Disney+ UK investigates Jean Charles De Menezes death in limited drama

Liam Keelan

Disney+ UK has commissioned Suspect: The Shooting Of Jean Charles De Menezes, a limited drama series from Philomena writer Jeff Pope based on the true story of the innocent man who was shot dead by British police after being mistaken for a terrorist.

Pope’s Etta Pictures, which is part of ITV Studios, will produce with Paul Andrew Williams (A Confession) attached to direct and Kwadjo Dajan (Appropriate Adult) onboard as producer.

Set immediately after the London bombings in 2005, the UK series will focus on the manhunt for a group of would-be terrorists and the tragic killing of innocent Brazilian Jean Charles de Menezes, after he is mistaken as a suspect.

De Menezes’ parents and other relatives are among those serving as consultants for the series.

Production will begin in 2023, with the drama executive produced by Lee Mason, director of scripted at Disney+.

Liam Keelan, Disney’s SVP of original content, Europe & Africa, said that the project is “a crucial drama series for us, reflecting our ambition to tell stories with real authenticity and which really matter to our audiences.”

He continued: “This is a subject Jeff Pope and Kwadjo Dajan are incredibly passionate about and have been wanting to explore for some time. It’s a privilege for us to collaborate with them on this important true story.”