“The Serpent Queen” has been canceled after season 2 on Starz.
A spinoff series focused on Queen Elizabeth The First is currently in development at the network as it looks to continue its partnership with “The Serpent Queen” executive producers Erwin Stoff and Justin Haythe.
Set in the 16th century, the series stars Samantha Morton as Catherine de’ Medici, Queen of France, as she faces political challenges as a teenager to seize control and rule the country for thirty years .
While no casting for the Queen Elizabeth spin-off has yet been revealed, Minnie Driver guest-starred as the British Monarch in season 2 of ‘The Serpent Queen’.
Based on the book “Catherine de Medici: Renaissance Queen of France” by Leonie Frieda, “The Serpent Queen” also starred Amrita Acharia, Barry Atsma, Enzo Cilenti, Sennia Nanua and Kiruna Stamell. The series used fourth wall breaks and contemporary music to modernize the Renaissance-era story. The show’s second season, which ended in late August, ended with the events of the St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre, which left thousands dead in 1572.
“The Serpent Queen” comes from 3 Arts Entertainment and Lionsgate Television. In addition to Haythe and Stoff, executive producers included Stacie Passon and Francis Lawrence. Nick O’Hagan was the producer.
Variety gave the series’ first season a generally positive review, with former TV critic Caroline Framke writing: “The show as it actually exists doesn’t have to try so hard to look different. The simple version of ‘Serpent Queen,’ anchored by two very capable actors and chronicling the history of a uniquely fascinating woman, is satisfying enough.”
Deadline broke the news.