PBS is set to bring back the popular miniseries “Wolf Hall” with a sequel, “The Mirror and the Light”. The highly acclaimed series will see the return of Mark Rylance and Damian Lewis in their roles as Thomas Cromwell and English King Henry VIII. The sequel, based on author Hilary Mantel’s final book in the trilogy, is scheduled to begin production soon and will be aired under PBS’ Masterpiece banner in the United States and on the BBC in the U.K.
The series will also see the return of Jonathan Pryce, Kate Phillips, and Lilit Lesser in their respective roles. The original “Wolf Hall” creative team, including writer Peter Straughan, director Peter Kosminsky, and producers Playground and Company Pictures, will also be returning for the sequel.
Playground CEO Colin Callender expressed his excitement for bringing the final chapter of Thomas Cromwell’s story to the screen, stating, “Intimate, thrilling and deeply moving, The Mirror and the Light shines a fresh light on the politics of power and the personal price paid by those who wield it. Cromwell’s story is as contemporary as ever — a story of loyalty and betrayal that just happens to be about people 500 years ago.”
“The Mirror and the Light” will explore the final years of Cromwell’s life, completing his journey from a self-made man to the most feared and influential figure of his time.
Masterpiece executive producer Susanne Simpson also expressed her pride in bringing the sequel to the American audience, highlighting the incomparable level of excellence both on and off the screen for this series. She mentioned the thrill of having such brilliant actors as Mark Rylance and Damian Lewis reprising their roles for the final chapter of Thomas Cromwell’s story.
The original “Wolf Hall” series received numerous accolades, including BAFTA Awards, a Golden Globe, and a Peabody Award. It also garnered several Emmy nominations and was widely praised for its exceptional storytelling and performances. The sequel, “The Mirror and the Light”, is expected to continue this legacy of excellence.
Lisa Osborne will be producing “The Mirror and the Light”, with executive producers including Callender and Noëlette Buckley for Playground, Kosminsky, Lucy Richer for the BBC, and Simpson for Masterpiece.
The announcement of the sequel has been met with excitement and anticipation from fans of the original series. The return of the beloved characters and the continuation of their compelling story is sure to captivate audiences once again.
With production set to begin soon, fans can look forward to experiencing the next chapter in the epic tale of Thomas Cromwell and the tumultuous world of King Henry VIII. “The Mirror and the Light” promises to be a captivating and thought-provoking exploration of power, loyalty, and the personal sacrifices made in the pursuit of influence. As the series delves into the final chapter of Cromwell’s story, viewers can expect a compelling and emotionally resonant conclusion to this celebrated historical drama.
