A new Sky TV series, The Wargame, will see a high-profile, cross-party cabinet of former politicians and experts simulate a war with Russia, with former Conservative MP Michael Gove leading the fictional government as prime minister.
The four-part series, produced by The Garden as part of ITV Studios, is based on the Sky podcast of the same name. It will immerse viewers in fictional Cobra-style meetings, depicting the UK’s response to a simulated Russian attack on British soil.
The cast features former Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon as deputy prime minister, and former Conservative MP Dame Penny Mordaunt in the role of defence secretary. Labour’s Baroness Harriet Harman will serve as home secretary, while former Labour MP Jim Murphy takes on the foreign secretary brief.
Completing the cabinet are Tory Baroness Sayeeda Warsi as attorney general, and Labour Baroness Ayesha Hazarika as director of communications.
open image in galleryProviding military and intelligence expertise are retired British Army general Sir Richard Barrons as chief of defence staff, former diplomat Lord Kim Darroch as national security adviser, and former MI6 intelligence officer Christopher Steele as intelligence chief.
They will be opposed by a team of Russia experts, led by British writer Keir Giles. International roles include Anthony Scaramucci playing the US secretary of state and Lord George Robertson as Nato secretary general.
open image in galleryPhil Edgar-Jones, executive director of unscripted originals at Sky, highlighted the show’s timely relevance: “A year ago, Sky News’ groundbreaking original podcast The Wargame captivated listeners, shedding light on the impossible choices our country’s leaders face under escalating military threat. Now working with the talented team at The Garden we’re bringing The Wargame to new audiences in a visceral new TV format, which will challenge some of the most experienced political and military minds in the country to imagine how they might respond under threat of war. At a time when we are facing increasing threats from all sides, this series couldn’t be more timely.”
The Wargame is scheduled to air on Sky and Now this September.