She's currently to be found playing the First Lady to Kiefer Sutherland's President Kirkman on US drama Designated Survivor. But from the sound of it, Natascha McElhone is aiming to mix that some sci-fi. She's joining Beau Willimon's new series The First.
With Sean Penn already aboard, the show focuses on the challenges of humanity's first tentative steps towards interplanetary colonisation and the dangers the brave souls face on Mars. The stories will weave between the astronauts figuring out the problems on the planet, the team back on Earth providing support and the families of those far away. While no official information about McElhone's role has been revealed, Deadline has learned that she'll play the British CEO of the company backing the new effort.
"What I so admire about Natascha’s work is the fearlessness and honesty she brings to every role," Willimon says in a statement. "She’s a wonderfully talented adventurer of the spirit, and I’m thrilled to be embarking on this journey with her."
The First will be a collaboration between US streaming service Hulu and Channel 4, with the show aiming to debut on both next year.
House Of Cards* Creator Beau Willimon Plans Sci-Fi TV Series *The First