‘Star Wars’ star joins BBC’s new 1970s London drama ‘Small Axe’

An incredible cast will appear in the BBC’s new period drama anthology series.

Set within London’s West Indian community from the late 1960s to the early ’80s, Small Axe will tell five separate stories.

The series of six 60-minute episodes has been written by British director Steve McQueen, whose movie 12 Years a Slave won three Oscars in 2014.

The cast of Small Axe will include John Boyega (Star Wars), Letitia Wright (Avengers: Infinity War), Malachi Kirby (Black Mirror), Shaun Parkes (Lost In Space), Rochenda Sandall (Line of Duty), Alex Jennings (Victoria) and Jack Lowden (The Long Song).

Steve McQueen commented: “I felt these stories needed to be shared. I wanted to re-live, re-evaluate and investigate the journeys that my parents and the first generation of West Indians went on to deliver me here today calling myself a Black British person.

“What’s important about our stories is that they are local but at the same time global. I think audiences will identify with the trials, tribulations and joy of our characters as well as reflecting on the present environment in which we find ourselves.”

Piers Wenger, Controller of BBC Drama, added: “It is an honour to have Steve McQueen, along with this stellar cast, tell these important and inspiring stories on BBC One. Small Axe will air on BBC One next year, and this powerful drama is not to be missed.”

Small Axe began filming on location in London this summer and it’ll air on BBC One in the UK in 2020.

12 Years A Slave is available on DVD on Amazon.