Banijay Rights has licensed “Marie Antioinette” to BBC Two in the UK

Banijay Rights has licensed rights to “Marie Antioinette” to BBC Two in the UK. The deal serves as the first global deal of its kind for the Canal+ creation original. The agreement was negotiated by Banijay’s VP of sales, Chris Stewart. “Marie Antoinette is an extraordinary fresh new take on one of France’s most iconic – and controversial, figures, filled with stunning scenery, fine performances and epic costumes,” Stewart said.

Produced by Banijay Studios France, CAPA Drama and Les Gens,  and created/written by Deborh Davis, alongside Louise Ironsid,  Avril E. Russell, and Chloë Moss, the eight-part historical drama tells the story of Marie Antoinette, an avant-garde young queen. The series is directed by Pete Travis and Geoffrey Enthoven.

With Claude Chelli and Margaux Balsan serving as producers on behalf of Capa Drama, as well as Alban Étienne and Stéphanie Chartreux for Banijay Studios France, and Christophe Toulemonde for Les Gens, filming for the series has began at various European historical places, such as the Châteaux of Versailles, Vaux-le-Vicomte, Lésigny, Champs, Voisins, and in the emblematic studios of Bry-sur-Marne. “Following on from the success of Versailles on BBC Two, we are excited to again bring the extravagance and excitement of French court life to UK viewers,” Stewart said.

Marie Antoinette was barely 14 years old when she left Austria to marry the Dauphin of France. Growing from a stubborn young princess navigating the rules of the French court under pressure to continue the Bourbon line, to a true fashion icon, she impressed with her natural charisma, and recreated life in Versailles in her image: free, independent and feminist ahead of time. “Marie Antoinette possesses an enduring fascination and Deborah Davis has a very singular vision for her story – we are truly delighted to be bringing this ambitious project to BBC Two and iPlayer,” Sue Deeks, Head of Programme Acquisitions, BBC, said.