Tom Hiddleston and Claire Danes will take the lead in Apple TV+’s adaptation of The Essex Serpent and, not only do we have a first look image, we also know when it’ll be coming to our screens. Here’s what you need to know.
Updated 6 January 2022: While it may seem like we’ve been eagerly anticipating new details on this upcoming drama for some time, we have good news: The Essex Serpent is confirmed for a 2022 release.
With an exact air date still yet to be announced, we can get excited for the fact that we don’t have too long to wait to binge-watch this period drama. We also have our first look at Homeland’s Claire Danes as Cora, which you can see here:
Updated on 7 April: We were already excited about The Essex Serpent when we learned that Claire Danes would be taking over from Keira Knightley as the lead in the TV adaptation of Sarah Perry’s best-selling novel.
Now, though, we’ve learned that the Homeland star will be joined by Emmy Award-nominee Tom Hiddleston in the new Apple Original drama. And we’re suddenly counting down the days until this series hits our screens!
Alongside Hiddleston, the newly announced cast for the series includes Frank Dillane, Hayley Squires, Clémence Poésy, and Jamael Westman.
Here’s what you need to know about the star-studded project.
What’s the plot of The Essex Serpent?
For those who have yet to read the award-winning tale, The Essex Serpent (set in 1893) follows the newly-widowed Cora as, released from her abusive marriage, she relocates to the small village of Aldwinter.
You may also like
Best historical dramas on Netflix: 13 series worth your time
There, she quickly becomes intrigued by a mythical creature known as the Essex Serpent (hence the title), and finds herself inexorably drawn to William Ransome, Aldwinter’s vicar, and his wife, Stella.
To say much more would veer us towards spoiler territory. Suffice to say, though, it’s a compelling read – which explains why The Essex Serpent was named the 2016 Book of the Year by both the British Book Awards and Waterstones.
Who stars in the cast of The Essex Serpent?
Danes will be portraying Cora, obviously, and Hiddleston will take on the role of William.
The rest of the cast will take on the following roles:
- Dillane will star as Luke Garrett, a pioneering young surgeon. Some call him a genius, others a liability. He’s headstrong and ambitious, and he meets his intellectual match in Cora.
- Squires will appear as Martha, who is more than just a servant in Cora’s household; she’s a highly intelligent and fiery young socialist, and Cora’s closest confidante.
- Poésy will star as Stella Ransome, who is friendly, sympathetic and adored by her husband Will and children. A beautiful soul inside and out, she becomes a firm friend of Cora’s when she arrives in Aldwinter.
- Westman will portray Dr George Spencer, Luke’s right hand man. An unexceptional surgeon he may be, but a kinder man you couldn’t hope to meet.
Who’s directing The Essex Serpent?
As reported on 11 February: The series will be directed by The Selfish Giant’s Clio Barnard, and is written by Anna Symon, who has been nominated for both BAFTA and Writer’s Guild awards thanks to her work on Mrs Wilson and Friday.
You may also like
Best ever period dramas streaming now, for anyone in need of some cosy viewing
When will The Essex Serpent be available to stream on Apple TV+?
Good news, folks: The Essex Serpent has been confirmed for a 2022 release date. While an exact date is yet to be confirmed, we’ll be sure to update as soon as we know more.
And, in the meantime, why not check out our pick of the best period dramas that are available to stream right now?
Happy viewing.
Image: Apple TV
Source: Read Full Article
