Samantha Morton Reigns France as Queen Regent

Starz has unveiled the trailer for Season 2 of “The Serpent Queen,” starring Samantha Morton. Comprising eight episodes, the historical drama series is set to make its return on July 12.

Based on the book “Catherine de Medici: Renaissance Queen of France” by Leonie Frieda, the series explores the life of Queen Catherine (Morton), one of France’s longest-serving rulers. She governed the country for half a century. The first season followed young Catherine as she entered the 16th-century French court through marriage at the tender age of 14, soon after being orphaned.

In the second season, Catherine de Medici becomes the Queen Regent of France as her son Charles IX comes of age. The trailer depicts her attempting to prevent civil war while facing off with Queen Elizabeth I of England, played by Minnie Driver.

“Life is about what you’re willing to do to survive,” says the Queen Regent in the trailer. “And I am willing to do anything.”

As a mysterious prophet named Edith gathers a following that threatens the religious status quo, tensions in France escalate. Catherine de Medici grapples with maintaining power, navigating through political and religious conflicts as she continues her quest for control.

The second season features Minnie Driver, Angus Imrie, Emma McDonald, Stanley Morgan, Philippine Velge, Rosalie Craig, Isobel Jesper Jones, Bill Milner, Ashley Thomas, and Alexandre Willaume.

Justin Haythe adapted the book for television and serves as an executive producer alongside Francis Lawrence and Erwin Stoff. The series is produced by Lionsgate Television and 3 Arts Entertainment.

Watch the trailer for the second season below.