'The Essex Serpent': 5 things to know about the upcoming Apple TV+ series

The limited series is based on Sarah Perry's British novel of the same name and will see Claire Danes and Tom Hiddleston in key roles
UPDATED APR 29, 2022
Claire Danes and Tom Hiddleston in a still from 'The Essex Serpent' (Apple TV+)
Claire Danes and Tom Hiddleston in a still from 'The Essex Serpent' (Apple TV+)

Claire Danes hangs up her CIA role from 'Homeland' to an investigator while Tom Hiddleston takes a break from playing 'God of Mischief' to play a pastor in Apple TV+'s new thriller drama, 'The Essex Serpent'. The limited series is based on Sarah Perry's British novel of the same name and will see the two stalwarts in key roles. 'Pirates of the Caribbean' star Keira Knightley was slated to play the role of Cora, a widow who moves to Essex to investigate news of a mythical snake.

In an interview with Vanity Fair, Hiddleston shared his two cents on the show. “I find it incredibly stimulating and invigorating,” Hiddleston said. “These characters are eloquent and articulate and deep thinkers who want to communicate their thinking to each other. It’s unusual to portray [people like that]…. You realize that both ways of thinking, both systems of belief, require a rigorous imagination.”

READ MORE

Claire Danes turned down Rose's role in 'Titanic' opposite Leonardo DiCaprio, says she has zero regrets

Can Disney copyright 'Loki'? Company slammed for removing Redbubble artwork after viral tweet

Release date

'The Essex Serpent' releases May 13, 2022, on Apple TV+. It will debut globally with the first two episodes on Friday, May 13, followed by one new episode weekly through June 10.

What is 'The Essex Serpent' about?

The drama is set in England and follows Cora (Danes), a widow who moves to Essex when she hears about a mythical serpent. Her investigation with a local pastor (Hiddleston) also sees the two form a complex, but intriguing relationship. The official synopsis reads, "The Essex Serpent” follows London widow Cora Seaborne (Claire Danes) who moves to Essex to investigate reports of a mythical serpent. She forms a surprising bond of science and skepticism with the local pastor (Tom Hiddleston), but when tragedy strikes, locals accuse her of attracting the creature." 

Who is in the Apple TV+ drama?

The much-awaited drama sees Claire Danes stars as Cora Seaborne, Tom Hiddleston as Will Ransome, Frank Dillane as Luke Garrett, Hayley Squires as Martha, Clémence Poésy as Stella Ransome, Jamael Westman as Dr. George Spencer, Dixie Egerickx as Jo Ransome, Michael Jibson as Matthew Evansford, and Ryan Reffell as John Ransome.

Claire Danes and Tom Hiddleston in a still from 'The Essex Serpent' (Apple TV+)

Showrunners/Executive Producers

Clio Barnard ('The Arbor') serves as the director based on the screenplay by Anna Symon. The duo also serves as EPs alongside Jamie Laurenson, Hakan Kousetta, Patrick Walters, Iain Canning, and Emile Sherman.

Trailer



 

RELATED TOPICS DISNEY+ NEWS

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

A new ‘White Lotus’ getaway may be taking shape, and if this casting rumor is true, season 4 could be its most dramatic stay yet.
9 hours ago
Kathleen Robertson and Mark Engelhardt have been cast in recurring roles for the third instalment
17 hours ago
Middle-earth is moving closer to its next chapter, and new signs suggest ‘The Rings of Power’ may return sooner than fans ever expected.
1 day ago
‘Euphoria’ footage is finally out and the first glimpse of Season 3 suggests that growing up may be far more dangerous than staying young.
1 day ago
A Reddit user recently shared a Google Earth image showing the words "Come Back" written on a pavement
1 day ago
'Pluribus' reunited Gilligan with his long-time collaborators, music supervisor Thomas Golubić and music composer Dave Porter
1 day ago
Viewers are left wondering whether 'Heated Rivalry' will follow the books closely or embrace the subtle changes hinted at by the cast.
1 day ago
‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’ Season 2 dropped on December 10, 2025, and Rick Riordan has already teased something incredible for Season 3
2 days ago
In the latest 'Pluribus' episode, titled 'The Gap', Rhea Seehorn's Carol grapples with her longing for human interaction
2 days ago
After years in development, ‘Skinny Dip’ lands at Prime Video with Amanda Seyfried in the lead role of Joey Perrone
2 days ago