Minnie Driver dons a corset to portray Elizabeth I in 'The Serpent Queen'
The delightfully wicked drama 'The Serpent Queen' takes an even more mischievous turn today with Minnie Driver stepping into the role of Elizabeth I, opposite Samantha Morton’s Catherine de Medici.
These two groundbreaking women were unparalleled in their time. Creator and showrunner Justin Haythe takes creative liberties, bringing them together in Paris for a dramatic face-to-face meeting that never occurred historically, despite their lively correspondence.
In an exclusive interview with Parade, Driver shared what drew her to the role: “Justin crafted an Elizabeth with a sharp wit,” she said. “I wanted to capture a slightly wild quality in her. Even stripped of everything, she could bare-knuckle fight anyone, but she's confined by her attire and status. Her wit and physicality are extraordinary. I envisioned who she was beneath it all and who she became in her ‘armor.’”
In Driver’s debut episode, “Death of a Prince,” the prophet Edith’s (Isobel Jesper Jones) miracles stir Europe. The Bourbons (Nick Burns as Antoine and Danny Kirrane as Louis) leverage this to give Elizabeth I an edge over France, prompting Catherine to rush back to France after Anjou’s (Stanley Morgan) temper endangers Hercule (Scott Folan).
Driver, a long-time admirer of Elizabeth I, revealed the physical toll of wearing elaborate costumes that required ice packs in the heat during filming. She discussed why history views Elizabeth more favorably than Catherine, despite both being ahead of their time.
Elizabeth's modern sensibilities are evident in the show. In one scene, she wears pantaloons, a modern touch suggested by costume designer Karen Muller Serreau. “During her dance lessons, why wouldn’t she wear lace pantaloons? There was an eccentricity to her.”
The costumes, though stunning, were brutal. “The weight and the pinching of the corsets were intense. My costume and wigs weighed about 75 pounds, and it was over 100 degrees daily without air conditioning. Ice packs and fans were lifesavers, and the crew took great care of us.”
These women were ahead of their time, adding to the appeal. “Playing Elizabeth was a dream, especially alongside Samantha. It’s rare to go head-to-head with another actress in such a powerful way. The show imagines their meeting brilliantly, showcasing them as formidable businesswomen, not rivals, but boss ladies.”
History has been kinder to Elizabeth than to Catherine de Medici. “Women who fight their way to the top, like Catherine, are often labeled negatively. Elizabeth, born into her role and having suffered early on, was seen as a righteous ruler. Despite facing constant threats, she was just and strong, whereas Catherine had to claw her way up. The class system offers more forgiveness to those born into power.”
'The Serpent Queen' airs new episodes Fridays at midnight on the STARZ app and at 8 p.m. ET/PT on STARZ in the U.S.