Channel 5 has ordered a new drama based on the life of Tudor Queen Anne Boleyn from Fable Pictures.
Jodie Turner-Smith (QUEEN & SLIM) is to take the lead role in the new three-part ‘psychological thriller’ which will broadcast in the UK on Channel 5, with Sony Pictures Television distributing internationally.
With a cast including Amanda Burton (WHITE HOUSE FARM, SILENT WITNESS), Paapa Essiedu (I MAY DESTROY YOU, GANGS OF LONDON), Thalissa Teixeira (TWO WEEKS TO LIVE, TRIGONOMETRY), Barry Ward (WHITE LINES, DES) and Jamael Westman (West End’s HAMILTON), the drama will explore the final months of Anne Boleyn’s life from the eponymous Queen’s perspective. The psychological drama follows her as she struggles to survive, to secure a future for her daughter, and to challenge the powerful patriarchy closing in around her.
Newcomer Eve Hedderwick Turner has penned the 3 part mini-series, to be directed by Lynsey Miller (DEADWATER FELL, DOING MONEY, THE BOY WITH THE TOPKNOT).
Faye Ward & Hannah Farrell, Creative Directors, Fable Pictures, said “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.”
Jodie Turner-Smith, says “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.”
Ben Frow, Director of Programmes at ViacomCBS, added “It is no secret that I’m a huge Anne Boleyn fan and we know she’s a proven success as a subject with factual and film audiences. This project re-frames her story as a propulsive psychological thriller, told from a new perspective, with top talent like Jodie Turner-Smith attached. It was simply too irresistible to say no to and I’m very excited to see the finished product.”
Wayne Garvie, President, International Production, Sony Pictures Television, said, “The great historian Christopher Hill famously said that history has to be rewritten in every generation. With their brilliant, enthralling and unique restyling of the tragedy of Anne Boleyn, Fable are presenting an Anne for our times that places the woman at the centre of her own story”
ANNE BOLEYN will be produced by Faye Ward and Hannah Farrell through their London-based outfit Fable Pictures. The show was commissioned by Channel 5’s Controller Ben Frow and Deputy Director of Programmes Sebastian Cardwell and SPT’s President of International Production Wayne Garvie. Renowned historian Dan Jones will serve as Executive Producer.
Jon Creamer
Share this story
