New Sky thriller The Lazarus Project begins 16 Jun after part-filming in Bristol

The Lazarus Project, a new Sky Original drama starring Emmy and BAFTA-nominated actor Paapa Essiedu, begins tomorrow night (16 June) on Sky Max, after part-filming in Bristol last year with support from the city’s Film Office.

Image: Paapa Essiedu in The Lazarus Project. Credit: Sky.

Produced by Urban Myth Films in association with Sky Studios, The Lazarus Project filmed in Bristol between January and June 2021, assisted by Bristol Film Office. Bedminster’s East Street was closed off for filming and dressed as a 1990’s street with some shop exteriors dressed as 90’s bookies and electronic stores. 

Other Bristol locations where Bristol Film Office assisted with filming included Brandon Hill, Christmas Steps, King Street, Unity Street, Ashton Avenue Swing Bridge, The Engineers House in Clifton Down and Brunel House. Residential properties were used on Berkeley Square in Clifton, Brighton Street and Argyle Road in St Paul’s, Maywood Crescent in Fishponds and Barton Green in Barton Hill. 

Talking about The Lazarus Project’s shoot, which took place in and around Wales, London and Bristol with some overseas filming, Line Producer Darren Green said: “Bristol centre and surrounding areas work well for doubling up as London streets and bars and clubs. Some of the larger buildings throughout the city centre replicate the look of London buildings and streets. Filming in Bristol has always been a pleasure, with Bristol Film Office, the community and local businesses willing to help and be helpful.  

Image: Tom Burke & Vinette Robinson in The Lazarus Project. Location: Berkeley Square, Bristol. Credit: Sky.

Laura Aviles, Senior Film Manager (Bristol City Council) says: “We were pleased to lend Bristol Film Office support to The Lazarus Project production team. Urban Myth Films has filmed a number of titles in the city in past years, including War of the Worlds for Disney+ and The One for Netflix, and it always feels like a great endorsement to welcome a returning company back for a new project. This show sees parts of Bristol doubling for London, Romania and Paris, with gripping stunt scenes and getaway sequences, so there’s lot to look forward to for action-thriller fans!”  

From Joe Barton, the acclaimed writer of Giri/Haji, The Lazarus Project features a fresh and exciting cast led by Paapa Essiedu (I May Destroy You, Gangs of London). Anjli Mohindra (Vigil, Bodyguard), Tom Burke (Strike, War and Peace, Mank), Caroline Quentin (Dickensian, Bridgerton), Rudi Dharmalingam (Wakefield, The Split) and Charly Clive (Pure) also star. The gripping eight-part series is directed by Marco Kreuzpaintner, internationally acclaimed director of Amazon Prime series Beat.

When George (Essiedu) wakes up one day and finds himself reliving a day from months ago, he thinks he’s lost his mind. All of his recent milestones have been undone, including his success at work and his marriage to the love of his life Sarah (Clive). Worst of all, he seems to be the only one who has noticed what’s happened.

That is, until he meets Archie (Mohindra), who recruits George for the Lazarus Project - a secret organisation that has harnessed the ability to turn back time every time the world is at threat of extinction. Like George, those who work at Lazarus are the few people on earth with the ability to remember the events that are undone when time goes back. Alongside colleagues Archie, standoffish Shiv (Dharmalingam), and their steely leader Wes (Quentin) George works to prevent global catastrophe – including trying to track down the formidable Rebrov (Burke), a wanted criminal intent on detonating a nuclear warhead and destroying the world.

Then a freak accident harms someone close to George. Lazarus won’t let him turn back time to undo it – unless there is the threat of global extinction. Now George must choose to stay loyal or go rogue, as he is faced with the question: if you had the power to rewrite your past, what would you sacrifice to do it…? The Lazarus Project is a riveting series that speaks directly to our uncertain times and to our desire to take charge of what is beyond our control. It is a moving story of love and fate within a compelling, blistering action thriller that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats - all shot through with Joe Barton’s trademark dark humour.

 The Lazarus Project will air on Sky Max and NOW on 16 June 2022.