Based on the novel Catherine de Medici: Renaissance Queen of France by Leonie Frieda, the drama depicts the life of Catherine de Medici. Considered an immigrant, common and plain, she was married into the French court as an orphaned teenager expected to bring a fortune in dowry and produce many heirs, only to discover that her husband, King Henry II, is in love with an older woman, her dowry is unpaid and she's unable to conceive. Yet, only with her intelligence and determination, she manages to keep her marriage alive and masters the bloodsport that is the monarchy better than anyone else, ruling France for 50 years during the 16th century.
Haythe will executive produce with Francis Lawrence, Erwin Stoff and director Stacie Passon. Lionsgate Television and 3 Arts Entertainment will produce.
"The Serpent Queen may be the most cunning account of one of the most influential women ever to wear a crown that Starz has told," said Christina Davis, President of Original Programming, Starz. "We are thrilled to be working with such an incredibly talented team who will give this series a modern voice among a sensational historical backdrop."
"Writing Catherine and her story has been truly exciting as she is a very complex leading character who becomes a skilled ruler, battling extraordinary political and personal odds throughout her reign," added Haythe. "She is a Queen who defies convention, as she relies upon her intellect, her unusual entourage and a ready supply of black magic inspiring, centuries later, the Evil Queen of fairy tales."
