Hijack season 2: everything we know

Idris Elba plays Sam Nelson in Hijack season 2
Idris Elba is set to return as Sam Nelson in Hijack season 2 (Image credit: Apple TV)

Apple TV has confirmed Hijack season 2 is in the works, with Idris Elba set to reprise his role as expert negotiator Sam Nelson.

The first season, which saw the Luther star battle to save a plane full of passengers from a gang of terrorists, was a hit with viewers and critics alike and became one of Apple TV Plus's most popular shows when it aired in 2023.

The streaming giant has confirmed a sequel is in the works and that Elba will be returning as the lead star and executive producer, while Jim Field Smith (The Wrong Mans, Litvinenko) will once again be directing.

"I was floored by the overwhelming audience response after season one," said Elba in an official statement. "It’s top secret what new situation unfolds for Sam Nelson but I can assure you we will bring the high octane back!"

Here's everything we know about Hijack season 2...

Hijack season 2 release date

Filming is rumoured to have begun in May 2024, which means we could be seeing this one on Apple TV roughly two years after the first one, in the summer of 2025. Once we have a confirmed release date we'll be sure to let you know. 

Mr Bates vs The Post Office will star Toby Jones.

Toby Jones is set to join the cast (Image credit: Getty)

Hijack season 2 plot

Elba has hinted that despite the name of the show, the sequel is unlikely to feature another group of terrorists on a plane...

"I’m open to that character coming back. I think if people were compelled to like the character, then I'm in," Elba told Variety last year. "But it’s kind of like — he's not a cop so what would be the acceptable Sam Nelson return? And if I’m honest, I'm not sure. I’d like that, but I just don’t want to put him on another hijack."

Yet after finding fame during the events in the first season, it's quite plausible to imagine the corporate business negotiator's skills could be utilized in another high-pressure situation. A hostage situation maybe? Or an international political crisis, perhaps? The possibilities are endless...

Hijack season 2 cast

Idris Elba will definitely be returning as Sam Nelson — let's face it the show wouldn't be the same without him!

Toby Jones (Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, Mr Bates vs The Post Office), Lisa Vicari (Dark), and Christiane Paul (Vampire Sisters) will be joining the cast according to The Hollywood Reporter

While Top Boy star Clare-Hope Ashitey, Karima McAdams (Dune: Prophecy) and Christian Näthe (Ballon) are also coming aboard, although who they'll all be playing remains a mystery! 

Hijack season 2 trailer 

There's no trailer for this one yet, but we'll be sure to post it here as soon as it arrives online. 

Sean Marland

Sean is a Senior Feature writer for TV Times, What's On TV and TV & Satellite Week, who also writes for whattowatch.com. He's been covering the world of TV for over 15 years and in that time he's been lucky enough to interview stars like Ian McKellen, Tom Hardy and Kate Winslet. His favourite shows are I'm Alan Partridge, The Wire, People Just Do Nothing and Succession and in his spare time he enjoys drinking tea, doing crosswords and watching football.