HBO has announced War, a new legal drama that takes viewers into the competitive world of top lawyers in London. The series follows two powerful law firms as they battle over some of the country’s biggest and most controversial legal cases. At the centre of the story is young lawyer Jonathan “Johnny” Warren, played by Archie Renaux, who is pulled into a world where success comes at a price and every decision can change lives.
The first season focuses on the highly publicised divorce between British technology entrepreneur Morgan Henderson, played by Dominic West, and international film star Carla Duval, played by Sienna Miller. Their legal fight becomes the centre of a fierce courtroom battle as rival law firms Cathcarts & Sons and Taylor & Byrne do everything possible to secure victory for their clients. As the case grows more intense, personal relationships, professional ambitions, and loyalty are all put to the test.
The cast also includes Phoebe Fox as Serena Byrne and James McArdle as Nicholas Taylor, who are partners in both business and life at Taylor & Byrne. Representing rival law firm Cathcarts & Sons are Nina Sosanya as Beatrice “Queen Bea” Ubosi and Pip Torrens as St John Smallwood. The supporting cast features 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, and Steve Furst.
The series is created, written, and executive produced by George Kay. It is co produced by New Pictures, a Banijay company, and Observatory Pictures in association with Sky and HBO. The executive producers include Willow Grylls and Matt Sandford for New Pictures, along with Susan Breen, Ben Taylor, Andrea Dewsbury, and Megan Spanjian for Sky. Ben Taylor serves as the lead director, while Laurie Borg is the series producer.
War will air on HBO and will stream on HBO Max in the United States, Australia, Southeast Asia, Latin America, France, and Belgium. It will also be available on Sky and NOW in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Italy, while viewers in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria can watch it on Sky and WOW. International distribution is being handled by NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution.
The series has already received a two season order from HBO and Sky, with production on the second season currently underway. The next chapter will feature Marisa Tomei, Kelly Macdonald, and David Harewood in a new headline making legal battle. This time, the story will revolve around an explosive defamation case that brings another major courtroom showdown to the screen.