Starz has recently acquired the U.S. and Canada rights to “Mary & George,” a historical psychodrama series starring Julianne Moore and Nicholas Galitzine. The series, created and written by D.C. Moore of “Killing Eve” fame, is a seven-parter produced by Sky Studios.
Set in 17th century England, “Mary & George” tells the untold story of Mary Villiers, Countess of Buckingham, and her son George Villiers, as they navigate the treacherous waters of the English court, ultimately seducing King James I and becoming his lovers. The ruthless mother-son duo rose to become one of the most influential and wealthy players in the court, with Tony Curran starring as the targeted King James I.
Starz plans to launch “Mary & George” in 2024 across North America, and their president of domestic networks, Alison Hoffman, expressed excitement over having Julianne Moore lead the remarkable cast. The series is produced by Hera Pictures in association with Sky Studios, and features an ensemble cast including Nicola Walker, Niamh Algar, Trine Dyrholm, Sean Gilder, Amelia Gething, and Simon Russell Beale.
Inspired by Benjamin Woolley’s nonfiction book “The King’s Assassin,” the script for “Mary & George” was penned by Julianne Moore. The series is executive produced by Liza Marshall, D.C. Moore, Oliver Hermanus, and Sam Hoyle, in addition to Moore herself. Hera Pictures, founded in 2017 by former Channel 4 head of drama Liza Marshall, previously produced the popular drama “Temple,” which starred Mark Strong.
The distribution deal between Sky Studios and Starz was facilitated by NBCUniversal Global Distribution, which handles international sales for Sky Studios.
The combination of a talented ensemble cast, an intriguing historical plotline, and the involvement of acclaimed industry professionals has set “Mary & George” up to be a highly anticipated series for viewers in North America.
As the series makes its way to screens in 2024, fans of historical dramas and period pieces can expect to be captivated by the intricate web of power, manipulation, and ambition that defines the story of Mary Villiers, Countess of Buckingham, and her son George Villiers. With the added allure of Julianne Moore’s leading role and the storytelling prowess of D.C. Moore, “Mary & George” is poised to be a standout offering in the realm of historical television dramas.