Doctor Who and Marvel stars confirmed to lead “provocative” new BBC sci-fi series from Line of Duty producers

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The BBC is creating a new science fiction thriller starring Gugu Mbatha-Raw, known for her roles in Doctor Who and Loki. She’ll be joined by Stuart Martin and Iain De Caestecker.

The six-episode series, titled Sutherland, is a new original drama filmed in both Scotland and outer space. It’s created by World Productions Scotland – the company behind popular shows like Line of Duty and Vigil – and written by novelist and screenwriter James Smythe.

The series is being made for BBC iPlayer, BBC One, and BBC Scotland.

The upcoming story, as described by the BBC, takes place in the near future in the remote north of Scotland. Gugu Mbatha-Raw plays Mirren, the flight director at Paravel Space Hub, who is in charge of the UK’s first ever crewed space mission.

Shortly after its release, a string of strange occurrences plunged Sutherland into chaos, jeopardizing all of her efforts.

Martin will star as Logan, a local detective pulled back into Mirren’s orbit when a long-hidden conspiracy comes to light. They’ll have to team up to solve the mystery, which promises to be a life-altering experience for both of them. Gary De Caestecker, known for his role as Agent Leo Fitz in Agents of SHIELD, will also play a key character named Callum.

As a movie fan, I’ve heard this new drama is really a love story at its core, but it also deals with themes of loss and figuring things out. The executive producer, Jake Lushington, calls it a story that really sticks with you and makes you think, and what’s cool is it’s set in this unique combination of space and the Scottish Highlands – talk about a backdrop!

The BBC has hinted that the show will take its main characters on unexpected journeys designed to keep audiences hooked.

Chloë Wicks and Patrick Harkins will direct the project, working from scripts by Laura Grace, Tom Mair, and Helen Kingston. Lindsay Salt and Louise Thornton commissioned the work, and it receives support from Screen Scotland.

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Simon Heath (also an Executive Producer on Line of Duty) will lead production of Sutherland, alongside Jake Lushington and George Aza-Selinger from World Productions Scotland. Gaynor Holmes and Gavin Smith will executive produce for the BBC and BBC Scotland, respectively, with James Scythe also contributing as an Executive Producer.

Production is scheduled to start in Scotland later this year, and more actors are still being cast. While there’s no confirmed release date, science fiction enthusiasts are already excited about this project.

Authors

Ben Williams

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2026-04-16 17:05