John Ridley and Idris Elba Team Up for Showtime Political Drama, ‘Guerilla’ – blogged by @MsJennyb

American Crime creator, John Ridley, has partnered with heartthrob movie star, Idris Elba, for a six part limited series set during UK’s Black Power movement in the 1970s. The political drama, titled Guerilla, has been greenlit by Showtime and Sky Atlantic, according to Deadline.

Guerilla tells the love story of a politically active couple during one of the most politically explosive times in U.K. history. Their relationship and values will be tested throughout their journey to target the Black Power Desk, a true-life, secretive counter-intelligence unit within Special Branch dedicated to demolishing all forms of black activism. It’s been reported that Ridley has written most of the episodes and will direct the first two.

In addition to co-starring, Elba will executive produce the series through his Green Door Pictures.

“We’re excited to partner with our friends at Sky to bring a fascinating and unexplored story spearheaded by John and Idris, two creative talents at the top of their game,” said Showtime’s David Nevins. “Guerilla will surely keep our audience at the edge of their seats.”

Sources say, Guerilla has been a passion project for Ridley, he told Deadline, “I’m a child of the 70s and witnessed things in the US like the Black Panther Party, Black Liberation Army, the Weather Underground” He added, “These events are starting to no longer be a current but a distant history, we don’t want those stories and perspective to fade into the past.”

The project has become very important for both Ridley and Elba, whose father was an activist.