'The Spanish Princess' Casts Its Sir Thomas More
In May of 2019, Starz premiered The Spanish Princess, a new Tudor period drama, and the successor to its popular miniseries The White Princess. Starring Charlotte Hope as the titular Princess, Catherine of Aragon, the show tells the familiar story of King Henry VIII, but from Catherine's unfamiliar perspective.
The show's initial run will conclude in June, but Starz recently announced an eight-episode conclusion, though it's unclear when the second chapter of Catherine's story will return to the air.
Here's everything we know so far about the extension of the series.
The limited series begins with Catherine of Aragon setting sail for England, to marry Arthur, the Prince of Arthur.
While the show does feature their wedding, the marriage doesn't last long, and Arthur's mysterious death sets into motion the conflict of the series.
"She is Princess of Wales now, but when her husband Prince Arthur dies suddenly, the throne seems lost to Catherine," reads a description of the series.
"Until she claims her marriage was never consummated and that as a virgin she may set her sights on the new heir, the charismatic and headstrong Prince Harry who will one day rule as King Henry VIII."
Showrunner Matthew Graham further elaborated on the plot in a panel at the TCAs. “From the age of four she had been told God is giving you the throne of England. It was not superstition or faith–it was fact,” he said, according to Deadline.
"When circumstances changed and the throne seemed to be out of her grip, she refused to believe that was God’s will. She had to fulfill the destiny god had laid out for her... As writers we went along with the notion she believed this was the right thing to do for the stability of Europe."
Harry and Catherine 4eva ( / for 24 years...)
A post shared by Charlotte Hope (@charlottehope8) on Apr 23, 2019 at 6:13am PDT
Of course, it's an understatement to say that Catherine of Aragon and Henry VIII's relationship would be a tempestuous one. It would eventually have repercussions not only for England, but also the future of the Catholic church, but at least in the beginning, they were a “real love match,” insists Charlotte Hope, plays the Princess.
Undoubtedly, the back half of the series will explore how that "love match" turned sour.
There will be a break between the two sets of episodes.
While the first half of the series is currently on the air, it's unclear at this point, when the new episodes will air.
Emma Frost and Matthew Graham will continue to serve as showrunners and executive producers for the project.
"We are thrilled to tell the next chapter of Catherine of Aragon's story as she negotiates war, politics and marriage to the most dangerous King of England,” showrunners Frost and Graham and Graham said in a statement.
“As a company that always produces compelling and dynamic projects, Starz has been a great creative partner and we look forward to concluding Catherine's journey with them.”
Several members of the cast will reprise their roles.
Stars Charlotte Hope and Ruairi O’Connor return in their roles as Catherine of Aragon and Henry VIII. Stephanie Levi-John, Georgie Henley and Laura Carmichael are also returning.
There will be a few new faces in the series as well.
According to Deadline, Ray Stevenson is joining the cast to play Meg Tudor's husband King James IV of Scotland; Sai Benenett will play Princess Mary; Andrew Buchan will play Sir Thomas More; and Peter Egan will play General Howard.
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