Idris Elba to Lead Thriller Drama for Apple TV+

Emmy nominee Idris Elba has officially signed on for a leading role in Apple TV+’s forthcoming thriller drama titled Hijack, which hails from Lupin creator George Kay. Elba is set to portray a successful business negotiator named Sam Nelson, who must use his persuasive skills to save the people on a hijacked plane.

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Hijack is written and executive produced by George Kay, with Jim Field Smith serving as an executive producer. On top of starring, Elba is also executive producing through his Green Door Pictures banner as part of his first-look deal with Apple TV+.

“Told in real-time, the series is a tense, thriller that follows the journey of a hijacked plane as it makes its way to London over a seven-hour flight, and authorities on the ground scramble for answers,” reads the synopsis. “It will center around Sam Nelson, an accomplished negotiator in the business world who needs to step up and use all his guile to try and save the lives of the passengers – but, his high-risk strategy could be his undoing.”

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Hijack is executive produced by Smith,  Jamie Laurenson, Hakan Kousetta, and Kris Thykier. It is a production by 60Forty Films and Idiotlamp Productions in association with Green Door.

This marks Elba’s first scripted TV project in three years after Netflix’s comedy series Turn Up Charlie. His notable TV credits include The Wire, The Office, Luther, and In the Long Run.