'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



 

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Miley Cyrus revisits her ‘Hannah Montana’ era with surprises, candid confessions, and unexpected moments.
49 minutes ago
The premiere of 'Daredevil' Season 2 teases the return of a major Netflix Marvel hero, one who Matt Murdock is very familiar with
2 hours ago
‘School Spirit’ starring Peyton List and Milo Manheim has been greenlit for a fourth season on Paramount+
2 hours ago
Miley Cyrus brings humor and surprise to the ‘Hannah Montana’ anniversary event, with candid moments and playful jabs.
2 hours ago
The second season of the action-adventure series will delve into Murdock's fight against Fisk's rule over New York City
3 hours ago
‘The Americans’ gets a bold Korean reimagining at Disney+, with big names attached and early doubts giving way to curiosity around the project.
4 hours ago
Netflix shared pictures from the sets of 'Nobody Wants This' featuring the cast and crew returning for the show's third installment
4 hours ago
The Season 2 premiere raises the stakes as Murdock prepares to team up with other vigilantes to take down Fisk
5 hours ago
While the series might feature ample drama in 'Bridgerton,' fans familiar with the book know how it all ends for Francesca.
15 hours ago
'Punisher: One Last Kill' has the perfect release date sandwiched between 'Daredevil: Born Again' Season 2 finale and 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day.'
16 hours ago