Idris Elba is set to return as Sam Nelson in Season 2 of the Apple TV thriller series “Hijack,” premiering on January 14. This installment shifts the narrative to an underground Berlin U-Bahn, where Nelson, a skilled business negotiator and unlikely hero, finds himself in a harrowing hostage situation. As the plot unfolds, the authorities scramble to rescue numerous hostages while Nelson confronts his own psychological turmoil following his traumatic experiences in the first season, which revolved around a harrowing plane hijacking.
Elba, who is not only the star but also an executive producer of the series, elaborated on his character’s transformation, indicating that Nelson is in a “very different place” in this season. He noted, “Psychologically, I was trying to put him in a very different place. When you find out what is going on through the season, you realize this is a broken man who is trying to find those answers.”
The writing team, led by Elba and his co-creator Jim Field Smith, has focused on developing a character that diverges from Elba’s previous iconic roles, like Detective John Luther or Stringer Bell from “The Wire.” Elba shared that the emotional depth of Nelson adds to the complexity of the character, making him compelling yet vulnerable.
Field Smith provided insights into Nelson’s changed demeanor, aiming to depict him as a character that audiences might be shocked to see at the beginning of the season. “In the very first frame… you’re supposed to think, ‘What the hell’s happened to this guy?’” he said, highlighting the intent to portray a more nuanced evolution throughout the series.
The production team endeavored to faithfully recreate the Berlin U-Bahn for an authentic filming experience. Field Smith emphasized the importance of accuracy in representing the setting, stating, “It had to match. It had to be literally a millimetre perfect recreation.” This dedication to detail allows for a dynamic environment that contrasts with the static scenario of the first season, where most of the suspense played out on a hijacked plane.
As the series delves deeper into the dynamics of a major city faced with a crisis, it incorporates an international perspective that has resonated with global audiences. The first season garnered interest for its cross-border themes—flying over various countries—and the writers aim to maintain that multilayered narrative style in Season 2.
“Hijack” Season 1 was born from Elba’s first-look deal with Apple, which has continued into Season 2, resulting in a fruitful partnership. Elba described the experience as a “healthy example” of collaboration between a creator and a studio, noting that such arrangements allow for guaranteed distribution and support in production.
With the first episode of Season 2 arriving on January 14, new episodes will follow weekly until the finale on March 4. The fate of Sam Nelson and the hostages remains uncertain, with hints dropped about potential future directions for the character, including the possibility of exploring more stories involving Nelson.
Elba humorously mused about the future, suggesting that the character might simply find himself in a less perilous environment, but left the possibility open for further adventures. Whether through a film or another season, there’s a hint of excitement among fans eager to follow Nelson’s journey.