Netflix announces new drama filmed in Scotland starring Jamie Dornan

Netflix has announced a new drama starring Jamie Dornan which is set to be filmed across the Scottish Highlands.

The Belfast star takes the lead in The Undertow, playing identical twins Adam and Lee, alongside Canadian actress Mackenzie Davis, who plays Nicola, Adam’s wife, and Glaswegian actor Iain De Caestecker, who has been cast in another lead role as Marty, police constable and best friend of Lee.

The Undertow will shoot at locations in the Scottish Highlands and Islands including Sutherland and the Isle of Mull, which Netflix bosses say were chosen for their “breathtaking beauty”.

Nira Park from Complete Fiction who will produce the new series, says: “From the winding mountain roads, the lochs that reflect an endless sky, and the sea that promises both escape and danger, The Undertow captures the claustrophobia, isolation and breathtaking beauty of a small coastal community, as lies from the past flood back and threaten to destroy it.”

The news comes as Scotland features heavily in content on the streaming giant for 2024, after the success of two smash-hit series filmed in the country last year One Day (filmed in Edinburgh) and of course, The Crown.

Another new show currently being filmed in Edinburgh is Department Q, starring Matthew Goode and a host of Scotland’s biggest actors – Chloe Pirrie, Kelly Macdonald, Jamie Sives, Leah Byrne, Mark Bonnar, Shirley Henderson and Kate Dickie.

This thrilling series, crafted by acclaimed showrunner Scott Frank, is shot entirely in Scotland’s capital and this week we reported several streets in the city were closed as filming got underway.

Rob Bullock, executive producer from Left Bank, who are producing the series said: “Scott fell in love with Edinburgh from the very first recce. Department Q is a beautiful thriller – and Edinburgh, with its magnificent cityscape and setting, is key to the character of the show.

“We learned that many shows set in Edinburgh are actually filmed predominantly in Glasgow. We decided early on to film Edinburgh for Edinburgh in all its glory. And we hope it will be one of the many things that sets Department Q apart.

“Coming to Edinburgh we already had high hopes of not just of the locations but also the local crew. And the experience of filming has exceeded both.”

Jenni Steele, VisitScotland’s Film and Creative Industries Manager, said: “Scotland is no stranger to the small screen. It’s scenery, cityscapes and distinct culture have long captured the imagination of film and TV producers. It’s fantastic to see this continue with the announcement of these new Netflix productions. The success of One Day brought worldwide attention to our beautiful capital, Edinburgh and we look forward to seeing what role Scotland will play in these new series.”

She added: “About one in five visitors from our top international markets visit a film or TV location while on holiday in Scotland, and so with the global reach of Netflix there is a huge opportunity for the industry to promote screen tourism and encourage viewers to explore what more Scotland has to offer.

Filming for The Undertow will begin this year. The show, along with Department Q, is set to premiere on Netflix in 2025.

Lockerbie, a joint project with the BBC and in association with MGM Television and Night Train Media, is also currently being filmed in Scotland.

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