Keeley Hawes will lead the second season of Sky’s six-part thriller Prisoner, joining Izuka Hoyle, who returns as prison transport officer Amber Todd. Hawes is known for roles in The Bodyguard, Line of Duty and The Assassin.
Created by Oscar-nominated writer Matt Charman, the series is again written by Charman alongside deputy showrunner Sophie Petzal. The first season, which also starred Tahar Rahim, was among Sky’s most-watched Original dramas of the year, prompting the network to renew it early.
The new season follows Todd as she attempts to recover from the events of the first installment and repair her fractured family life. Her situation changes when she becomes involved in the extradition of Dr. Regan Weaver, a brilliant psychologist and notorious prisoner played by Hawes.
After being framed for murder, Todd is forced to flee with Weaver. The pair develop an unexpected bond while being pursued by criminals, governments and rogue police officers seeking the secrets Weaver has kept hidden for decades.
Charman said Hawes was chosen to portray a prisoner capable of pushing Todd further than ever. He described her performance as both mesmerizing and frightening.
New cast members include Solly McLeod, David Dawson and Elijah Cook. Catherine McCormack, Leonie Benesch, Finn Bennett, Ken Nwosu, Daniel Betts, Jessica Barker-Wren and Michele Austin are also returning.
Prisoner is produced by Binocular in association with Sky Studios. Anthony Philipson directs the series, with later episodes directed by Kasia Adamik. Matt Charman, Foz Allan, Sophie Petzal, Otto Bathurst and Adrian Sturges serve as executive producers, while Derek Ritchie is series producer.
The second season will be available on Sky in the U.K. and Ireland. NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution is handling international sales, and the production received support from the Welsh Government through Creative Wales.
Sources: The Hollywood Reporter.