First look at Toby Jones in '90s-set drama based on "extraordinary" true story

Toby Jones is set to hit screens again with a new project based on a true story.

According to an official press release, the actor is set to star in a film titled Mars Express, which is now in post-production. The movie will be released in UK and Irish cinemas, though an exact date is yet to be announced.

Jones will play a real-life professor called Colin Pillinger. He'll feature alongside Hamnet star Emily Watson, who portrays his wife Doctor Judith Pillinger.

Related: Toby Jones spotted in character with The Responder's Josh Finan for upcoming Netflix drama

During the ‘90s, the real-life couple set out to build the Beagle 2 probe to go to Mars in search of organic life.

Mars Express is a space exploration mission formed by the European Space Agency (ESA), which has explored potential life on Mars and its surrounding moons since 2003.

It deployed the Beagle 2 spacecraft in December 2003 but after no communication was received after it was due to land on Mars, it was declared lost by February 2004.

Colin Pillinger was considered a scientific hero for what he'd built, and now Jones will play an integral part in bringing his story to life.

The Mars Express cast also features the likes of Nicholas Burns, Richard Coyle, Thaddea Graham, David Dencik, Julian Rhind-Tutt and Rob Delaney.

Related: Best streaming services

The film is written by The Vanishing’s Joe Bone and directed by Pirates of the Caribbean star Mackenzie Crook, who is making his feature directorial debut.

“It's a complete honour to be telling the extraordinary story of Colin Pillinger and Beagle 2 for my first feature film as director,” Crook said about his latest project.

"Joe Bone's beautiful script has made it easy to attract some of the best names in the business to join our brilliantly creative team and I'm thrilled to be working once again with my friend Toby Jones."

He added: “Thank you to all at BigTalk Studios, BBC Film, BFI, Sky, Screen Yorkshire, CML Entertainment Finance and Altitude for their trust and support in making this funny, poignant and inspiring film.”

Furthermore, Mary Burke, Luke Alkin and Kenton Allen will produce Mars Express, in addition to Will Clarke and Andy Mayson.

Jones is no stranger to starring in projects based on a true story. The announcement of Mars Express comes two years after the success of ITV's Mr Bates vs The Post Office.

Jones played Alan Bates, a sub-postmaster at the heart of a scandal which falsely accused post office workers of theft, false accounting, or fraud, due to a faulty computer system.

The series had a significant impact as it forced legislative changes, and it received both a BAFTA and a National Television Award.

Visit our Streaming Guide now to see at a glance where you can view ALL your favourite shows and movies.

The new edition of Legends, a 100-page celebration of the world of K-pop, is here. Buy K-Pop in newsagents or online.