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