Sue Johnston, the beloved Warrington-born actress known for her roles in “The Royale Family” and “Downton Abbey,” is set to star in a new Channel 4 TV series titled “Generation Z.” The show, set to premiere this autumn, follows a group of pensioners in the fictional town of Dambury as they navigate through a zombie apocalypse.
Plot and Cast
In “Generation Z,” Sue Johnston plays the role of Cecily, a pensioner trying to escape the seemingly normal town of Dambury after a gas leak causes residents to develop a hunger for raw flesh. The series, written and directed by Ben Wheatley, also features Paul Bentall as a companion to Cecily as they navigate the challenges of the apocalypse.
Anita Dobson, best known for her role in Eastenders, joins the cast as Janine, adding depth to the story as the group of pensioners and teenagers find themselves at the center of the virus outbreak. Comedian Johnny Vegas, Chris Reilly, and Rebecca Humphries also star in the series, bringing a diverse range of talent to the apocalyptic drama.
Themes and Exploration
“Generation Z” explores themes of intergenerational justice and community breakdown as the residents of Dambury grapple with the effects of the gas leak and the ensuing zombie apocalypse. The series touches on political fault lines and highlights the very real issues facing teenagers in today’s society.
Ben Wheatley, the creator of the series, expressed his excitement about working on “Generation Z” and described it as a project close to his heart. With a unique visual flair and mischievous spirit characterizing his work, Wheatley promises a zombie drama like no other, blending humor, political intrigue, and thrilling shocks.
Production and Release
Filmed in Wales last year, “Generation Z” consists of six 60-minute episodes that promise to captivate audiences with its gripping storyline and talented cast. The series, produced in part by The Forge, marks Ben Wheatley’s first original TV drama and is highly anticipated by fans of the genre.
Rebecca Holdsworth, the commissioning editor at Channel 4, expressed her excitement about featuring “Generation Z” on the network, highlighting its unique storytelling and visual appeal. While an official release date is yet to be confirmed, viewers can look forward to the premiere of the series on Channel 4 this autumn.
Stay tuned for more updates on “Generation Z” as the show prepares to take audiences on a thrilling journey through the zombie apocalypse, led by the talented Sue Johnston and an ensemble cast of seasoned actors.