Production on 'Marie Antoinette' Season 2 Has Begun

Prepare to return to the world of Versailles: production on the second season of period drama Marie Antoinette is officially underway. The news comes alongside that the BBC has once again scooped up rights to broadcast Season 2 in the U.K. However, details about what fans can expect from the new episodes remain scarce. 

The Canal+ drama is created by Deborah Davis (The Favourite) and stars Emilia Schüle (Ku’damm 56/ 63) as the (in)famous French queen with Louis Cunningham (Bridgerton) as her husband, King Louis XVI. The first season of Marie Antoinette followed the story of the young Austrian archduchess’s arrival in France, as she struggled to adapt to life at the French court and win over her new husband, who initially showed little interest in her or in their duty to create an heir for the throne. Season 1 concluded with the long-awaited birth of the couple’s first child and the queen’s first flirtation with infidelity in the form of a Swedish count named Alex von Fersen. 

According to Variety, the show’s second outing will see the royal couple ruling France at the height of their power. But things are not as perfect as they seem, and the pair will face both an unprecedented financial crisis and incessant attacks from Provence and Chartres, which stir up the hatred of the nobles against them. (Something that, unfortunately, would have disastrous consequences in the years to come.)

“Following the great success of series one, we are delighted to return to Versailles for the next entertaining chapter in the eventful life of the charismatic and captivating Marie Antoinette," Head of BBC Program Acquisitions Sue Deeks said in a statement. 

Marie Antoinette is produced by Claude Chelli and Margaux Balsan for Capa Drama and Stéphanie Chartreux for Banijay Studios France. The Season 2 writing team is led by Louise Ironside (Call the Midwife), along with Charlotte Wolf (The Rising), Francesca Forristal (Blood, Sex & Royalty), and Andrew Bampfield (Versailles). Ed Bazalgette (Doctor Who) will direct the first four episodes, while Raf Reyntjens (Glad IJs) will direct the remaining four.

"The flawless, high-quality production is filled with glamourous talent and lavish locations, and we’re thrilled to offer a landmark new season of this unique interpretation of the fashionable French queen to global audiences," Cathy Payne, CEO of global distributor Banijay Rights said when the series was renewed.

The first season of Marie Antoinette sold to more than 147 territories, including to PBS Distribution in the U.S. Filming is expected to continue through the Fall, with an eye to a 2024 premiere date.