Idris Elba to star in Showtime miniseries 'Guerilla'

LOS ANGELES, April 20 (UPI) -- Oscar-winning screenwriter John Ridley is to pen, direct and executive produce Guerilla, a six-part, limited series starring Idris Elba, who will also executive produce the project.

The announcement was made Wednesday by David Nevins, president and chief executive officer of Showtime Networks Inc.

To air on Showtime in the United States and Sky Atlantic in the United Kingdom, the 1970s-set, small-screen drama "centers on a couple whose passion propels them into making the leap from political activism to radical militancy," a press release said.

"We're excited to partner with our friends at Sky to bring a fascinating and unexplored story spearheaded by John and Idris, two major creative talents at the top of their game," Nevins said in a statement. "Guerilla will surely keep our audience at the edge of their seats."

"It's been a long-time desire of mine to collaborate with Mr. Ridley and his work here is nothing short of a master class in character-building and story-telling. TV is in for a treat," Elba remarked.

"I am both humbled by and impressed with Idris' passion toward bringing this story to life," added Ridley. "I share his commitment for populating the culture with driven and complicated people of color, and believe we have great partners on the producorial level, and with our broadcasters Sky Atlantic and Showtime."