Starz is adding the period drama Mary & George to its roster, with an expectation of a 2024 premiere. Described by the network as an audacious historical psychodrama, Mary & George stars Oscar winner Julianne Moore (Still Alice) and Nicholas Galitzine (Red, White & Royal Blue).
In addition to Moore and Galitzine, the series features Nicola Walker (The Split), Niamh Algar (The Wonder), Trine Dyrholm (The Legacy), Sean Gilder (Sherwood), and Adrian Rawlins (Living). Mark O’Halloran (The Miracle Club), Laurie Davidson (Masters of the Air), Samuel Blenkin (Atlanta), Tony Curran (Mayflies), and Jacob McCarthy (SAS: Rogue Heroes) also star.
Rounding out the ensemble are Tom Victor (Consent), Alice Grant (Anthem at Almeida Theatre), Amelia Gething (Emily), Mirren Mack (The Witcher: Blood Origin), Rina Mahoney (Happy Valley), and Simon Russell Beale (The Death of Stalin).
“Mary & George is the perfect complement to Starz’s provocative slate and we’re thrilled to partner with Sky Studios to bring this extraordinary series to U.S. audiences,” said Alison Hoffman, President of Domestic Networks for STARZ. “We can’t wait for the world to discover the untold story of Mary Villiers, who mastered the art of sexual and political conquests in a male-dominated society. And to have Julianne leading this remarkable cast is a dream.”
A Hera Pictures production in association with Sky Studios, Mary & George was acquired by Starz for distribution in the US and Canada. D.C. Moore (Killing Eve) created and wrote the seven-part series, which is inspired by Benjamin Woolley’s nonfiction book The King’s Assassin. Sky Studios’ Sam Hoyle, Here Pictures’ Liza Marshall, and D.C. Moore, Oliver Hermanus, and Julianne Moore executive produce.
Oliver Hermanus (Living) is the lead director.
Starz released this description of Mary & George:
The series is about a treacherous mother and son who schemed, seduced, and killed to conquer the Court of England and the bed of King James I.
Julianne Moore plays Mary Villiers, Countess of Buckingham, who in 17th century England molded her beautiful son, George, to seduce King James I and become his all-powerful lover. Through outrageous scheming, the pair rose from humble beginnings to become one of the richest, most titled, and influential players the English court had ever seen, and the King’s most trusted advisors.
Nicholas Galitzine plays her son, George Villiers, a naïve romantic who alongside his ruthless mother was prepared to stop at nothing to get to the top. Tony Curran stars as King James I, the target of Mary & George’s seductive scheming.
