French pay-TV group Canal+ has ordered a second season of the dazzling historical drama ‘Marie Antoinette’. BAFTA nominee Ed Bazalgette (“The Last Kingdom”, “Doctor Who”) will direct the first four episodes.
While Deborah Davis (“The Favorite”) is still on board as creator, the Season 2 writing team is led by Louise Ironside, joined by Charlotte Wolf, Francesca Forristal, and Andrew Bampfield.
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The series, which is supported by Banijay and Capa Drama (Newen Studios), is expected to begin filming in the fall. The new season will continue to tell the epic story of the avant-garde young queen, played by Emilia Schüle (“Ku’damm 56/63”), with Louis Cunningham (“Bridgerton”) as the King of France, Louis XVI.
Commissioned by Canal+’s Creation Originale unit, the upcoming season will show how the royal couple faced an unprecedented financial crisis at the height of their power. The relentless attacks of Provence and Chartres on the royal couple fueled the hatred of the nobles with disastrous results.
Produced by Capa Drama and Banijay Studios France, “Marie Antoinette” will again be distributed worldwide by Banijay Rights.
The first series proved to be a hit outside France. It was sold to more than 70 territories, including PBS Distribution in the US, BBC First in Australia, and BBC Two and iPlayer in the UK, which reported consolidated ratings of 2.1 million for its 2022 premiere. The show was also sold to broadcasters throughout Europe and Latin America.
“Marie Antoinette has undoubtedly been a popular drama with our buyers around the world, and this is a testament to the world-class producers in France who have created a high-quality, recurring series for the international market,” said Cathy Payne, CEO of Banijay- rights.
“The impeccable, high-quality production is packed with glamorous talent and lavish locations, and we are thrilled to bring another season of this unique interpretation of the fashionable French queen to a global audience,” continued Payne.
“Marie Antoinette” is produced by Claude Chelli and Margaux Balsan for Capa Drama, Stéphanie Chartreux for Banijay Studios France.
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