Hollywood actress takes on ’emotional’ part in new slavery thriller

Witney-born actress Gugu Mbatha-Raw is set to star in a new five-part Sky series titled Possession.

The drama unfolds between Bristol and Jamaica stars u Mbatha-Raw as Claudia, a lawyer entangled in an inheritance dispute that leads her to confront buried family history and generational trauma tied to the legacy of slavery.

Mbatha-Raw, who went the The Henry Box School in Witney, has appeared in several high-profile films and television shows over her career, including Loki on Disney+ and Surface on Apple+ TV.

Gugu Mbatha-Raw, aged 43, said: “What the series is really about is much deeper.

“It explores identity, heritage and the enduring legacy of slavery between Bristol and Jamaica, as well as the impact of colonialism and how the past continues to shape the present.

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Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Claudia (Image: ©Sky UK Ltd)

“For Claudia, it becomes a journey back to her roots and an awakening to parts of herself she has long kept at a distance.”

The actress praised Karla Crome’s scripts for their originality and impact.

She said: “I was completely blown away by how bold they were.

“It felt like such a refreshing concept – I hadn’t seen a story that tackled the idea of reparations in this way before, especially one that was also so gripping, entertaining and thrilling.”

“It asks big questions about where we come from and how the past continues to live with us.”

Jamaican actor Sheldon Shepherd, who plays Cudjoe East, said the series offers a new way to understand the concept of reparations.

Mr Shepherd said: “The thing about reparations is that they’ve been talked about for a long time.

“People wonder what they actually look like.

“When I read the script, I realised it gave the issue an artistic expression, and that was very important to me.

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Jonny Lee Miller as Oliver Connaught (Image: ©Sky UK Ltd)

“It meant I could explore it through art rather than by standing in the street with a placard.

“I call it repairing the damage done, and if we look at it that way, perhaps the idea becomes a little easier to approach, more digestible, so to speak.

“When you think about the word ‘repair,’ it has a positive feeling to it.

“It suggests you’re doing something good.”

The project arrives amid renewed global focus on the legacy of slavery and colonialism, intensified by the killing of George Floyd in 2020 and subsequent global protests.

Jonny Lee Miller plays Oliver Connaught, the white British aristocrat tied to the disputed estate, while Bel Powley stars as Charlotte Connaught, his ancestor from the 18th century.

Bel Powley as Charlotte Desfriene (Image: ©Sky UK Ltd)

Mrs Powley said: “The show explores racial politics, identity and the legacy of colonialism, but it does so through a genre-bending lens.

“There are elements of suspenseful thriller, tropical noir and horror, but it always stays grounded.”

Possession premieres on Sky Atlantic and Now TV on Thursday, August 6.