We will be treated to yet another rendition of Marie Antoinette via a BBC eight-part drama series.
The BBC pre-booked series is created and written by Deborah Davis and will star Emilia Schüle as the controversial queen. Other cast members attached to the show are Jack Archer, James Purefoy, Louis Cunningham, Jasmine Blackborow, Gaia Weiss, Marthe Keller, and Crystal Sheperd.
Peter Travis and Geoffrey Enthoven will be directing the series. The writers’ room houses Louise Ironside, Avril E. Russell, and Chloë Moss.
The show is being produced by Banijay Studios France, Capa Drama, and Les Gens. Banijay’s senior VP of sales, Chris Stewart, who oversaw the deal, dishes out that this drama will be a stunning addition to BBC’s royal family catalog.
Marie Antoinette is an extraordinary fresh new take on one of France’s most iconic — and controversial — figures, filled with stunning scenery, fine performances and epic costumes. Following on from the success of Versailles on BBC Two, we are excited to again bring the extravagance and excitement of French court life to UK viewers.
Chris Stewart
From the BBC end, Sue Deeks, head of program acquisition commends both, the subject of the drama (Antoinette) and Davis’ writing and vision for it, informing us that the series will be available on BBC Two and iPlayer.
Filming is said to have started in France, which is to include iconic locations such as the Châteaux of Versailles, Vaux-le-Vicomte, Lésigny, Champs, and Voisins. However, a release date or tentative timeline has not yet been released.
Although the plot has not been publicly disclosed, it is expected to follow Marie Antoinette from her early days, leaving Austria for good and marrying the Dauphin of France at the tender age of 14.
During her lifetime, she was pressured to continue the Bourbon line, resulting in the first eight years of her marriage being stressful as she was unable to have kids. While this aspect of her life slowly improved later, she was criticized for her lavish lifestyle, disregard for public welfare, and sympathies for France’s enemy countries — especially her home, Austria.
A guillotine would ultimately cut short her life, bringing an end to the French monarchal rule.
These nuances were once explored in the Oscar-winning Marie Antoinette (2006) directed by Sophia Cappola. The film did well to capture Antoinette in her no-so-public moments.
I think a revisitation of these events from the perspective of the last queen of the French monarchy is just what we need.
About Marie Antoinette (BBC)
Marie Antoinette is an upcoming eight-part series created and written by Deborah Davis for BBC. It is produced by Banijay Studios France, Capa Drama, and Les Gens.
It stars Emilia Schüle in the lead role, following the life and historical events of Marie Antoinette. Other cast members include Jack Archer, James Purefoy, Louis Cunningham, Jasmine Blackborow, Gaia Weiss, Marthe Keller, and Crystal Sheperd.
Release date is yet TBA.
Source: Variety
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