Colin Firth Stars in New Limited Series Based on Real-Life 1988 Plane Crash

For many, our first memory of terrorist attacks were those of Sept. 11, 2001. But over a decade earlier, a terrorist attack took place on Pan Am Flight 103. Just days before Christmas in 1988, the plane, headed for the U.S., would explode over Lockerbie, Scotland, killing all 243 passengers and 16 crew on board as well as almost a dozen people on the ground.

Jim Swire , the father of one of the passengers on board that flight, soon became the voice of the victims and their families. He would advocate for change in the lax security at airports. To prove his point, he successfully took a fake bomb aboard several flights, including a transatlantic flight. Now, Peacock and Sky TV have joined together to produce a new limited series about Swire and his journey in the aftermath of the Lockerbie bombing.

What is Lockerbie: A Search for Truth about?

The new Peacock/Sky TV series is based on the real-life Pan Am Flight 103 that crashed Dec. 21, 1988 over Lockerbie, Scotland. The plane exploded just 38 minutes after take-off and killed all 259 passengers and crew aboard the jet and 11 people on the ground in the quiet Scottish town.

In the wake of the disaster and his daughter’s death, Dr Jim Swire ( Colin Firth ), is nominated as spokesperson for the UK victims’ families who have united to demand truth and justice. Traveling across continents and political divides, Swire embarks on a relentless journey that not only jeopardizes his stability, family and life, but completely overturns his trust in the justice system. As the truth shifts under Swire’s feet, his view of the world is left forever changed.

Is Lockerbie: A Search for Truth based on a true story?

Yes. The series is based on the aftermath of the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103, which had taken off from London-Heathrow and was en route to John F. Kennedy Airport in New York.

Is Lockerbie: A Search for Truth based on other material?

The limited series is based on the real-life events of the Lockerbie bombing as well as the book, The Lockerbie Bombing: A Father’s Search for Justice , written by Jim Swire and Peter Biddulph .

What happened to Pan Am Flight 103?

Shortly after takeoff on Dec. 21, 1988, a terrorist-planted bomb in a suitcase in the cargo hold blew a basketball-size hole in the fuselage of the New York-bound Boeing 747. The plane crashed in the town of Lockerbie, Scotland and and all passengers and crew were killed along with 11 people on the ground.

Who died in the Pan Am Flight 103 crash?

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the victims included 190 Americans, 43 citizens of the United Kingdom, including 11 people on the ground in Lockerbie, Scotland. Other passengers were citizens from the following countries: Argentina, Belgium, Bolivia, Canada, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Philippines, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Trinidad and Tobago.

Who blew up Pan Am Flight 103?

In 2003, Libya formally admitted responsibility for Pan Am Flight 103 in a letter presented to the president of the United Nations Security Council.

Was anyone arrested for the Lockerbie bombing?

Two Libyans— Abdelbaset al-Megrahi , a Libyan Intelligence officer and head of security for Libyan Arab Airlines and Lamen Khalifa Fhimah , a station manager for the airlines were arrested for crimes related to the crash . After they were brought to trial in a neutral Netherlands court under Scottish law, Fhimah was acquitted and al-Megrahi sentenced to life in prison.

Even though al-Megrahi appealed the conviction several times, and later had the support of Swire, he would eventually be granted a compassionate release in 2009 after he was diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer. Al-Megrahi died in 2012 in Tripoli.

Is the Lockerbie bombing still under investigation?

Yes. In 2020, Libyan national Abu Agila Mohammad Mas'ud Kheir Al-Marimi was indicted for his participation in the bombing and in 2022, the US government announced that they had the then 71-year-old  Mas'ud in custody.

Where is Jim Swire now?

Jim Swire, a former general practitioner, is well into his 80s. He appears to be alive and well and living in England.

Did Jim Swire have other children?

Jim and Jane Swire have another daughter, Catherine, who is now a teacher, author, and award-winning poet. Catherine Swire, quite literally lost her voice from the stress and trauma the Lockerbie incident caused her.

Is Lockerbie: A Search for Truth a movie?

Lockerbie: A Search for Truth is a limited series.

How many episodes are there in Lockerbie: A Search for Truth ?

Lockerbie: A Search for Truth is a 5-episode limited series.

Meet the cast of Lockerbie : A Search for Truth

Colin Firth (Dr. Jim Swire)

Firth is probably best known for his turn as Mr. Darcy in the BBC television adapatation of Pride and Prejudice. He later had memorable roles in Love Actually and the Bridget Jones' Diary movies. He won the Oscar for Best Actor for his portrayal of King George VI in The King's Speech. Other credits include Kingsmen: The Secret Service, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, and Mary Poppins Returns.

Fun fact: Both of Firth's siblings, Kate Firth and Jonathan Firth, are also actors!

Related: A Pride and Prejudice Character Is Getting a Spinoff Series

Catherine McCormack (Jane Swire)

McCormack is a British actress whose film credits include Braveheart, 28 Days Later, and Spy Game. Her acting work is mainly in theatre though she has starred in several television series including Temple, The Witcher, and Slow Horses.

When does Lockerbie: A Search for Truth premiere?

Lockerbie: A Search for Truth premieres on Jan. 2, 2025 on Peacock in the U.S. and on Sky TV elsewhere.

Where can I watch Lockerbie: A Search for Truth ?

Lockerbie: A Search for Truth will be available to stream on Peacock in the U.S. and will air on Sky TV in other countries.

Is there a sneak peek of Lockerbie: A Search for Truth ?

Take a look at this trailer for Lockerbie: A Search for Truth.

Check out first look images from Lockerbie: A Search for Truth

Take a look at select images from Lockerbie: A Search for Truth starring Colin Firth in the gallery below.

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