The “black dove” is expanding.
Season 2 of Netflix’s pulpy London spy thriller series written by Joe Burton, starring Keira Knightley, Ben Whishaw and Sarah Lancashire, is currently in production, and features an even more secretive and rather violent cast.
Ambika Mod (‘One Day’) joins the show as Lyra, a bitter and anarchic Black Doves agent sent to assist Knightley’s agent Helen in her mission. Meanwhile, Babou Ceesay (Alien: Earth) plays Mr. Conte, a Black Doves executive with dubious motives, and Sam Riley (Firebrand) plays Patrick, an emissary from a mysterious organization who offers Whishaw’s Sam a lifeline. Neve Campbell (Scream) also joins the cast as Cecil Mason.
Additional cast includes: Sylvia Fuchs (Blade Runner 2049) plays Katya Chernov, Goran Kostic (Canary Black, Ant-Man and the Wasp) plays Alexi Chernov, and Samuel Barnett (Lee) plays Jerry.
In addition to returnees Knightley, Wishaw and Lancashire, Season 1’s Andrew Buchan, Kathryn Hunter, Ella Lily Hyland, Gabriel Creevey, Agnes O’Casey and Molly Chesworth also return for a second round of espionage and bloodshed.
The plot sees superspy Helen, played by Knightley, still betraying state secrets to the secret organization Black Doves, but now her shadowy husband Wallace (Buchan) is preparing to become British Prime Minister. Helen is reunited with her best friend Sam (Whishaw) as her mysterious handler Mrs Reid (Lancashire) becomes embroiled in a ruthless plot that threatens to undermine her position. But once a high-class triggerman, he’s now reduced to a solitary drink in a Soho bar or a cheap hit. As they search for answers, loyalty becomes a weapon, trust is shattered, and the fight to protect those they love can cost them everything.
“I couldn’t be more excited to once again delve into the world of our murderous little spy family,” said Burton. “It’s such a great pleasure to have such a great cast back and to be able to add some of my favorite actors to the mix. Downing Street will never be the same again…”
Jane Featherstone and Chris Fry, executive producers at production company Sister, added: “We are thrilled to be partnering with Netflix once again on Black Doves, returning to the world of Joe Burton’s Love, Lies and Spies.” Keira Knightley, Ben Whishaw and Sarah Lancashire are all set to make a stunning return in their Christmas jumpers, with season 1 favorites joined by a brilliant new cast of witty, dangerous and perfectly timed surprises. Season 2 is bigger, bolder, and just as fun and unpredictable. ”
Anne Mensah, vice president of content at Netflix UK, added: “To say we’re thrilled to welcome the Black Doves team back to Netflix would be an understatement. This is what happens when best-in-class writing, best-in-class directing and exceptional acting meet in a dark alley with guns and champagne. We couldn’t be more excited and we know what Black Doves fans are waiting for!”
Black Doves is produced by Sister (This Is Going to Heart, The Split) and Noisy Bear (Amadeus), with Featherstone and Frye serving as executive producers alongside Knightley, and Burton serving as executive producer. Season 2 will be directed by Julian Farino (Amadeus, Giri/Hajj) and Kieron Hawkes (Red Eye, Fortitude). The series producer is Callum Debrell-Cameron (Lord of the Flies).
