Starring Jason Watkins (The Crown), Victoria Hamilton (Life), George MacKay (1917) and Jerome Flynn (Game of Thrones), the thriller will explore how back in 2009 world-renowned Professor Philip Jones, Director of Climate Research at University of East Anglia, was at the centre of an international media storm and the victim of cyberterrorism.

The Trick uncovers the irrevocable danger to humanity that comes with climate change denial and how a media storm led to the public questioning and losing faith in the science and the concept of truth was put to one side. 

Jason Watkins will play Professor Jones, who finds himself facing unjustified persecution, and Victoria Hamilton will play his wife Ruth, who helps to clear his name and fights with him to exonerate the science. 

The rest of the cast includes Adrian Edmondson (The Pact), Aneirin Hughes (Keeping Faith), Pooky Quesnel (The A Word), Richard Elfyn (The Pact), Rhashan Stone (Finding Alice), Justin Salinger (Hanna), Tara Divina (Line of Duty) and David Calder (The Hatton Garden Job).

The Trick will be directed by Pip Broughton and has been written by Owen Sheers. 

Jason Watkins commented: “It is rare that a drama marries the personal and the public in such a compelling way - the urgent need to tackle the effects of the earth’s warming is not going away and the research into this project has been sobering.

“It is a privilege to play the brilliant scientist, Phil Jones, whose own private world was so threatened from outside and whose research and efforts have been so vital globally in combating the effects of climate change.

“I’m delighted to be performing alongside Victoria, the whole exceptional cast and with Pip Broughton, whose singular and beautiful work I so admire.”

The Trick will film in Cardiff, London and Norfolk, with further details to be announced at a later date.