Set between 2002 and 2012, The Hack interweaves two true stories, including the work of investigative journalist Nick Davies (Tennant, pictured), who uncovered evidence of phone hacking practices at the News Group Newspaper, a publishing house owned by Rupert Murdoch , especially the News of the World tabloid.
Parallel to this is the story of the investigation into the unsolved murder of private detective Daniel Morgan, led by former police chief Inspector Dave Cook (Carlyle). Jones plays the former editor-in-chief of The Guardian, Alan Rusbridger.
“This is a strange and deceptive piece of our recent history,” Thorne said. “One with so many layers to it. I thought, as someone who is interested in politics, I understood everything that happened. I did not. It’s a fight for the truth that really shocked me.”
He continued: “That is why it matters to tell this story now in an age where the truth seems more in danger than ever. It is a true honor to be bringing this story to the screen alongside David, Robert, Toby, Lewis, Patrick, Joe and Abi. I hope we find a way to do justice to the complexity of what happened and of celebrating the incredible reporting that sits underneath it.”
The fallout from the phone hacking scandal is still being felt decades later in the United Kingdom and among some of its most notable figures. Just last week, Prince Harry settled his case against NGN, the publisher of The Sun newspaper, which offered the duke a "full and unequivocal" apology for the unlawful invasion of his and his mother's privacy.
Shortly afterwards, Hugh Grant, who settled after accusing NGN of tapping his phone and breaking into his home, urged police to open a new criminal investigation into NGN in the wake of the landmark settlement duke. NGN has not admitted to Grant's allegations.
The Hack has been commissioned by ITV by drama director Polly Hill and will air on ITV and STV and can be streamed on ITVX and STV Player. The series is currently in post-production and is set to be filmed in 2024.
