Idris Elba to Star in Black Power Movement TV Series 'Guerilla'

'American Crime' creator John Ridley will premiere a new show on Showtime/Sky Atlantic.

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Complex Original

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Idris Elba shines in anything he does, whether it be film or TV, a huge Marvel production or a series like Luther. He's sure to kill his role in the upcoming Stephen King adaptation, The Dark Tower, and his latest project is a Showtime/Sky Atlantic limited series called Guerilla from 12 Years a Slave screenwriter and American Crime creator John Ridley. That's a pretty damn good pairing. Elba executive produces as well as stars in this drama about the 1970s Black Power movement in the U.K. Along with the political backdrop, Guerilla aims to tell a love story too, following a couple—yet to be cast—who become radicals after liberating a political prisoner. Forming an underground cell, they target the counter-intelligence unit aiming to shut down black activism. Elba's role is yet to be revealed, though we know he is not one-half of the couple. 

"It’s been a long time desire of mine to collaborate with Mr. Ridley and his work here is nothing short of a masterclass in character building and storytelling," Elba told Deadline. "TV is in for a treat." Ridley added that Elba recalled personal memories of his father having been an activist, and that because he's a black man in the U.K., he had a lot of perspective to bring to the show. 

Guerilla will start filming its six episodes this summer. Its premiere date is yet to be announced.

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