ITV orders new Stephen Lawrence drama sequel series

A follow-up to ITV’s acclaimed drama The Murder of Stephen Lawrence has been announced.

The groundbreaking single drama originally aired in 1999 and a new three-part sequel will be titled Stephen.

It’ll be executive produced by Line of Duty creator Jed Mercurio and The Bourne Ultimatum director Paul Greengrass.

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

The official synopsis reads: “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.”

Stephen’s father 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.”

The Murder of Stephen Lawrence was repeated on ITV last week and is currently available to watch on the ITV Hub.

Stephen is expected to air on ITV in the UK in 2021.