United is based on the true story of Manchester United’s legendary “Busby Babes”, the youngest side ever to win the Football League, the 1958 Munich Air Crash that claimed eight of their number and the extraordinary spirit of a city that rebuilt the team in the wake of the disaster.
David Tennant stars as Coach Jimmy Murphy, alongside Jack O’Connell (Skins, Dive) as Bobby Charlton and Sam Claflin (Pirates of the Caribbean, Any Human Heart) as star player Duncan Edwards. Manager Matt Busby (the source of the team’s nickname) is played by Dougray Scott. The film draws on first-hand interviews with the survivors and their families to tell the inspirational story of a team and community overcoming terrible tragedy.
The Munich Air Crash killed 23 of the 43 passengers onboard, including supporters, journalists and embassy staff.
United was shot in November and December 2010, in and around the North of England. Written by Chris Chibnall (Law & Order: UK, Camelot) and directed by James Strong (Dr Who, Hustle), the film is produced by Julia Stannard (The History Boys, The Awakening) and executive produced by World Productions' Simon Heath (Larkin: LoveAgain, Hancock & Joan) and Polly Hill for the BBC. United is backed by Lip Sync Productions, Content Films, BBC North and the BBC.
The film, distributed locally by Cinema Live, opens in Australia on August 3.