“Becoming Elizabeth” Release Date And Cast For New Starz Drama

TL; DR:
- Become Elizabeth premieres June 12 on Starz.
- The eight-episode series offers a glimpse into the life of the future Queen Elizabeth during the tumultuous time after the death of her father, Henry VIII.
- Alicia von Rittberg plays Elizabeth, Romola Garai plays Mary Tudor, Olivier Zetterstrom plays Edward Tudor, and Bella Ramsey plays Lady Jane Grey.
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Get ready for bloodier Tudor drama. The new Starz series Become Elizabeth premieres June 12. Here’s what we know about the series, which stars Alicia von Rittberg as the daughter of England’s King Henry VIII.
‘Becoming Elizabeth’ offers a new look at ‘England’s most iconic queen’
On-screen portrayals of Elizabeth I abound. Bette Davis, Cate Blanchett, Helen Mirren and Margot Robbie are among the long list of actors who have portrayed the Virgin Queen on television and in film. But she is usually seen in the years following her accession to the throne in 1558. Become Elizabeth, however, reflects on his early life, particularly the period after the death of his father, Henry VIII.
“Elizabeth I is ‘England’s most iconic Queen’, Become Elizabethsaid executive producer and screenwriter Anya Reiss in a statement. “We think we know her…. We don’t. Long before she ascended the throne, her story, and that of those around her, is one of ambition and betrayal.
Alicia von Rittberg plays Elizabeth, Romola Garai plays her half-sister Mary Tudor
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Become Elizabeth begins shortly after Henry’s death in 1547. Edward, Elizabeth’s nine-year-old brother, becomes king. But Edward’s place on the throne is far from assured. Meanwhile, orphan Elizabeth becomes embroiled in court politics. As the men around her attempt to claim sovereignty, she struggles to control her own destiny.
Elizabeth is played by von Rittberg, a German actor who appeared in the film Fury and the Netflix series Charity. The young princess is a teenager when her father dies, but she believes she is old enough to negotiate the complicated dynamics at court.
Oliver Zetterstrom plays young Edward. Romola Garai plays Elizabeth’s half-sister Mary Tudor, a devoted Catholic who has her own claim to the throne of England.
Call the midwife The former Jessica Raine plays Henry’s widow, Catherine Parr. She was a force to be reckoned with during Henry’s reign, but as power dynamics change after his death, she is left out. But with Henry gone, she is free to marry her lover Thomas Seymour (Tom Cullen). But he has his own plans and his gaze soon lands on Elizabeth.
Become ElizabethThe cast also includes:
- John Heffernan as Edward Seymour, the Duke of Somerset
- Jamie Blackley as Elizabeth Robert Dudley’s childhood friend
- Kat Ashley as Alexandra Gilbreath
- Jamie Parker as John Dudley
- Leo Bill as Henry Gray
- Bella Ramsey as Lady Jane Gray
- Ekow Quartey as Pedro, a Spanish mercenary
- Alex Macqueen as Stephen Gardiner, a Catholic bishop
- Olivier Huband as Spanish Ambassador Guzman
How to watch “Becoming Elizabeth”
Become Elizabeth premieres Sunday, June 12 at 9 p.m. ET on Starz. The first episode will also be available to stream on the Starz app and all Starz streaming and on-demand platforms beginning at midnight June 12.
New episodes will debut on Sundays through August 7. There will be eight episodes in total.
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