To continue the tales of ordinary individuals caught up in the crosshairs of battle, PBS Masterpiece and BBC’s blockbuster drama World on Fire return to World War II. Since the first season aired on BBC and Masterpiece two years ago, production for Season 2 has finally commenced, despite the continued epidemic. A fresh picture of Jonah Hauer-King with clapboard in hand has been released to accompany the news. The six new episodes of World on Fire, written by the show’s creators Peter Bowker, Rachel Bennette, and Matt Jones, will continue the events of the first season. Taking place in October 1940, the new season will show British pilots battling German bombers in the skies over Manchester, bringing the horrors of war to a close.
A new style of battle will be introduced in North Africa, as British troops, Indian Sappers, and Australian Diggers fight together against the Axis forces, while spectators are once again transported across the European theatre from Britain to now-occupied France and Nazi Germany. There will be many familiar faces from Season 1, including Lesley Manville as Robina, Hauer-King as Harry, Julia Brown as Lois, Zofia Wichlacz as Kasia, Blake Harrison as Stan, Eugénie Derouand as Henriette, and Eryk Biedunkiewicz as Jan.
There’s no word yet on whether Helen Hunt or any of the other major names from the previous season will be returning. Mark Bonnar (Guilt, Line of Duty), Ahad Raza Mir (Resident Evil, Hum Tum) and Gregg Sulkin (Runaways, Pretty Smart) are among the newcomers joining the war effort as Sir James Danemere, Rajib, and David. There are going to be more casting announcements for the show in the near future. Many of the show’s stars and staff have spoken out about how happy they are that Season 2 has begun. As for the long wait and everyone’s enthusiasm to return to work, Bowker stated in a statement:
Having to wait for the second season of World on Fire owing to a particular epidemic makes the start of filming even more intriguing. Picking up the story with our inspiring ensemble has been a tremendous pleasure, both with our existing regulars and new fascinating talent who have embraced the show’s scope and ambition. A fascinating and little-known aspect of the fighting in North Africa is our focus, and we hope to correct that oversight by telling stories of suffering and camaraderie. Despite the conflict’s global scope, our cast will continue to represent this.
According to Manville, “it’s amazing to be bringing Peter Bowker’s epic screenplays back to life.” “World War II is the setting for compelling stories told by a diverse cast of individuals. It’s going to be a good one!” An award-winning British actress, Manville has maintained her status as one of the show’s most popular characters. In collaboration with ITV Studios, Mammoth Screen produced the show for BBC and Masterpiece.
With Drew Casson, Barney Cokeliss, and Meenu Gaur in charge of directing, Amanda Black and Angie Daniell acted as individual producers. For Masterpiece, Susanne Simpson and Rebecca Eaton serving as executive producers. Mammoth Screen’s Sheena Bucktowonsing, Damien Timmer and Helen Ziegler serve as executive producers. Also applauding the show, the actors, and Bowker’s future plans were Ziegler and Simpson in separate remarks. There’s still a long way to go until Season 2 of World on Fire begins production, but the energy that comes with returning to filming and exciting new ideas are making the series look like it will be another spectacular representation of WWII.