“Queen & Slim” star Jodie Turner-Smith will play Queen Anne Boleyn in a three-part psychological drama on UK station Channel 5.
Sony Pictures Television will distribute the drama internationally.
Queen Anne Boleyn was the second wife of King Henry VIII, and she served as queen from 1533 to 1536. Their marriage was troubled and Queen Boleyn was ultimately executed for treason.
The series will highlight the final months of Queen Boleyn’s life from her perspective, and her fight to secure a future for her daughter.
The mini-series was written by Eve Hedderwick Turner and directed by Lynsey Miller.
Jodie Turner-Smith expressed her excitement about the role in a statement:
I am so excited to join these exciting filmmakers in bringing the story of one of history’s most controversial queens to the screen. Delving deeper into Anne Boleyn’s immense strengths while examining her fatal weaknesses and vulnerabilities, Eve’s scripts immediately captured my imagination. In the hands of Lynsey Miller, the legend of this formidable queen and fierce mother will be seen as a deeply human story that is still so relevant for today. I look forward to bringing my heart and spirit into this daring retelling of the fall of this iconic woman.
The filmmakers are also excited to be working with Jodie.
Eve’s drama challenges all the conventions of who we think Anne Boleyn was and shines a feminist light on her story. We’re absolutely thrilled to have the magnetic Jodie Turner-Smith on board to encapsulate Anne’s determination to be an equal among men and to pave a path for her daughter. We feel that history has side-lined the voice of this ambitious Queen in favour of the men who brought her down, and that Lynsey Miller’s beautiful, intimate vision will put Anne’s gaze at the heart of the piece.
Queen Anne Boleyn was not of African-American descent so it is a win for Jodie Turner-Smith to be so highly recruited for this role. It is also a credit to her acting ability.
She did a great job in “Queen & Slim” and we look forward to seeing her play the Queen of England.
It is unknown when the mini-series will premiere in the U.S., but we will keep you updated.
Source: Variety
