Is there anything more deliciously dramatic than a tense legal thriller? As luck would have it, thanks to Sky, we're being gifted with the arrival of a new one - and the cast has got us more than a little excited. The explosive new series, War, will star Sienna Miller as the estranged wife of a tech titan played by The Crown's Dominic West - with the pair going head-to-head in a truly scandalous divorce case.
Set in the high-stakes world of two of London’s most prestigious rival law firms, we'll see Dominic step into the shoes of Morgan Henderson, while in the other corner is international film star Carla Duval (played by Sienna). With esteemed rival firms representing them, each is side is absolutely certain they'll win - cue a battle that soon becomes all out war.
While we patiently await the arrival of War on our screens, here’s everything you need to know about the new legal thriller, including the cast, plot, newly-released trailer and release date.
What is War about?
The eight-part series is centred around a scandal-filled divorce case between tech titan Morgan Henderson (Dominic West) and film star Carla Duval (Sienna Miller). Their case is taken on by two reputable law firms in London - Cathcarts and Taylor & Byrne - and the pair (and their respective teams) go head-to-head in the divorce case of the century. According to Sky, it's “a scandalous divorce case that sends shockwaves through boardrooms, bedrooms, and courtrooms alike.”
The official synopsis continues: “Each side is certain they’ll win. But as the case spirals and loyalties fracture, reputations are on the line, and everyone’s playing to win. This is just the beginning - season one’s explosive case is the first in an anthology of headline-making legal battles.”
Creator and writer George Kay has teased that there's plenty of twists in store, saying: “I am excited to be working with Sky and HBO - two homes for bold, ambitious storytelling - and our brilliant production team. War is a legal drama full of double crossing, scandal, twists and betrayal. The kind of TV show that made me want to write TV shows.”
Meghan Lyvers, Executive Director of Original Scripted, Sky, added: “The show is ambitious and provocative, brimming with unforgettable characters. It challenges the notions of power, identity, and success."
Who’s in the cast of War?
The cast of War includes:
- Dominic West as Morgan Henderson
- Sienna Miller as Carla Duval
- Phoebe Fox as Serena Byrne
- James McArdle as Nicholas Taylor
- Nina Sosanya as “Her Majesty” Beatrice “Queen Bea” Ubosi
- Pip Torrens as St John Smallwood
- Archie Renaux as Jonathan “Johnny” Warren
- Celia Imrie
- Nick Mohammed
- Emma Laird
- Aran Murphy
- Archie Panjabi
- Adrian Scarborough
- Shaheen Jafargholi
- Akiya Henry
- Honor Swinton Byrne
- Miles Jupp
- Kartanya Maynard
- Alexandra Mardell
- Dylan Murphy
- Mark Quartley
- Steve Furst
Executive producer and CEO of New Pictures, Willow Grylls, has shared his thoughts on the casting, explaining: “George Kay has created an incredibly compelling cast of characters who will have audiences rooting for them, despite the underhand tactics, dirty tricks and win at all cost mentality they bring to battle against each other in - and out - of court. We are incredibly pleased to be trusted by Sky and HBO with a two series order to bring their stories to viewers around the world.”
Is there a trailer for War?
Yes, you can watch the trailer for War below.
Is War worth watching?
Absolutely - with Sienna Miller and Dominic West as leads attacking each other in a win-or-lose battle, it’s set to be dramatic indeed! The actors worked together in 2005 on the West End stage adaptation of As You Like It, and have modelled jointly for Burberry campaigns - so there will no doubt be some chemistry between them, too. There’s also an acclaimed team attached to War, including George Kay of hit thriller Hijack, plus Catastrophe and Sex Education’s Ben Taylor who’s directing.
How can I watch War?
War will premiere on Friday 2nd October on Sky and NOW.
What other legal dramas can I watch now?
For a series with a fantastic lead performance, we’d recommend Matlock, which follows Madeline Kingston (Kathy Bates), who's secretly operating under the alias at a prestigious law firm after the death of her daughter to an opioid overdose. Series 1 is available to watch on Sky and NOW. For something grittier, we'd suggest Presumed Innocent, which revolves around a Chicago prosecutor (played by Jake Gyllenhaal) who's accused of murdering his colleague and lover - but did he do it? You can watch Presumed Innocent now on Apple TV.
