Actor Raza Jaffrey Joins 16th Century Drama ‘The Serpent Queen’ on Starz
Blake Lively and British Indian actor Raza Jaffrey attend the screening of “The Rhythm Section” at Brooklyn Academy of Music Jan. 27, 2020 in New York City. (Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
India-West Staff Reporter
Raza Jaffrey, who is known for playing a variety of roles in popular shows as “Code Black,” “The Enemy Within” and “Homeland,” has been cast in the upcoming Starz drama series, “The Serpent Queen.”
The British Indian actor will play the role of Francois Guise in the period drama series based on the book, “Catherine de Medici: Renaissance Queen of France,” by Leonie Frieda.
Golden Globe winner, two-time Academy Award and two-time BAFTA Award-nominated actress Samantha Morton (“The Walking Dead”) has been cast to star as the nefarious Catherine de Medici.
The eight-episode series was written and is executive produced by Justin Haythe (“Revolutionary Road”). It is produced for STARZ by Lionsgate Television and 3 Arts Entertainment.
“The Serpent Queen,” said Starz, is a cunning account of one of the most influential women ever to wear a crown.
Considered an immigrant, common and plain, Catherine de Medici is married into the 16th century French court as an orphaned teenager expected to bring a fortune in dowry and produce many heirs, only to discover that her husband 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.
“The Serpent Queen” will air on STARZ in the U.S. and Canada and on its international premium streaming platform Starzplay across Europe, Latin America, and Japan.
Alongside playing his recurring role in the Netflix series, “Lost In Space,” Jaffrey was most recently seen in “The Rhythm Section,” co-starring Blake Lively and Jude Law.
His forthcoming projects include the high-profile Netflix revenge thriller, “Sweet Girl,” and the upcoming AMC animated series, “Pantheon and Renny Harlin’s Refuge.”
