Building on the critical success of The Hollow Crown, this extraordinary cast and production team will raise the bar of British drama once more and build on BBC Two’s reputation for distinctive drama.

Judi Dench will play Cecily, Duchess of York, alongside Benedict Cumberbatch’s Richard III. Sophie Okonedo has been cast as Queen Margaret across all three films. Hugh Bonneville will play Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester and Sally Hawkins his wife Eleanor, Duchess of Gloucester in Henry VI part 1. Keeley Hawes plays Queen Elizabeth in Henry VI part 2 and Richard III and Tom Sturridge has been cast as Henry VI in parts 1 and 2.

Pippa Harris, executive producer for Neal Street Productions, says: "To have the chance to work with some of Britain’s most talented actors is a dream come true. We couldn't be more delighted to have them on board."

Ben Stephenson, Controller, BBC Drama Commissioning, says: “Building on the critical success of The Hollow Crown, this extraordinary cast and production team will raise the bar of British drama once more and build on BBC Two’s reputation for distinctive drama.”

The three filmed adaptations - Henry VI (in 2 parts) and Richard III - are co-produced by Neal Street Productions with Carnival Films / NBCUniversal and Thirteen following the success of BAFTA Award-winning The Hollow Crown.

Executive producers are Sam Mendes, Pippa Harris and Nicolas Brown for Neal Street Productions, David Horn for Thirteen and Gareth Neame for Carnival/NBCUniversal. It was commissioned by Ben Stephenson, Controller, BBC Drama.

Dominic Cooke will direct all three films, Ben Power has adapted the plays for the screen and Rupert Ryle-Hodges will produce.

Press contact:

Jeni@ianjohnsonpublicity.co.uk / thom@ianjohnsonpublicity.co.uk +44 20 7836 3030