Rory Kinnear has joined the new drama 'Guerrilla'.

Rory Kinnear

Rory Kinnear

The 38-year-old actor is set to star in the six-part political series - penned by John Ridley - alongside Daniel Mays as they portray the tough-talking cop duo Pence and Cullen.

The crime-fighting pair are part of a Special Branch that targets black activism in the 1970s, according to Variety.

Babou Ceesay and Freida Pinto have also joined the impressive cast and will play a couple, who form a radical underground cell during one of the UK's most volatile political periods when they set someone free from prison.

Idris Elba was one of the first to jump on board the project as he was approached by writer John to create the gritty show.

He said recently: "It's been a long-time desire of mine to collaborate with Mr Ridley and his work here is nothing short of a masterclass in character building and storytelling."

Ridley added: "I am both humbled by and impressed with Idris' passion toward bringing this story to life. I share his commitment for populating the culture with driven and complicated people of colour."

It was initially thought Idris would play Frieda's on-screen boyfriend but, since Babou's casting, his role is not known.

Sky's head of drama, Anne Mensah, said: "Rarely does a project pitch the personal and the political in such a flawless combination. 'Guerrilla' presents characters you will fall in love with but also a world and a part of black British history that is rarely tackled in such a bold and compelling manner."

'Guerrilla' will be aired on Sky Atlantic sometime in 2017.