The creator behind Netflix’s new must watch series has explained why everyone should binge it this weekend.
Six-part true crime drama Legends is streaming on the platform from Thursday, May 7. According to its synopsis, the show is set in the early 1990s, as Her Majesty’s Customs look to utilise an unusual method in their battle with the illegal drug trade following political pressure.
Increasing drug use is being felt across the country, often with tragic consequences. As part of a top-secret operation, a small team of Customs employees were sent undercover. Their task was to infiltrate Britain’s most dangerous drug gangs and do anything it took to bring them down from the inside.
Remarkably, the series is actually based on real life events and takes inspiration from a non-fiction book, The Betrayer co-written by Guy Stanton. Scottish screenwriter Neil Forsyth is behind the adaptation for the screen.
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His previous credits include Guilt and The Gold. In an exclusive chat with Neil, we asked him just why Netflix viewers will need to binge watch this new release among the usual sea of options.
Neil says the cast playing criminals brought a nuance to the roles(Image: NETFLIX)
He simply explained that it is a “great British story” about ordinary people doing extraordinary things that will amaze viewers. He further explained: “I think (the story) deserves to be told and I think we’ve hopefully told it well.
“You can worry as a writer about themes and shining lights on areas of society, all that stuff, and it’s important and I wouldn’t belittle that, and I tried to incorporate that all in my work, but everything needs to be attached to a great story if you’re really going to make an impact. And I think that’s what we concentrated on and we all worked extremely hard on it.”
Another draw for viewers to the series will be the impressive cast list put together for the series. Tom Burke known for the upcoming Blade Runner 2099, BBC ’s Strike, and The Lazarus Project stars as Guy.
He is joined by Ghosts and Call The Midwife’s Charlotte Ritchie, along with The Night Manager’s Hayley Squires and Victoria’s Tom Hughes.
But one of the most recognisable faces is undoubtedly Steve Coogan. Known for Alan Partridge as well as The Trip, Philomena and Saipan, Coogan plays the role of Don. His character is responsible for putting together the new team of Legends.
Forsyth revealed that Coogan was quite the presence on set, while believing he delivers one his best ever performances. The writer shared: “They’re just an incredible cast. I just can’t believe the cast we assembled for it. All just fitted together in such an interesting way. They all brought something different.
Neil says he can’t believe the cast that was put together(Image: NETFLIX)
“I thought Steve and Dougie (Douglas Hodge) as the bosses were lovely double act and then Tom and Julie as the Legends but then I think the criminal cast as well were so good because they all brought a bit of humanity to their parts, even though they were criminal figures.”
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He continued: “But Steve Coogan, you know, like most blokes of my generation he was a sort of comedy icon for me growing up, but I just thought that he could be a really good fit for Don. I think it gave Steve an opportunity to play a very natural role, you know, it’s his accent, his hair. He is playing a character the same age as him from the same part of the world.
“That Northern dryness and drollness. He was really brilliant. It was funny with Steve on set, we were like, ‘We can’t ask him about Partridge’. Within an hour we’re all talking Partridge, but he was very patient.
“He was very generous and we would need to remind him what the dialogue was and then he’d switch into Partridge and you were overjoyed. I’ve always been a long admirer of his performance in Philomena but I think this is perhaps Steve’s best television performance in a dramatic role. I’m just really pleased with with all the cast. I think we’re very lucky.”
Legends is streaming on Netflix from May 7.
