Here’s Your First Look at Helen Mirren as Catherine the Great for HBO Miniseries

Four-episode drama also adds five to supporting cast

Catherine the Great Helen Mirren
Hal Shinnie/HBO

HBO has released a first-look photo of Helen Mirren in costume as Catherine the Great for the upcoming miniseries of the same name.

In the four-part historical drama, co-produced by HBO and Sky, Mirren plays the 18th-century Russian empress who is described as “strong-minded, independent, brilliantly intelligent and sexually liberated — the definition of the modern woman.”

“Catherine the Great” will follow Catherine toward the end of her reign, during her passionate affair with Grigory Potemkin, played by Jason Clarke. Amid scandal, intrigue and immense conflict, they develop a unique and devoted relationship, overcoming their adversaries and together serving as the architects of modern-day Russia.

Five additional actors have also been announced for the series.

Gina McKee (“The Borgias”) will play Countess Bruce, Catherine’s lifelong friend and confidante. Rory Kinnear (“The Imitation Game”) will play Minister Panin, a skillful politician, advisor and governor to Catherine’s son.

Richard Roxburgh (“Rake”) and Kevin R. McNally (“Turn”) will play Grigory Orlov, one of Catherine’s former lovers, and his brother, Alexei Orlov, who together helped orchestrate the coup that brought Catherine to power. Sam Palladio (“Nashville”) will play Alexander Vasilchikov, Catherine’s young lover.

The drama is written by Nigel Williams and directed by Philip Martin, whose credits include “The Crown.” Mirren and Martin also serve as executive producers, alongside David M. Thompson of Origin Pictures and Charlie Pattinson of New Pictures.

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