The ill-fated story of Anne Boleyn has been told several times on screen before – but never quite like this. Jodie Turner-Smith – who put in an incredible performance in Queen & Slim, and recently teamed up with Michael B. Jordan in action-thriller Without Remorse – is taking on the role for a new three-part historical drama that plays more like a psychological thriller, imagining the doomed queen's downfall from her perspective. All in all, it promises to be a fresh take on the tale of Henry VIII's second wife, and one of the most anticipated shows of the year – and Empire has an exclusive first look at the trailer.
Written by Eve Hedderwick Turner and with Lynsey Miller in the director's chair, Anne Boleyn will follow the final months of the titular royal's life from her perspective, as she struggles to secure a future for her daughter and challenge the powerful patriarchy that is closing like the jaws of a trap around her.
Even with her reserves of strength, Anne's fate is sealed – but she'll do everything she can before the inevitable. Paapa Essiedu, Mark Stanley, Lola Petticrew, Barry Ward, Jamael Westman (who played Alexander Hamilton in the original West End Hamilton production) and Amanda Burton are all in the cast for this one.
Anne Boleyn is coming later this month to Channel 5.