The new four-part series is from the award-winning producers of Chernobyl.
Directed by Academy Award winner Alexander Payne (The Descendants, About Schmidt, Sideways) Landscapers is written by Olivia's husband Ed Sinclair in his first television screenplay and has been inspired by real events.
The Sky and HBO original drama will explore the lives of convicted killers Susan (Colman) and Christopher Edwards, asking how this devoted and mild-mannered couple came to kill Susan’s parents and bury them in the back garden of their Mansfield home, in a crime that remained undiscovered for over a decade.
This blackly comic, narratively playful true crime drama is based on extensive research, hours of interviews and direct access to the accused, who have always protested their innocence of murder.
Pivoting through various perspectives from Susan and Chris, to the police officers and lawyers involved in the investigation, the drama also draws the audience into the surreal fantasy world that Susan and Christopher created by casting themselves as their Hollywood heroes in stories of their own invention.
This is the story of a unique murder case involving four lives lived on the margins of society, that turns into an exhilarating and darkly funny exploration of love and fantasy: its power and its peril.
The character of Christopher Edwards is yet to be cast and filming will start on Landscapers in 2020. It will be produced by Sister in association with South of the River Pictures, Olivia Colman and Ed Sinclair's new production company.
Speaking about the new series, Olivia Colman who as well as starring in the series will act as Executive Producer said “I love Ed’s scripts, which is just as well as he cooks many of my meals. No, the truth is it’s quite rare to be desperate to play a part on the first reading of a script, but that was the case here. The writing is brave, but subtle and tender too - a joy for any actor.”
Cameron Roach, Director of Drama, Sky Studios commented “Ed’s scripts are a riveting and sensitive exploration of what could drive such an ordinary couple to commit murder and I’m delighted that Olivia Colman will bring Susan to life in what promises to be a compelling series. And after the success of the multi award-winning Chernobyl, we’re pleased to be working with Sister on another original drama inspired by true events.”
Whilst Jane Featherstone, Co-Founder, Sister added “The intelligence and deeply imaginative breadth of first time screenwriter Ed Sinclair’s scripts sees a constant re-invention of the true crime genre and it’s a testament to his writing that we have assembled a hugely experienced team of world class creatives."
"Oscar winning Olivia Colman is an extraordinary actor whose ability to disappear into a role is second to none and I’m thrilled to be re-united with her on this project. And with the incredible Alexander Payne at the helm, we are lucky to have a director whose skill for dark humour and character will ensure that Landscapers constantly surprises audiences.”
Landscapers will air on Sky Atlantic