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The untimely death of King Henry VIII created a scramble for succession, with his nine-year-old son Edward (Oliver Zetterström) ultimately claiming the throne. But that doesn’t settle the issues as Europe’s most powerful players see an opportunity to turn Henry’s offspring—all of whom had different mothers—against each other in Starz’ new Tudors period drama, Becoming Elizabeth.
“Others will always seek to use us – you, me and our brother. They wish us to fight it out to the death and hope that they are standing behind the winner at the end,” says oldest sister Mary (Romola Garai), who ultimately becomes Queen Mary I.
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Starz’ latest royal series, Becoming Elizabeth, explores the origins of England’s most iconic queen, Elizabeth I (Alicia von Rittberg), only child of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. While the teenaged Elizabeth tries to keep her head above water, Henry’s sixth wife and widow, Catherine Parr (Jessica Raine) is making her own play for the throne. She marries scheming courtier Thomas Seymour (Tom Cullen). Seymour is uncle to young King Edward, who was the son of Henry and his third wife, Thomas’ sister Jane Seymour, who died in childbirth. But Thomas has his own ambitions and, even after he marries Catherine, eyes for young Elizabeth. Meanwhile, the Duke of Somerset (John Heffernan) has proclaimed himself Lord Protector of the realm.
The upcoming series also stars Jamie Blackley, Alexandra Gilbreath, Jamie Parker, Leo Bill, Bella Ramsey, Ekow Quartey, Alex Macqueen and Olivier Huband.
Becoming Elizabeth is created and written by playwright and television screenwriter Anya Reiss, who also serves as executive producer with The Forge’s George Ormond and George Faber with Lisa Osborne producing.
Becoming Elizabeth premieres Sunday, June 12 on Starz.
[Images courtesy of Starz]
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