French pay TV group Canal+ orders second season of its dazzling historical drama “Marie Antoinette, BAFTA-nominee Ed Bazalgette (“The Last Kingdom,” “Doctor Who”) will direct the first four episodes.
While Deborah Davis (“The Favourite”) is still on board as producer, the season 2 writing team is headed by Lewis Ironside, including Charlotte Wolf, Francesca Forristall and Andrew Bampfield.
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The series, which is being backed by Banijay and Capa Drama (Newven Studios), is expected to begin filming in the fall. The new season will continue the epic story of the avant-garde young queen, played by Emilia Schüle (“Ku’Dame 56/63”), with Louis Cunningham (“Bridgerton”) as King Louis XVI of France .
Commissioned by the Creation Originals unit of Canal+, the upcoming season will showcase how the royal couple faced an unprecedented financial crisis at the height of their power. The constant attacks of Provence and Chartres against the royal couple fueled the hatred of the nobles, while having disastrous results.
Produced by Capa Drama and Banijay Studios France, “Marie Antoinette” will once again be distributed globally by Banijay Rights.
The first series proved to be a hit outside France. It was sold in over 70 territories, including PBS distribution in the US, BBC First in Australia and BBC Two in the UK, and iPlayer, which reported consolidated viewing figures of 2.1 million for its premiere in 2022. The show was also sold across Europe and to broadcasters. Latin America.
“Without a doubt, ‘Marie Antoinette’ has been a popular play with our buyers around the world, and this is testament to the world-class producers in France who have created a premium, returning series for the international market,” Cathy Payne, CEO of Banijay Rights.
Payne added, “The immaculate, high-quality production is packed with glamorous talent and gorgeous locations, and we’re thrilled to offer a historic new season of this unique interpretation of the fashionable French queen to a global audience.”
“Marie Antoinette” is produced by Claude Chely and Margaux Balson for Capa Drama, Stéphanie Chartreux for Bunij Studio France.
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