Banijay and Newen recently announced that its landmark historical drama, "Marie Antoinette," has been ordered for a second series by CANAL+. "Without a doubt, Marie Antoinette has been a popular drama with our buyers worldwide, and this is testament to the world-class producers in France who have created a premium, returning series for the international market," Cathy Payne, CEO of Banijay Rights said.
"Marie Antoinette" is produced by Claude Chelli and Margaux Balsan for Capa Drama, Stéphanie Chartreux for Banijay Studios France. The Canalsecond + Creation Originale, produced by Capa Drama, Banijay Studios France, will be distributed globally by Banijay Rights. Ed Bazalgette will direct the first four episodes.
The first series has been sold to over 70 territories, including PBS Distribution in the US, BBC First in Australia and BBC Two and iPlayer in the UK, which reported consolidated viewing figures of 2.1 million for its premiere in 2022, and a slate of broadcasters across Europe and LatAm. Filming is scheduled to begin in autumn.
Created by Deborah Davis, the new series, "Marie Antoinette," will continue the story of the young queen, played by Emilia Schüle, with Louis Cunningham as the king of France, Louis XVI. The season two writing team is led by Louise Ironside, joined by Charlotte Wolf, Francesca Forristal and Andrew Bampfield. At the height of their power, while Marie-Antoinette and Louis face an unprecedented financial crisis. The attacks of Provence and Chartres against the royal couple produce hatred of the nobles while disastrous consequences are looming with The Affair of the Necklace. "The flawless, high-quality production is filled with glamourous talent and lavish locations, and we’re thrilled to offer a landmark new season of this unique interpretation of the fashionable French queen to global audiences.”