The Serpent Queen is an upcoming American television period drama revolving around the life of Catherine de' Medici. It is based upon the book Catherine de Medici: Renaissance Queen of France by Leonie Frieda. It is set to premiere on Starz.
| The Serpent Queen | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Period drama |
| Based on | Catherine de Medici: Renaissance Queen of France by Leonie Frieda |
| Starring | |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| Production | |
| Executive producers | |
| Production companies | |
| Original release | |
| Network | Starz |
Plot
The series follows Catherine de' Medici, who marries into the French court as an orphaned teenager expected to bring in a fortune in dowry and produce heirs, only to discover that her husband is in love with an older woman and that she cannot conceive children. She manages to keep her marriage going, and rule France for fifty years.
Cast and characters
Main
- Samantha Morton as Catherine de' Medici
- Amrita Acharia as Aabis
- Enzo Cilenti as Ruggieri
- Barry Atsma as Montmorency
- Nicholas Burns as Antoine de Bourbon
- Danny Kirrane as Louis de Bourbon
Recurring
- Charles Dance as Pope Clement
- Ludivine Sagnier as Diane
- Liv Hill as Young Catherine
- Kiruna Stamell as Mathilde
- Colm Meaney as King Francis
Development
In February 2021, Starz greenlit an 8-episode series based upon the book Catherine de Medici: Renaissance Queen of France by Leonie Frieda, with Justin Haythe set to serve as a writer and executive producer, with Francis Lawrence and Erwin Stoff also set to executive produce. Stacie Passon will direct multiple episodes of the series, including the pilot. Production companies involved in the series were slated to consist of Lionsgate Television and 3 Arts Entertainment.[1]
Casting
In April 2021, Samantha Morton joined the cast as Catherine de' Medici.[2] In May 2021, Amrita Acharia, Enzo Cilenti, Barry Atsma, Nicholas Burns and Danny Kirrane joined the cast in starring roles, while Charles Dance, Ludivine Sagnier, Liv Hill, Kiruna Stamell, and Colm Meaney in recurring capacity.[3]
Filming
Principal photography began in April 2021.[4]
References
- ^ White, Peter (May 4, 2021). "Starz Orders Catherine De Medici Drama 'The Serpent Queen' From Justin Haythe, Francis Lawrence & Erwin Stoff, Stacie Passon To Direct Opener". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 14, 2021.
- ^ Petski, Denise (April 7, 2021). "Samantha Morton To Star As Catherine De Medici In Starz's 'The Serpent Queen'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 14, 2021.
- ^ Petski, Denise (May 10, 2021). "'The Serpent Queen': Starz Casts Catherine de Medici's Royal Court". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 14, 2021.
- ^ ""Serpent Queen": off to the shooting of the film on Caterina de 'Medici – Culture". Italy24News. April 28, 2021. Retrieved May 14, 2021.