‘The Walking Dead’ Actress Samantha Morton to Star as Catherine de Medici in Starz’s ‘Serpent Queen’

Samantha Morton, who plays the villainous Alpha on “The Walking Dead,” will star as the nefarious Catherine de Medici in Starz’s new series “The Serpent Queen.”

Based on the book “Catherine de Medici: Renaissance Queen of France by Leonie Frieda,” the eight-episode seriesis “a cunning account of one of the most influential women ever to wear a crown,” per Starz. “Considered an immigrant, common and plain, Catherine de Medici is married into the 16th century French court as an orphaned teenager expected to bring a fortune in dowry and produce many heirs, only to discover that her husband is in love with an older woman, her dowry is unpaid and she’s unable to conceive. Yet, only with her intelligence and determination, she manages to keep her marriage alive and masters the bloodsport that is the monarchy better than anyone else, ruling France for 50 years.”

“The Serpent Queen” is written by Justin Haythe (“Revolutionary Road,” “Red Sparrow,” “The Lone Ranger”) who executive produces alongside Francis Lawrence (“The Hunger Games: Catching Fire,” “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay,” “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2”) and Erwin Stoff (“The Matrix,” “13 Hours,” “Edge of Tomorrow”). Stacie Passon (“Transparent,” “Dickinson,” “Billions”) will direct multiple episodes, including the premiere episode.

Also Read: Starz Orders Catherine de Medici Drama ‘The Serpent Queen’

The drama is produced for Starz by Lionsgate Television and 3 Arts Entertainment.

More to come…