World On Fire Season 2 Cast, Plot And Where Was World On Fire Season 2 Filmed?
by Ayisha
Updated Jul 17, 2023
World on Fire Season 2 Cast
When the second season of BBC One drama World on Fire premiered on July 16th, many of the main cast from the first season reprised their roles, while several new cast members made their debut.
The sprawling wartime series provided a view of the devastating Second World War, which claimed an estimated 70-80 million lives, through the perspectives of ordinary individuals simply trying to survive.
Created by Peter Bowker, known for his work on series such as the Iraq war drama Occupation, the drama series The A Word, and the comedy film Marvellous, World on Fire gained popularity. Here's everything you needed to know about World on Fire season 2:
S. No.
Cast
Character
1
Lesley Manville
Robina Chase
2
Jonah Hauer-King
Harry Chase
3
Julia Brown
Lois Bennett
4
Zofia Wichlacz
Kasia Tomaszeski
5
Parker Sawyers
Albert Fallou
6
Blake Harrison
Stan
7
Ceallach Spellman
Joe
8
Yrsa Daley-Ward
Connie Knight
9
Mateusz Wieclawek
Grzegorz Tomaszeski
10
Gregg Sulkin
David
11
Grace Chilton
Joyce
12
Mark Bonnar
James Danemere
13
Jonathan Harden
Captain Briggs
14
Eric Godon
Monsieur Berthaud
15
Ahad Raza Mir
Rajib
16
Posy Sterling
Eileen
17
Tahir Ashraf
Unnamed role
World on Fire Season 2 Plot
World on Fire Season 2 picks up the story during the 1939-1945 Second World War, moving forward another year to 1940. The season delves into the Manchester Blitz, where RAF pilots are tasked with destroying German bombers above the city while rescue operations take place below.
Kasia, who carries the psychological scars of her experiences in Warsaw, joins Robina's household, bringing new dynamics to the storyline. Meanwhile, Harry prepares to return to the fighting as the conflict reaches North Africa.
The season explores the struggles and friendships of diverse characters against the backdrop of the global war, shedding light on lesser-explored aspects of history, such as the mistreatment of Indian Sappers by British troops during minesweeping.
With a mix of familiar and new cast members, the second season aims to continue telling gripping human stories set against the tumultuous wartime period. World on Fire Season 2 consists of six episodes, written by Peter Bowker, Rachel Bennette, and Matt Jones.
Filming took place in Belfast and Manchester, with additional locations such as Berlin, Paris, and Warsaw primarily filmed in Prague. Some scenes set in the deserts of North Africa were studio-based, employing CGI for visual enhancements.
The new season brings fresh challenges, compelling storylines, and a diverse cast of characters to captivate audiences as they navigate the complexities and hardships of war.
Where was World on Fire Season 2 Filmed?
World on Fire Season 2 was primarily filmed in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The production team utilized the city as a backdrop for various scenes set in Manchester. The authentic locations in Belfast provided the perfect setting to recreate the atmosphere and architecture of wartime Manchester.
Additionally, the beaches of Blackpool were used to depict the events of Dunkirk in the first season. Other locations featured in the series, such as Berlin, Paris, and Warsaw, were predominantly filmed in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic.
The city's diverse architecture and historical charm allowed the production to recreate the atmosphere of these European cities during the Second World War. Some scenes set in the deserts of North Africa were studio-based, with CGI used to enhance the visuals and create realistic desert landscapes. Overall, the filming locations of World on Fire Season 2 spanned multiple countries, showcasing the versatility of different cities in capturing the essence of the wartime setting.
World on Fire Season 2 Overview
World on Fire Season 2 made its highly-anticipated return to BBC One after a four-year hiatus, captivating viewers with its gripping war drama. Set in 1941, the new season delves deeper into the lives of ordinary individuals and those fighting for freedom during the Second World War.
With a particular focus on translator Harry Chase, portrayed by Jonah Hauer King, the season continues to unfold the story through multiple perspectives. The emotional and captivating opening episode left viewers reaching for tissues and eager to experience the rest of the season's six episodes.
The series garnered praise from audiences on social media, with viewers expressing their excitement and appreciation for the return of World on Fire. The star-studded cast, including Lesley Manville, Blake Harrison, Gregg Sulkin, and Mark Bonnar, delivered outstanding performances that resonated with the audience.
