‘Stephen’ trailer: ITV confirms start date for new Stephen Lawrence drama

The first trailer has been released for the follow-up to The Murder of Stephen Lawrence.

ITV’s original groundbreaking television movie was made in 1999, and a new three-part sequel was announced last summer.

The upcoming mini-series, titled Stephen, portrays 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 southeast London.

Watch the trailer:

Stephen has been directed by Paul Greengrass (The Bourne Ultimatum), and is executive produced by Line of Duty creator Jed Mercurio.

Sharlene Whyte (Small Axe) takes on the role of Doreen Lawrence, with Hugh Quarshie (Holby City) reprising his performance of Neville Lawrence.

Steve Coogan (Stan & Ollie) plays DCI Clive Driscoll, who led the investigation into the murder of the Lawrences’ beloved son, Stephen.

The cast also includes Richie Campbell (The Frankenstein Chronicles), Jordan Myrie (Dancing in the Dark), Sian Brooke (Sherlock), and Adil Ray (Citizen Khan).

The official synopsis reads: “Even though Doreen and Neville Lawrence 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.”

Made with the full support of the Lawrence family, Stephen will premiere in the UK at 9pm on Monday 30th August on ITV.

Director Alrick Riley commented: “The case of Stephen Lawrence is a testament to the fortitude, persistence and determination of the Lawrence family.

“These films will chart the successes, disappointments and the emotional toll they endured. It’s also the story of Clive Driscoll, the lead detective, who managed to forge a friendship with the Lawrences over the years it took to achieve two convictions. It’s an honour to have the opportunity to tell their story.”

Executive producer Mark Redhead added: “It’s a privilege to be working with Doreen and Neville Lawrence to tell this chapter of the story of their campaign for justice for Stephen. It’s a story that moves and inspires and is ever more resonant and relevant today.”

A broadcaster in the US hasn’t yet been announced.