The BBC has acquired the rights to new drama, Rebus, based on the hit novels by Ian Rankin.
The 6-part series is set in Edinburgh and reimagines John Rebus as a younger Detective Sergeant, drawn into a violent criminal conflict – that turns personal.
Starring Richard Rankin (Outlander, The Replacement) in the title role, it has been adapted for screen by Gregory Burke (´71, Six Four) and produced by Eleventh Hour Films for Viaplay.
“It has been a huge privilege to work on a new show with Ian Rankin’s iconic character at its centre, and I couldn’t be more delighted that it is to be broadcast on the BBC,’ said Burke.
It will air on BBC Scotland, BBC One and BBC iPlayer this spring.
The production was filmed in Glasgow and Edinburgh last year and also features Lucie Shorthouse (Line of Duty, Ten Percent), Brian Ferguson (The Ipcress File, Spanish Princess), Amy Manson (The Nevers, The Diplomat), Neshla Caplan (The Rig, Scot Squad), Noof Ousellam (Vigil, Guilt), Stuart Bowman (The Serpent, Bodyguard), Caroline Lee Johnson (Trying, Ridley), Sean Buchanan (Censor, Mary Queen of Scots), Thoren Ferguson (The Midwich Cuckoos) and Michelle Duncan (Baptise, Elizabeth is Missing).
“I’m thrilled that Rebus is coming to the BBC. A great cast and a compelling story – I really can’t wait for viewers to see it,” said Ian Rankin, creator of the Rebus.
Sue Deeks, Head of Programme Acquisition at the BBC added:
“We’re so pleased that this exciting new incarnation of Ian Rankin’s iconic character will be airing on the BBC. Viewers can expect compelling storylines, complex characters and an enjoyable mix of action, wit and humour.”
The series is directed by Niall MacCormick (Complicit, The Victim, Wallander) and Fiona Walton (Shetland, Annika) and is produced by Angela Murray.
Paula Cuddy, Jill Green, Eve Gutierrez, Tomas Axelsson, Isabelle Hultén, Niall MacCormick, Gregory Burke and Ian Rankin are the Executive Producers.
Rebus is distributed internationally by Viaplay Content Distribution.
