ITV commissions true crime drama The Pembrokeshire Murders starring Luke Evans

Acclaimed actor Luke Evans will take the lead in true crime drama The Pembrokeshire Murders, a three-part mini-series depicting the pursuit of a cold-blooded serial killer.

Commissioned by ITV’s Head of Drama, Polly Hill, the drama is from the makers of Line of Duty and Bodyguard, World Productions, and will be executive produced by Simon Heath, the company’s CEO. World was awarded Best Independent Production Company at both the Broadcast Awards and the Edinburgh TV Festival in 2019. The mini-series is written by Nick Stevens (In Plain Sight) directed by Marc Evans (Manhunt, Safe House) and produced by Ed Talfan (Hinterland, Hidden) for Wales-based Severn Screen.

The drama is adapted from the true crime book Catching the Bullseye Killer, written by Senior Investigating Officer Steve Wilkins and ITV news journalist Jonathan Hill. Luke Evans (Dracula Untold, The Alienist, The Great Train Robbery) takes the role of Steve Wilkins.

Luke Evans: 
“It is a privilege to be playing the role of Steve Wilkins in The Pembrokeshire Murders and working again with Simon Heath, his team at World Productions and ITV. It’s a huge responsibility for me as the drama depicts a true crime which to this day still affects the families of those whose lives were tragically taken.”

Two unsolved double murders from the 1980s cast a shadow over the work of the Dyfed Powys police force. In 2006, newly promoted Detective Superintendent Steve Wilkins decided to reopen both cases. Employing pioneering forensic methods, Wilkins and his handpicked team found microscopic DNA and fibres that potentially linked the murders to a string of burglaries committed in the 80s and 90s. The perpetrator of those robberies was nearing the end of his prison sentence, but if Steve Wilkins was right, he was also a serial killer ... Could Steve and his team find enough forensic evidence to charge their suspect before he was released  to potentially kill again?

Luke Evans: a Career in Pictures

The legendary actor Luke Evans was born and raised in Wales before he moved to London to harness his performing skills. He made a name for himself as a successful West End star before moving into pure acting roles on stage. When he was cast in the role of Vincent in the play Small Change at the Donmar Warehouse he gained recognition from film casting directors and this was to change his career. It was at this time when he took his chance on a Hollywood break.  

Luke Evans’ talent on screen has seen him rise from his smaller roles to fame and stardom playing lead characters such as the legendary Dracula in one of his latest works Dracula Untold. 

His dramatic film Dracula Untold is out on Blu-ray and DVD now and to celebrate we’re taking a look at his career, so far, in pictures. 

Clash of the Titans

Following a successful career in the West End Luke Evans landed his Hollywood break after auditioning for the 2010 film Clash of the Titans, aged 30. He played the role of the Greek god Apollo which set him up for future starring roles. His Hollywood career had begun. 

Robin Hood

Luke played the Sheriff’s thug in the 2010 film Robin Hood. Although he wasn’t yet the star he did work alongside big names such as Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett in this British-American epic adventure film.

The Three Musketeers

It was only the following year when Luke was cast as a musketeer in the film The Three Musketeers. His role as Aramis saw him working again with Matthew Macfadyen who had also worked alongside him in Robin Hood the previous year. 

Immortals

In 2011 he played the lead role in the Greek epic Immortals, as Zeus King of the Gods. It was a 3D mythology fantasy film and was previously called ‘Dawn of War’ and ‘War of the Gods’ before the final title was officially decided.

No One Lives

Luke starred in the American horror film No One Live in 2012 directed by Ryuhei Kitamura.

Fast & Furious 6

Luke was cast as antagonist Owen Shaw in the sixth instalment of The Fast and the Furious franchise. This American-Spanish action film shows how the retired professional criminal gang from Fast Five, the previous film, are still wanted fugitives. A DSS agent offers to clear their names and allow them to return home if they help him take down a skilled mercenary organisation led by Owen Shaw, played by Luke Evans. 

The Hobbit Film Series

Luke Evans was involved in all three of the Hobbit films which are based on the 1937 novel The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien. In the first film An Unexpected Journey out in 2012 Luke played the role of Giron Lord of Dale in the extended edition. For the following two films in the series The Desolation of Smaug in 2013 and The Battle of the Five Armies in 2014 Luke played the role of Bard the Bowman.

Luke Evans has climbed to success throughout his career and had a great end to 2014 playing the legendary character of Dracula in Dracula Untold. This gripping origin story unveils the beginnings of one of the most enduring and captivating figures of all time. This thrilling adventure, retelling the epic battle for one man’s soul, is out on Blu-ray and DVD now.

AVAILABLE ON BLU-RAY, DVD AND DIGITAL HD NOW