British model and actress Jodie Turner-Smith has been announced to play the lead role in a new series about English queen, Anne Boleyn. The three-part, convention-defying, psychological series will air on British network, Channel 5 and is being produced by the Sony-backed producer, Fable Pictures.
The series will follow the life of Boleyn as the Queen of England and second wife of King Henry VIII, from 1533 to 1536. Highly-regarded as one of the most memorable figures in British royal history, the series will explore the infamous queen's downfall, from her tumultuous marriage, to the allegations of treason that were placed upon her, and of course, her execution that followed. Directed by Lynsey Miller and written by Eve Hedderwick Turner from Boleyn's perspective, the drama will focus on her fight for survival, coupled with the challenge of securing a future for her daughter in the midst of a heavily patriarchal society.
Speaking to Variety, Turner-Smith shared, “I am so excited to join these exciting filmmakers in bringing the story of one of history’s most controversial queens to the screen. Delving deeper into Anne Boleyn’s immense strengths while examining her fatal weaknesses and vulnerabilities, Eve’s scripts immediately captured my imagination."
"In the hands of Lynsey Miller, the legend of this formidable queen and fierce mother will be seen as a deeply human story that is still so relevant for today. I look forward to bringing my heart and spirit into this daring retelling of the fall of this iconic woman.”
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Creative directors of Fable Pictures, Faye Ward and Hannah Farrell echoed this sentiment, sharing the importance of reframing our perception of who Anne Boleyn was.
“Eve’s drama challenges all the conventions of who we think Anne Boleyn was and shines a feminist light on her story. We’re absolutely thrilled to have the magnetic Jodie Turner-Smith on board to encapsulate Anne’s determination to be an equal among men and to pave a path for her daughter," the pair shared.
"We feel that history has side-lined the voice of this ambitious Queen in favour of the men who brought her down, and that Lynsey Miller’s beautiful, intimate vision will put Anne’s gaze at the heart of the piece.”
Staring alongside Turner-Smith is a noteworthy cast that features the likes of Amanda Burton (White House Farm), Paapa Essiedu (I May Destroy You), Thalissa Teixeira (Trigonometry), Barry Ward (Des) and Jamael Westman (Hamilton). Watch this space for more details on the sure-to-be hit-show.
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