THE UNDECLARED WAR: FIRST LOOK AND CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR SECOND SERIES OF CHANNEL 4 DRAMA

Channel 4 has announced a second series of The Undeclared War, a six-part cyber-thriller written by Colin Teevan (Das Boot, Rebellion) and all episodes directed by Paul McGuigan (Sherlock, Inside Man).

Simon Pegg (Mission Impossible, Star Trek) returns as Danny Patrick, Director of Operations at GCHQ (U.K.’s Government Communications Headquarters). Siân Brooke (Blue Lights, Trying) joins the series as Barbara Patrick, Danny’s wife, ex-MI6 and now an analyst at GCHQ.

Set in 2024, The Undeclared War returns with a fresh wave of tension and drama as the elite Malware Department at GCHQ grapples with the aftermath of a devastating Russian cyber-attack. Just when it seems the UK has gained the upper hand, Danny and the team uncover a far more dangerous threat. 

Hannah Khalique-Brown (Black Doves, Wolf Hall) returns as Saara Parvin, a brilliant young coder on placement at GCHQ. Alex Jennings (The Crown, This Is Going To Hurt) returns as Danny’s boss, David Neal, the Director of GCHQ. Danny Sapani (Black Panther) plays Charlie Francis, GCHQ’s Head of Security and Danny’s childhood friend. 

Ed Stoppard (The Crown) returns as Richard Marston, the newly elevated Foreign Secretary and a constant thorn in Danny’s side. Chloe Pirrie (The Queen’s Gambit) will play Lt Colonel Roz Cavendish, seconded by Marston to GCHQ in the newly created role of Director of Rapid Response, a move which Danny interprets as a threat to his authority.

Ollie Madden, Director of Film4 and Channel 4 Drama, said “As the world of cyber-warfare and espionage continue to evolve at pace around us, what better than to bring back The Undeclared War for another riveting, unpredictable, painstakingly researched series...

"Colin Teevan’s scripts, Paul McGuigan’s dynamic direction, and our incredible cast promise something unmissable. We’re very excited to be collaborating again with our partners at Playground Entertainment, Universal International Studios, Stonehenge Films on this cutting-edge thriller.”

Colin Callender, series co-creator and executive producer said, "I want to thank Channel 4 and Universal International Studios for all their support, and I am delighted to welcome back Simon Pegg and thrilled that he will be joined this season by the wonderful Siân Brooke. As we dive into the second season of The Undeclared War, the series raises the stakes as it explores the ever-increasing complexities of a world where technology and humanity collide.” 

Kelsey Balance, EVP of Global Scripted Series at Universal International Studios said, “With gripping new threats, unexpected twists and a fantastic mix of new and returning characters, this next chapter of The Undeclared War promises to be an exhilarating ride. Together with our partners at Playground and Stonehenge Films, we look forward to returning to the high-stakes and ever-changing world of cyber warfare for audiences to explore once more.”

NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution will handle international sales.