Julianne Moore to Star in Steamy New Historical Drama ‘Mary & George’
A sizzling new eight-part limited series, Mary & George is set to hit screens in 2023. Based on the shocking true story of Mary Villiers and her son George, the drama reveals their ruthless climb from humble beginnings to becoming England’s most powerful and wealthy mother-son duo. Their ultimate prize? The favour—and love—of King James I.
Scandal, Power and Seduction in Jacobean England
Mary Villiers, played by Oscar-winner Julianne Moore, masterminded her son’s seduction of King James I, transforming him into the monarch’s all-powerful lover. Through cunning plots and bold moves, the pair rose to unimaginable influence, breaking social norms and rewriting history in their favour.
Top Names Behind the Scenes
The show is produced by Hera Pictures and Sky Studios, with scripts by acclaimed playwright DC Moore (known for Killing 1 and Temple), inspired by Benjamin Woolley’s non-fiction book, The King’s Assassin.
Oscar-nominated director Oliver Hermanus, acclaimed for Moffie and Living, takes the helm. His latest work is winning praise at major film festivals including Sundance and Toronto.
Julianne Moore on Playing Mary Villiers
“Mary Villiers was a woman who through her own actions rose to become a powerful and influential figure in Jacobean London. It’s a daunting but exhilarating challenge to bring her to life on screen.”
Executive Producer Liza Marshall hailed Moore as “our dream casting for Mary – a woman damned by her contemporaries but always the smartest person in the room. Indomitable women like Mary have been written out of history for too long, but with DC Moore’s brilliant scripts and Oliver Hermanus at the helm, we will reclaim her story to deliver a truly unique and unmissable show.”
Where and When to Watch
Mary & George starts filming in early 2023 and is expected to air later that year. UK, Ireland, DACH, and Italian viewers will catch it on Sky, while AMC Networks handles distribution in the US, Canada, New Zealand, and India.