The new season explores various aspects of war, from the intense battles between RAF pilots and German bombers over Manchester to the resistance movements in occupied France and the challenges faced by troops in the North African desert.
Creator Peter Bowker aims to prompt reflection on the present by examining stories from the past, emphasizing the human resilience and folly that emerge during extraordinary times. World on Fire Season 2 continues to captivate viewers with its thought-provoking narratives and the timeless question of what one would have done if they had been there.
World on Fire Season 2 Review
World on Fire Season 2 marks the highly-anticipated return of the gripping war drama to BBC One after a four-year hiatus. Set during the tumultuous period of World War Two, the series offers an immersive and expansive look into the lives of ordinary individuals and those fighting for freedom across various locations.
While the show's technical aspects and exceptional cast continue to impress, the second season also brings to light some structural issues that have become more prominent. The series, created by Peter Bowker, initially captured audiences with the promise of a comprehensive exploration of the war, transcending the boundaries of specific characters or locations.
However, with the four-year gap between seasons, viewers have already been exposed to other World War Two narratives set in England, Germany, occupied Europe, and North Africa.
This results in a sense of familiarity that undermines the show's initial selling point. While the educational content and focus on lesser-known aspects of the war, such as the involvement of the Indian army in North Africa, are commendable, they can feel repetitive given the abundance of recent World War Two content.
Despite these challenges, World on Fire Season 2 still offers many compelling elements. The technical aspects, including production design and cinematography, are visually stunning and help create an immersive experience.
The talented cast, led by Jonah Hauer-King as the sympathetic Harry Chase and Lesley Manville as the formidable Robina, delivers exceptional performances that keep viewers engaged.
The new additions to the cast, such as Mark Bonnar and Ahad Raza Mir, successfully fill the gaps left by previous actors, showcasing their own skills and adding depth to the narrative.
However, the pacing and narrative structure of the season present significant issues. Across the first two episodes, there is a lack of significant progress in both character development and storylines.
The vast scope of the show, attempting to cover numerous narratives, results in each storyline receiving limited screen time and thus lacking substantial impact within individual episodes. This diluted focus can be frustrating for viewers who expect more substantial character arcs and narrative progression within each hour-long episode.
In terms of a distinct USP (Unique Selling Proposition), the series falls short. While there is an emotional core within the intertwined plotlines of Harry, Robina, Kasia, and Lois, the inclusion of additional storylines, such as Gregg Sulkin's fighter pilot character, feels underdeveloped and lacks a clear purpose.
The series could benefit from a more focused approach, with a specific storyline or perspective that sets it apart from other World War Two dramas. In conclusion, World on Fire Season 2 offers an immersive and visually impressive war drama, supported by a talented cast and commendable educational content.
However, the series struggles with its narrative structure and the challenge of standing out among the abundance of World War Two narratives. While existing fans of the show and enthusiasts of the genre will still find enjoyment in the series, a stronger and more distinct approach is needed to fully captivate a broader audience.
Who plays Jan in World on Fire season 2?
In World on Fire Season 2, the character Jan is portrayed by Eryk Biedunkiewicz. Jan is a significant character in the series, and Biedunkiewicz brings his talent and portrayal to breathe life into the role.
While the show features an ensemble cast, Eryk Biedunkiewicz stands out with his performance as Jan, adding depth and authenticity to the character's experiences during the tumultuous period of World War Two.
As Jan, Biedunkiewicz captures the struggles and resilience of an ordinary individual caught in the midst of the war. His portrayal showcases the emotional journey and challenges faced by Jan, providing viewers with a relatable and compelling perspective.
Biedunkiewicz's performance adds another layer to the series, contributing to its overall impact and capturing the complexities of the war through the eyes of ordinary individuals like Jan.
World on Fire Season 2 Cast - FAQs
World on Fire Season 2 premiered on July 16th.
World on Fire was created by Peter Bowker.
Season 2 consists of six episodes.
World on Fire Season 2 was primarily filmed in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Berlin, Paris, and Warsaw were predominantly filmed in Prague, Czech Republic.
Robina Chase is portrayed by Lesley Manville.
The main character in Season 2 is Harry Chase, portrayed by Jonah Hauer-King.