ITV commissions Stephen, a three-part sequel to the The Murder of Stephen Lawrence

ITV commissions three-part sequel, Stephen, to the award winning single drama, The Murder of Stephen Lawrence, produced by HTM. 

A three-part sequel to the groundbreaking single drama, The Murder of Stephen Lawrence has been commissioned by ITV’s Head of Drama, Polly Hill.

Entitled Stephen, the serial will be directed by Alrick Riley (The Cops, NCIS and Hustle) and produced by Madonna Baptiste (The Stranger, Black Mirror, Silent Witness) and is written by Frank Cottrell Boyce (Hilary and Jackie, Millions, 24-Hour Party People) and Joe Cottrell Boyce (Treasure).

The drama serial will be produced by HTM (Hat Trick Mercurio) and executive produced by Mark Redhead (Bloody Sunday, God on Trial, The Secret), who produced the original drama in 1999. Paul Greengrass, award winning screenwriter and director, who wrote and directed the Murder of Stephen Lawrence will also serve as an Executive Producer.  Jimmy Mulville and Jed Mercurio are also executive producers.

The production team are producing this sequel with the full support of Doreen and Neville Lawrence. 

The drama will portray events from 2006, thirteen years after Stephen’s death on the evening of 22 April 1993 in a racially motivated attack whilst waiting for a bus in Well Hall Road, Eltham. 

Even though the Lawrences knew the identity of their son’s killers, the original investigation had failed to convict those responsible, and their extraordinary campaign for justice led to a public inquiry which branded Metropolitan Police institutionally racist and brought about sweeping changes in the law and police practices and transformed thinking and understanding of racial inequality in the UK. Yet six years on from the Inquiry no progress had been made into the case. The drama tells the story of the ongoing struggle by Doreen and Neville Lawrence to achieve justice and how a detective, DCI Clive Driscoll – working closely with the Lawrences – puts together an investigation that finally – more than 18 years after his death – secures the convictions of two of the gang who committed the murder of Stephen. 

Commented Baroness Doreen Lawrence:

“I am pleased that The Murder of Stephen Lawrence is being broadcast again. Though the events portrayed in the film took place many years ago they are even more relevant today. I am aware that the experience of police racism that we suffered as a family has been the experience of many in the UK. I hope that the film and the drama which has been commissioned will provide some insight into what we went through and give some hope to others that justice can eventually prevail.”

Neville Lawrence commented: 

“I welcome the announcement of this new TV series by ITV, made with members of the same team who wrote and produced the 1999 original drama. That first film was important in telling Stephen’s story. It is important that the next part of the story is told, particularly at a time when, thanks to the Black Lives Matter campaign, concerns around institutional racism are so prominent.

“The recent BLM protests have served to remind people that black men and women continue to be subjected to racially motivated attacks. It was true when Stephen was killed and it still happens. It has always been my view that the most powerful response to racism is non-violent resistance and I am heartened to see people from all backgrounds who have come together peacefully across the country to show they will not tolerate racist attitudes. I hope this new film will further help raise awareness.”

Commented Polly Hill: 

“It feels appropriate for us to return to the Stephen Lawrence case on ITV.  The brilliant film, The Murder of Stephen Lawrence, could only take the story so far, Stephen continues that story.  It’s important to remember just how long it took Doreen and Neville to get a conviction for two of the men responsible for the death of their son Stephen. Frank and Joe have written beautiful scripts and I am delighted to have Alrick on board to direct this important drama.”

Commented Mark Redhead: 

“The Lawrences’ campaign for justice totally transformed attitudes to race and equality in the UK and it’s an honour to be able to help tell what is an untold chapter in their story.  Current events only highlight how relevant and important Stephen’s case remains.”

Bafta winning The Murder of Stephen Lawrence, written and directed by Paul Greengrass and produced by Mark Redhead will be repeated on ITV on Thursday 16 July.  A live discussion programme entitled, Stephen Lawrence: Has Britain changed? will also air on ITV immediately before the re-broadcast of the original drama.

Casting and news of further key production personnel will be advised closer to filming commencing. 

Hat Trick International will be responsible for the international distribution of the drama. 

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Notes to Editors: HTM is the company set up by Hat Trick with Jed Mercurio.