‘Mary and George’ Trailer: Julianne Moore Is Her Son’s Madame in True Story of Racy Royals

Samantha Bergeson
·2 min read

Julianne Moore is weaving a delicious web of deceit with the help of her onscreen son, played by Nicholas Galitzine.

Oscar winner Moore stars as Mary Villiers, Countess of Buckingham, who set her sights on the royal throne by employing her son George (Galitzine) to seduce King James I (Tony Curran). The 17th century-set series “Mary and George” co-stars Nicola Walker, Niamh Algar, Trine Dyrholm, Sean Gilder, Adrian Rawlins, Mark O’Halloran, Laurie Davidson, Samuel Blenkin, Jacob McCarthy, Tom Victor, Simon Russell Beale, Amelia Gething, Mirren Mack, Rina Mahoney, and Alice Grant.

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“Mary and George” is created by “Killing Eve” screenwriter and playwright D.C. Moore, who wrote the series after being inspired by Benjamin Woolley’s nonfiction book “The King’s Assassin.” Hermanus helms the seven-episode psychodrama series as lead director. Additional directors include Alex Winckler and International Emmy-Award winner Florian Cossen.

The official synopsis reads: “Mary Villiers (Moore), Countess of Buckingham, molded her beautiful son, George (Galitzine), to seduce King James I and become his all-powerful lover in 17th century England. Through outrageous scheming, the pair rose from humble beginnings to become one of the richest, most titled and influential players the English court had ever seen, and the King’s most trusted advisors.”

Galitzine’s George is described as a “na?ve romantic” who was groomed by his “ruthless mother” Mary to stop at nothing to secure the crown.

The show is produced by Hera Pictures in association with Sky Studios, and will premiere as a Starz original series in the U.S. and Canada.

“‘Mary and George’ is the perfect complement to Starz’s provocative slate and we’re thrilled to partner with Sky Studios to bring this extraordinary series to U.S. audiences,” Alison Hoffman, President of Domestic Networks for Starz, said. “We can’t wait for the world to discover the untold story of Mary Villiers, who mastered the art of sexual and political conquests in a male-dominated society. And to have Julianne leading this remarkable cast is a dream.”

“Mary and George” is executive produced by Liza Marshall for Hera Pictures alongside creator Moore, Oliver Hermanus, and actress Moore. Sam Hoyle serves as executive producer for Sky Studios.

In addition to “Mary and George,” the “May December” star Moore is set to lead
Pedro Almodóvar’s first English-language feature “The Room Next Door” alongside Tilda Swinton and John Turturro. Meanwhile, her “Mary and George” co-star Galitzine stars in “The Idea of You” with Anne Hathaway; the romance film closes the 2024 SXSW Film & TV Festival.

“Mary and George” premieres April 5 on Starz at 9 p.m. ET/PT and will be available at midnight on the Starz app. Check out the trailer below.

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