Black Panther breakout Letitia Wright has joined the cast of Dominic Savage’s critically-acclaimed, female-led drama anthology series ‘I Am’ for U.K. network Channel 4.
The British star, currently amassing rave reviews for her role in Steve McQueen’s Mangrove, will take the lead role in the episode I Am Danielle, appearing together with CJ Beckford and Sophia Brown.
Created by award-winning writer-director Savage and produced by Emmy-winning Me+You Productions, the brand-new series — consisting of three hour-long episodes — entered production in early August with I Am Victoria, starring BAFTA-winner Suranne Jones, alongside Ashley Walters.
Each episode is being developed and written by Savage in collaboration with a lead actor for whom, in each case, the story will have personal resonance. The series, described as authentic and thought-provoking, explores contemporary female experiences and themes, including trust, relationships and mental health. Featuring improvised dialogue, the trilogy will draw these deeply personal themes out through moments of emotion, intimacy and anxiety.
“Collaborating with Dominic Savage has been an amazing experience. His unique and sensitive style of directing has stretched me as an artist. I’m so proud that we came together on a story that we both felt was important to explore and share with the world,” said Wright, who has spoken openly about her own battles with depression.
‘I Am’ became Channel 4’s most successful new 10 p.m. drama in six years when it debuted in August 2019, with Vicky McClure starring in I Am Nicola, Samantha Morton starring in I Am Kirsty, and Gemma Chan starring in I Am Hannah. This year saw it earn a BAFTA TV nomination for Morton in the leading actress category.
“Making this film with Letitia was so exciting, invigorating, and full of creative joy,” said Savage. “It is exactly how I love to work. In complete partnership and understanding. We were so in tune with the story we were telling, and each day was purely instinctive, challenging, and always truthful. I’m proud to be able to bring this story of love with all its difficulties to the screen.”
I Am is produced by Me+You Productions, commissioned by Channel 4, co-funded by Sky Studios and distributed by NBCUniversal Global Distribution. Executive producers are Richard Yee and Savage, with Channel 4 head of drama, Caroline Hollick and head of development Gemma Boswell overseeing. The series is produced by Me+You co-founder Krishnendu Majumdar, currently also BAFTA Chair, with co-producer Josh Hyams (The Trip).
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
