Becoming Elizabeth Explained

Creator:Anya Reiss
Composer:Tim Phillips
Language:English
Num Seasons:1
Num Episodes:8
Producer:Lisa Osborne
Company:The Forge
Network:Starz

Becoming Elizabeth is a historical drama television series, created by Anya Reiss, that follows the younger years of Queen Elizabeth I, who lived in the 16th century. It premiered on Starz on 12 June 2022[1] and Channel 4 on 15 June. In October 2022, the series was cancelled.

Plot

The series follows the younger years of the only surviving child of Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII, Queen Elizabeth I, who starts out in the story as an orphaned teenager who becomes embroiled in the politics of the English court on her journey towards the crown. Before cancellation, the series covered almost the full reign of her younger half brother, Edward VI.

Cast and characters

Production

Development

In December 2019, it was announced Starz had greenlit an 8-episode series focusing on the younger years of Queen Elizabeth I created by Anya Reiss, who would also serve as an executive producer.[2] In October 2022, it was announced that Starz had cancelled the show and there would be no season 2 covering the reign of Mary I.[3]

Casting

In October 2020, Alicia von Rittberg joined the cast of the series.[4] In May 2021, Romola Garai, Jessica Raine, Tom Cullen, Bella Ramsey, Oliver Zetterström, John Heffernan, Jamie Blackley, Jacob Avery, Alexandra Gilbreath, Leo Bill, Ekow Quartey, Alex Macqueen and Oliver Huband joined the cast of the series.[5]

Filming

Principal photography began in December 2020.[6] In March 2021, production took place at Cardiff Castle.[7]

Reception

On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 88% of 16 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 6.9/10. The website's consensus reads, "Angsty as a disgruntled teenager and all the better for it, Becoming Elizabeth finds fresh drama in the Tudors by shifting focus onto the royal court's web of spiders.".[8] Particular praise was given to Romola Garai in her role as Mary Tudor, with many commentating that she stole the show. Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned a score of 73 out of 100 based on 11 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[9]

The series was repeated in the UK on Channel 4 from 15 July 2023.[10]

Notes and References

  1. Lenker. Maureen Lee. See the trailer for the sexy new Starz Tudor drama all about a young Elizabeth I. Entertainment Weekly. April 21, 2022. April 21, 2022.
  2. Web site: Starz Greenlights 'Becoming Elizabeth' From UK Producer The Forge. Deadline Hollywood. Jake. Kanter. December 3, 2019. May 13, 2021.
  3. Web site: Cordero. Rosy. 'Becoming Elizabeth' Canceled At Starz After One Season. Deadline Hollywood. November 2, 2022. November 2, 2022.
  4. Web site: 'Becoming Elizabeth': Alicia Von Rittberg To Star As Young Elizabeth I In Starz Series. Deadline Hollywood. Nellie. Andreeva. October 27, 2020. May 13, 2021.
  5. Web site: 'Becoming Elizabeth': Romola Garai, Jessica Raine, Tom Cullen, Bella Ramsey, More Join Alicia von Rittberg In Starz Series. Deadline Hollywood. Denise. Petski. May 11, 2021. May 13, 2021.
  6. Web site: Filming begins on Becoming Elizabeth. The Knowledge Online. Nia. Daniels. December 7, 2020. May 13, 2021.
  7. Web site: Cardiff Castle transformed into film set for new TV drama Becoming Elizabeth. Media Wales. Thomas. Deacon. March 25, 2021. May 13, 2021.
  8. Web site: . Becoming Elizabeth: Season 1 (2022) . June 23, 2022 . Fandango Media.
  9. Web site: . Becoming Elizabeth . June 23, 2022 . Red Ventures.
  10. Web site: Becoming Elizabeth . July 17, 2023 . Channel 4.

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