Samantha Morton to Play Queen Catherine de Medici in Starz Original Series THE SERPENT QUEEN
Oscar nominated actress Samantha Morton, known for her roles in Minority Report, Sweet and Lowdown, In America, and The Walking Dead, has signed on to star as Queen Catherine de Medici in the Starz Original series The Serpent Queen. The series is described as “the dark legend centered on de Medici” from writer and executive producer Justin Haythe (Revolutionary Road). Stacie Passon (Transparent) will direct multiple episodes, including the premiere.
The story is based on the book Catherine de Medici: Renaissance Queen of France by Leonie Frieda, and the eight-episode series is produced for Starz by Lionsgate Television and 3 Arts Entertainment.
Deadline describes The Serpent Queen as “a cunning account of one of the most influential women ever to wear a crown. Considered an immigrant, common and plain, Catherine de Medici is married into the 16th century French court as an orphaned teenager expected to bring a fortune in dowry and produce many heirs, only to discover that her husband is in love with an older woman, her dowry is unpaid and she’s unable to conceive. Yet, only with her intelligence and determination, she manages to keep her marriage alive and masters the bloodsport that is the monarchy better than anyone else, ruling France for 50 years.”
Morton is an intense actress, and I think this is a great project for her. I don’t know much about Catherine de Medici, so I am looking forward to checking out this series and diving into the story.