BBC First Australia holds court for Canal+’s ‘Marie Antoinette’

Marie Antoinette

BBC First in Australia has acquired upcoming French-British historical drama Marie Antoinette, following a deal with distributor Banijay Rights.

Produced by Banijay Studios France, CAPA Drama and Les Gens for France’s Canal+, the eight-part series was created and written by Deborah Davis (The Favourite) and tells the story of the modern and avant-garde young queen, played by Emilia Schüle (Ku’damm 56/63).

The series is directed by Pete Travis (Bloodlands) and Geoffrey Enthoven (Children Of Love) and produced by Claude Chelli and Margaux Balsan for Capa Drama, Alban Étienne and Stéphanie Chartreux for Banijay Studios France, and Christophe Toulemonde for Les Gens.

Marie Antoinette was barely 14 years old when she left Austria to marry the Dauphin of France. Growing from a stubborn young princess navigating the rules of the French court under pressure to continue the Bourbon line, to a true fashion icon, she impressed with her natural charisma, and recreated life in Versailles in her image: free, independent and feminist ahead of time.

Chrissie Carras, head of branded services, BBC Studios Australia and New Zealand, commented: “We’re delighted to bring this epic drama to Australian audiences. It’s a fascinating story which will keep audiences enthralled from beginning to end.”

Kell Hoddinott, VP of sales for Australia and New Zealand, Banijay Rights, added: “Boasting outstanding scenery and performances, Marie Antoinette is continuing to gain strong traction worldwide.

“It’s an absolute delight to secure this deal with BBC First and we are in no doubt Australian audiences will fall in love with this series.”