptred Isle, the series is being directed and co-written by prolific filmmaker Michael Winterbottom, whose previous credits include 24 Hour Party People, The Trip, and A Mighty Heart.

The series has been commissioned by U.K. network Sky, which is eyeing a fall 2022 premiere. The scripts by Winterbottom and Kieran Quirke (Cuckoo,Trinity) will feature insights gleaned from key figures at the U.K.'s Department of Health, Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), and even scenes from the Prime Minister's residence 10 Downing Street.

Tim Shipman, political editor of leading British newspaper The Sunday Times, is acting as a consultant on the series.

"Our series weaves together countless true stories — from Boris Johnson in Number 10 to front line workers around the country — chronicling the efforts of scientists, doctors, care home workers and policy makers to protect us from the virus," Winterbottom said in a press release.

Sky's Zai Bennett added: "Covid-19 has presented once-in-a-generation challenges to the world, and in the U.K. the resilience and fortitude of the public over the past year has been nothing short of extraordinary. Portraying NHS staff and key workers on the frontlines of the extraordinary fight, to those in government facing unprecedented challenges; Michael Winterbottom has a clear and compelling vision in telling this remarkable story."

In the meantime, Branagh fans will be able to watch him in semi-autobiographical movie Belfast, which is due this year, and in his all-star adaptation of Agatha Christie's Death on the Nile, which is now set for release on September 17, 2021 after being delayed due to Covid-19.

Do you think Sir Kenneth Branagh has been well cast as Boris Johnson?