BBC acquires Marie Antoinette from The Favourite screenwriter

BBC Two and iPlayer has acquired Deborah Davis’ historical drama,
Marie Antoinette from Banijay Rights.

Screenwriter Davis, best known for her Bafta-winning film The Favourite, recreates the story of the incredibly modern and avant-garde young queen who was barely 14 years old when she left Austria to marry the Dauphin of France.

Free, independent and feminist ahead of her time, the fearless queen will be played by Emilia Schüle. 

Davis has teamed up on the eight-part drama with Louise Ironside (The Split), Avril E. Russell (All on a Summer’s Day) and Chloë Moss (Run Sister Run). The series is directed by Pete Travis (Bloodlands) and Geoffrey Enthoven (Children of Love).

Chris Stewart from Banijay Rights says: “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.”