Sky's upcoming legal thriller, War, is going to be unmissable viewing for 2026. A preview of the "scandal-soaked" series was shown at Sky's content showcase, UP NEXT, a star-studded event hosted by Dermot O'Leary in London on Wednesday night that unveiled the broadcaster's exciting line-up of upcoming shows.
War's creator George Kay, the mastermind behind hit thrillers Lupin and Hijack, appeared on a panel alongside two of the drama's stars, Nina Sosanya and Archie Renaux. He revealed what audiences can expect from the high-octane series, which Sky and HBO have green-lit for two seasons.
© Getty ImagesThe thriller centres on two of London's most prestigious rival firms – Cathcarts and Taylor & Byrne – as they go head-to-head in the divorce case of the century between tech titan Morgan Henderson (Dominic West) and his estranged wife, international film star Carla Duval (Sienna Miller).
"Each side is certain they'll win," reads the synopsis. "But as the case spirals and loyalties fracture, reputations are on the line, and everyone's playing to win. This is just the beginning - season one's explosive case is the first in an anthology of headline-making legal battles."
HELLO! was treated to a preview clip of the thriller on Wednesday night, and it's safe to say viewers are in for a wild ride.
The real-life inspiration for War
Creator George revealed the inspiration for the plot came from an interaction he had with a woman on a train, who screamed for joy after her ex-husband finally signed their divorce papers after five years of "hell".
"I was very keen on trying to do something really big and old-fashioned," he began. "In the streaming age, I feel like we've gone away from these shows we've all grown up watching.
© Mike Marsland/WireImage"I had the idea to do a big legal show, looking for a case that would be the heart of season one, this mega divorce between Dominic West and Sienna Miller," said the writer.
"I was on a train and this woman was behind me in the queue. She was very formal-looking and smart. She was on the phone, and said, 'Yes, yes,' and then she screamed in front of everyone," George explained.
© Getty Images"I turned around and said, 'What on earth was that phone call about?' and she said, 'The [expletive] signed. I've been in this divorce hell for five years and finally it's over'.
"I realised we might have the story we wanted for this legal show," he added.
George also revealed that audiences can expect "a lot of subterfuge, double-crossing and corporate espionage" as the two law firms viciously compete to win the high-profile case.
Archie's Renaux's character is at the heart of the story
Archie's Renaux plays ambitious young lawyer Johnny, who George says is "at the heart" of the story.
Opening up about his character, Archie said: "Johnny is this ambitious lawyer whose had troubles elsewhere. He comes to London with his partner and is trying to get the ball rolling again, but being a lawyer in London is proving to be a bit tougher than expected."
© Firebird Pictures/Ben Blackall/BBCThe 28-year-old actor, who told HELLO! that War is exactly the type of show he loves to watch and can't wait for audiences to see the twists unfold, also revealed that his character comes from a working-class background and "wants to prove that he belongs in this world."
Archie joins a star-studded ensemble cast, which includes Phoebe Fox (The Great, Task), James McArdle (Playing Nice, Mare of Easttown), Pip Torrens (Succession, The Crown), Celia Imrie (The Thursday Murder Club) and Nick Mohammed (Ted Lasso).
A release date for War has yet to be confirmed.
