Star of Netflix's Bull played more controversial killer role in cancelled Channel 4 series

Fans have been raving about Neil Maskell's performance in the crime thriller Bull.

But while the film has been singled out for its brutality, it's no way near the British star's most controversial role. That particular award may very well go to this fella:

In 2013, Maskell starred in the since cancelled Channel 4 series Utopia.

And the opening scene of the third episode of the drama was so dark that it led to viewers sending in a wave of complaints to the broadcaster.

In said episode, Maskell's character, Arby, is seen sitting in a toilet cubicle.

He then receives a phone call before then grabbing a gun from a large bag and walking out into the corridor, where he shoots a teacher in the head.

Arby then walks into a classroom and fires several shots, with screams heard.

Channel 4

After going into the hall, Maskell's character is confronted by a young boy sitting on a bench, raising a gun and hesitating.

During the episode, he also murders a mum in front of her young child at their home.

Basically, as you've no doubt gathered by now, it's very grim.

At the time, Channel 4 said it received over two dozen complaints from viewers, while Ofcom received a further 20, it was reported.

Taking to social media at the time, one person said: "Shooting children in a school. Never watching that again."

Another said they were not surprised if some wrote to the regulator about the episode.

They said: "I reckon Channel 4 are going to have some Ofcom paperwork to deal with in the morning."

While someone else put: "One of the most shocking things I've seen on TV."

Channel 4

Responding to the reaction to the episode, which aired not long after the Sandy Hook massacre, where 20 children were murdered, Channel 4 said 'all material was carefully considered'.

A spokesperson said: "Channel 4 thought very carefully about continuing with the planned broadcast of Utopia.

"The drama is in no way based on real events, and the scenes featuring violence are editorially justified within the context of the storyline.

"All material has been carefully considered in accordance with the Ofcom Broadcasting Code and we were satisfied that, appropriately scheduled in a late night slot at 10pm and preceded by clear on-air warnings about the graphic violence and very strong language, it could be broadcast as planned."

Topics: TV and Film, UK News, Channel 4

Dominic Smithers

Dominic Smithers is LADbible's Editorial Lead. After graduating from the University of Leeds with a degree in French and History, he went on to write for the Manchester Evening News, the Accrington Observer and the Macclesfield Express. So as you can imagine, he’s spent many a night wondering just how useful that second language has been. But c'est la vie.

@SmithersDom