āVikingsā Actor George Blagden to Play Louis XIV in āVersaillesā [1],[2],[3],[4],[5]
George Blagden and the nymph Alexia Giardano |
āVikingsā thesp George Blagden is set to playĀ Louis XIV in āVersailles,ā the high-profile series directed by āYves Saint Laurentā helmer Jalil Lespert for French pay TV network Canal Plus.Ā
Google: Faye and Georgia naked together in Versailles …?
This is an old project for Canal Plus France. Announced in 2010 with an order for twelve episodes (Season 1), the production of Versailles was postponed indefinitely due to the lack of funds.
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The production resumed in 2013. The series had its first season reduced to ten episodes and some changes to the original script to accommodate for the new budget. Filming began in July 2014 and will continue until the end of Feb 2015. Premiere date set for November 1 (France).Ā
George as Louis XIV and Sarah Winter [1] as Louise de La Valliere in Versailles |
English is the prilanguage in Versailles, in order to facilitate sale for the international market.Ā
Created by the couple Andre and Maria Jacquemetton, both of Mad Men, the series had their scripts rewritten by Simon Mirren (Criminal Minds), nephew of actress Helen Mirren, and David Wolstencroft (Spooks).Ā
The story is set during the period of construction of the Palace of Versailles, and follows several characters that are part of the court of Louis XIV.
Series opens in 1667.Ā Louis is 28 years old and the sole commander of his kingdom following his motherās death. Burdened by insecurity brought on memories of his childhood trauma ā a bitter coup attempt known as āthe Frondeā ā he creates a trap at Versailles to ensnare and disempower the nobles who threaten him.
The first season sees Louis evolve from a young King into an absolute monarch, a 17th century rock star with the mind of Machiavelli.
The show also delves into Louis XIVās ambivalent relationship with his younger brother, an openly gay warrior who was known as Monsieur, and the kingās affair with his sister-in-law, Henrietta (Dominic Blanc) of England, explained Claude Chelli, head of Capa Drama.
Also in the cast are Amira Casar, Tygh Runyan (Stargate Universe), Stuart Bowman, NoĆ©mie Schmidt, Evan Williams, Anna Brewster (The Tudors, Silent Witness), Sarah Winter, Anatole Taubman (The Pillars of Earth), Lizzie BrocherĆ© (American Horror Story, Braquo), Elisa Lasowski (Game of Thrones), Maddison Jaizani (Tyrant), Peter Hudson (Pigalle, La Nuit) and Gilly Gilchrist (Lip Service).Ā
Estimated at around 27 million Euros, the series has 11 million from French producer Cover Drama.Ā
The remaining amount is divided between national and international investors. Among them, Canal Plus, Marathon Productions, Zodiak Rights, which handles international distribution, and the Canadian producer Incendo. The second season is already under development.
Directed by Jalil Lespert, and three directors, the series uses the palace as a location, but also makes use of CGI effects to recreate scenarios of the time. Also, have been reproduced in several studios rooms of the palace, to facilitate the filming, as the site could only be used when it was closed to the public.
Sarah Winter
with Anna Brewster |
Anna Brewster
Alexia Giordano
Maddie Jaizani
Meet Sophie- keep your eyes peeled forĀ Ā ‘Versailles’ trailer. Brand new series coming Sooon pic.twitter.com/8FDOhn2xFH
ā Maddie JaizaniĀ (@Maddiejaizanix) September 11, 2014
@Thomas_C_B hard work paying off more like! Yes I am š in a drama about Louis XIV And all the shenanigans that went onĀ @Thomas_C_B
ā Maddie JaizaniĀ (@Maddiejaizanix) September 11, 2014