Acclaimed satirist Armando Iannucci, the mastermind behind The Thick of It and Veep, is developing not one but two major projects centred on Donald Trump, The Guardian can exclusively reveal.
Dual Assault on Trump's Legacy
In what promises to be his most ambitious political critique to date, Iannucci is simultaneously working on both a television series and a feature film that will dissect the former US president's tumultuous time in office and his controversial media ventures.
The television project will focus specifically on Trump's attempt to establish his own media network following his 2020 election defeat. Sources describe it as a "behind-the-scenes look at the chaos and comedy of Trump's post-presidential media ambitions."
Return to Political Comedy Roots
Iannucci confirmed the projects are in active development, telling The Guardian: "We're exploring different approaches to covering the Trump phenomenon. The TV series would look at his attempt to set up a media channel, while the film would cover the four years of his presidency."
The Scottish-Italian writer and director, renowned for his razor-sharp political wit, sees Trump's world as ripe for satirical treatment. "It's a world of such heightened absurdity and drama that it feels like a natural subject for the kind of political comedy I like to make," he explained.
Building on a Legacy of Political Satire
Iannucci's track record in political comedy is virtually unmatched. His BBC series The Thick of It spawned the Oscar-nominated film In the Loop, while his HBO series Veep earned multiple Emmy Awards for its portrayal of US politics.
The dual Trump projects represent Iannucci's most direct engagement with contemporary American politics since Veep concluded in 2019. While he hasn't revealed which networks or studios are involved, his previous work with both BBC and HBO suggests major players are likely backing these ventures.
Timing and Production Details
Though specific release dates remain unconfirmed, industry insiders suggest both projects are in advanced development stages. The unusual approach of developing television and film treatments simultaneously indicates Iannucci's comprehensive vision for tackling the Trump era from multiple angles.
As Trump continues to dominate American political discourse, Iannucci's satirical lens promises to deliver what could be the definitive comedic take on one of the most controversial figures in modern political history.
