Hollywood News: ‘Mary & George’ Series Premiere Sparks Controversy
Spilling History’s Best-Kept Secret
In a jaw-dropping premiere, the daring new historical drama ‘Mary & George’ recently tackled the intriguing story of the little-known love affairs of James VI and I, one of the most significant reigns in British history. The mold-breaking series, which premiered on Starz, sheds light on the shocking truth of James’ deeply understood sexuality and the remarkable influence of Mary and George Villiers in the seduction of the king.
Unearthing a Hidden Era of British History
Kept in the shadows and faced with significant historical omissions, James’ reign has long been overlooked by dramatists. However, the visionary television producer Liza Marshall, known for her work in the LGBTQ+ genre, stumbled upon the secret history of James during a fortuitous encounter with a lecture on the sexuality of James VI and I. Determined to bring this untold story to the forefront, Marshall collaborated with celebrated writer D.C. Moore to develop ‘Mary & George.’
Unmasking the protagonists: Mary and George Villiers
Ingeniously depicted by the unmatched Julianne Moore and the talented Nicholas Galitzine, ‘Mary & George’ shares the tale of Mary Villiers, a remarkable aristocrat, and her seductive son, George. Fascinated by the power that being the lover of a king can hold, Mary orchestrates a shocking plan to secure her family’s social standing. George, initially hesitant, falls headlong into temptation, allowing lust and intrigue to guide him as he transforms into a formidable political figure.
The Plot Thickens: Intrigue, Scandal, and Power
Throughout the shifting tides of the series, power and manipulation become the foundations of the Villiers family’s ascent. Writer D.C. Moore and producer Liza Marshall reveal their mesmerizing tale through cleverly crafted scenes that depict a lascivious court, encounters filled with intrigue, and the mesmerizing force of sex and intimacy. Indulgence, corruption, and the fickle nature of power come into play as Mary and George become entangled in a world where the stakes are nothing short of life or death.
King James: History’s Neglected Hero
With James often erased from historical memory, ‘Mary & George’ resurrects his significant contributions and furthers our understanding of the Jacobean era. James’ unyielding belief in the divine right of kings, his orchestrations behind the scenes that ultimately shaped the founding of America, and his commissioning of the historical translation of the Bible commonly found in hotel rooms in the United States all confirm the scale of his legacy.
Redefining Historical Narratives
‘Mary & George’ unapologetically challenges the conventional historical narratives of the Jacobean era. By placing women and queer characters at the heart of a long-overdue retelling, the series confronts the erasure and denial that has cloaked previous cultural interpretations.
‘Mary & George’ airs Fridays on Starz, offering viewers a thrilling journey through the untold era of King James’ life and the mesmerizing exploits of Mary and George Villiers.
