Starz has revealed the trailer for Season 2 of “The Serpent Queen,” starring Samantha Morton. Featuring eight episodes, the second season of the historical drama series will return to the platform July 12.
Based on the book “Catherine de Medici: Renaissance Queen of France” by Leonie Frieda, the series details the life of the titular Queen Catherine (Morton), one of the longest-serving rulers in French history. She ruled the country for 50 years. The first season followed the young royal as she married into the 16th-century French court at 14 after being orphaned.
Catherine de Medici becomes the Queen Regent of France in the second season, as her son Charles IX has come of age. The trailer sees the royal try to avoid civil war in the country and going head to head with Queen Elizabeth I of England (Minnie Driver).
Related Stories
“Life is about what you’re willing to do to survive,” the Queen Regent states in the trailer. “And I am willing to do anything.”
Popular on Variety
As a new mysterious prophet named Edith gains a following that threatens to challenge the religious establishment, tensions across France are high. Catherine de Medici struggles to maintain power throughout the political and religious turmoil, but will continue to vie for control.
Driver joins the second season along with Angus Imrie, Emma McDonald, Stanley Morgan, Philippine Velge, Rosalie Craig, Isobel Jesper Jones, Bill Milner, Ashley Thomas and Alexandre Willaume.
Justin Haythe adapted the book for TV and serves as an executive producer alongside Francis Lawrence and Erwin Stoff. Lionsgate Television and 3 Arts Entertainment produce the series.
Watch the trailer for the second season below.