Samantha Morton Channeled Her Homeless Past for ‘The Serpent Queen’ Role

Samantha Morton’s ability to portray complex, multi-layered mothers has spanned various genres, making her a favorite among TV fans. From an 18th-century brothel madam in Harlots to the leader of a post-zombie apocalypse group in The Walking Dead, her characters are always rich and formidable. Morton’s latest role as Catherine de’Medici, the Florentine orphan who became Queen of France, in Starz’s historical costume drama The Serpent Queen, continues this trend.

The first season showcased Catherine surviving the snobbery and ruthlessness of the French court, who saw her as a tacky foreigner, possibly even a witch. In Season 2, while Catherine tries to settle into her Regency, her son, Henry III, navigates a treacherous court. The challenges pile up quickly.

Threats come from both the Roman Catholic Guise family and the Protestant House of Bourbon. The tragic death of her son Hercule adds to her woes. Queen Elizabeth of England, played by Minnie Driver, complicates matters further with her tactical prowess. Exhausted by these challenges, Catherine decides against half-measures and deploys her son Anjou and a squadron of female spies to eliminate nearly all her religious and political rivals.

Before the second season finale aired, Morton discussed with The Daily Beast her experiences in Britain’s foster care system and how they influence her performances. She also touched on inspiration drawn from films like Goodfellas and The Sopranos in portraying a mother with a fierce resolve.

Catherine de’Medici is another strong-willed mother in your career, similar to Margaret Wells in Harlots and Alpha in The Walking Dead. What draws you to these types of characters?

It’s largely about the complexity of the writing. Margaret Wells was a dream role, brilliantly written with deeply feminist undertones. Her relationships, especially with her daughters and the girls in her brothel, were so richly portrayed over three seasons. Initially, I felt I might be too young for the role, but it made sense because Margaret had her first child at age 12.

What about Alpha in The Walking Dead?

The writing was again key. Alpha’s relationship with her daughter Lydia was mind-blowing. I hadn’t watched the show before, but after binge-watching a couple of seasons, I was hooked. Taking on such a well-written role in America was a dream come true.

Flashback episodes revealed how Dee became Alpha, protecting Lydia at all costs. This backstory gave depth to Alpha’s character, showing her loving and protective side before becoming who she ultimately was.

How did you approach playing Catherine?

While considering if I was right for the role, we discussed my love for mafia films like The Godfather and Goodfellas. Ray Liotta’s performance in Goodfellas, where he breaks the fourth wall, was particularly inspiring.

My challenging childhood, which included being homeless and growing up in foster care, also influenced my portrayal of Catherine. I had to fight hard for my opportunities, much like Catherine. She faced prejudice for her commoner status, similar to my experiences with the class system in the UK.

What parallels between your life and Catherine’s helped inform your performance?

Catherine wasn’t respected because she was a commoner, much like how class prejudice persists in the UK today. My connection with her also comes from shared experiences of being unwelcome; Catherine was an Italian outsider in France, just as my immigrant grandparents were in the UK. Catherine’s experience of being unwanted and having to fight for everything resonated deeply with me.

How have your experiences in foster care influenced your artistry?

It’s rare for people from disadvantaged backgrounds to get opportunities in television, theater, or music. When I received my BAFTA Fellowship, I highlighted that it was almost a miracle for someone with my background to achieve such honors. Yet, I still face challenges from the class system; I’m yet to be CBE, OBE, or Dame because I’m still seen as an outsider.

It’s wild that the class system still affects you.

Indeed. Conversations around these roles allow me to discuss issues dear to me. For instance, Catherine was married at 12 in 1533, and child marriage remains a global issue today. Although The Serpent Queen is historical, it touches on contemporary problems.

How does Catherine’s use of multiple personas affect her life?

It must be lonely at the top, whether you’re a queen or a superstar. There’s always a business aspect attached, turning it into a mini-economy. In acting, you build your character based on the script, and Justin Haythe’s writing for The Serpent Queen is profound. Working closely with him has been invaluable.

By the end of Season 2, Catherine reasserts her dominance. Could she face a reckoning?

Maybe when she meets her maker. In Season 2, things don’t go well for her. Everyone wants her gone, and her children resent her, forcing her to take control again. Her support for religious tolerance and a secular state was ahead of its time.

She’s like a mafia don in her decisions.

Absolutely. Catherine sacrifices her happiness for what she sees as the greater good of the country. Her decisions were business-oriented, aimed at running the country, even if it meant sacrificing personal happiness.

What should viewers think about moving forward to a potential third season?

The complex family dynamics are fascinating. Whether you’re into history or shows like The Sopranos or Succession, The Serpent Queen offers similar depth. Seeing these Valois children grow up and affect the world is intriguing. The cliffhanger at the end of the season demands to be resolved, and there’s always a price to pay.

Despite being a period drama, it feels contemporary, with great cinematography and music, appealing to both traditional costume drama fans and a younger audience. Minnie Driver as Queen Elizabeth adds humor, making it even more entertaining.

Your favorite characters survived the bloodbath finale. Thoughts?

Even as a period drama, it feels current. With quirky characters and a touch of humor, it appeals to a broad audience. Starz’s mature themes attract a fittingly mature audience, blending history with modern storytelling.

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Source: The Daily Beast