Netflix’s upcoming political thriller Hostage (premiering August 21, 2025) throws viewers into a suspense-driven narrative: the British Prime Minister’s husband is kidnapped, while the French President is concurrently blackmailed. However, contrary to rumors, the five-episode limited series is not based on a true story but has been written by Matt Charman (via Netflix).
Executive produced by and starring Suranne Jones is both a gripping thriller and a timely exploration of political ethics. While it has hints of real-life political drama, it is a purely fictional tale.
Nonetheless, its authenticity is fueled by real-world political dynamics and stakes rather than specific historical incidents.
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Suranne Jones Inspired Matt Charman To Create Her Character
Suranne Jones stars as the British Prime Minister, Abigail Dalton, whose husband is abducted. Her character came into existence due to the creative synergy between creator Matt Charman and actress Suranne Jones.
The two have known each other for over 10 years, after once sharing a common agent. The series and the character were, hence, born as a result of a lot of to-and-fro between them, as The Guardian reports.
Every time I watch Suranne, I’m aware of how relatable and human she is. I thought: ‘OK, if she were prime minister, maybe I would feel differently about political drama. What if we bought ourselves goodwill with someone like Suranne, that would allow an audience just for a second to say: ‘Hang on a minute. Let me hear her out’?
Thus, driven by a civic sense and inspired by Jones, he created Dalton as a sort of ‘everywoman’ in the political scene, someone whom audiences could trust and root for even amid a crisis. He aimed for a lead who could embody courage, vulnerability, and relatability in equal measure.
Who Is In The Cast of Hostage?
Created by Charman, Hostage is a deeply political thriller drama where those in power actually feel relatable and lovable, something not many of us can relate to in the current political climate. With Suranne Jones executive producing and starring as the lead, British Prime Minister Abigail Dalton, the series boasts a powerful ensemble cast (via Standard).
Here is the rest of the cast of Hostage:
| Actor | Role |
| Julie Delpy (2 Days in Paris) | French President Vivienne Toussaint, torn between principle and power under pressure. |
| Corey Mylchreest (Queen Charlotte) | Matheo Lewis, Toussaint’s stepson. |
| Lucian Msamati (Gangs of London) | Kofi Adomako, Dalton’s trusted chief of staff. |
| Ashley Thomas (In Flight) | Dr. Alex Anderson, Dalton’s supportive husband, whose abduction erupts the central conflict. |
| James Cosmo (The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe) | Max, Dalton’s aging, calming father figure (via What to Watch). |
| Jehnny Beth | Adrienne Pelletier, Toussaint’s strategic chief of staff. |
| Martin McCann (The Pacific, Say Nothing) | TBA |
Not drawn from actual events, Hostage has poised itself to be a compelling high-stakes fictional drama rooted in real-world authenticity and moral complexity. Featuring a top-tier ensemble cast, the show promises to redefine political thrillers, and we are certainly here for it.
Here is the trailer for Netflix’s Hostage:
The newly released trailer for Hostage thrusts us straight into the dilemma facing Prime Minister Dalton. Her husband’s kidnapper broadcasts a chilling ultimatum: either resign within 24 hours or he dies. Meanwhile, French President Toussaint is simultaneously being blackmailed, forcing both leaders into a fraught alliance amid political and personal peril.
Let us know in the comments below what you think about the upcoming drama: does it seem like a worthy watch, or would you rather sleep on it?
Hostage will premiere worldwide on Netflix on August 21, 2025.
