A new epic historical drama series, entitled Domina, is set to air on Sky Atlantic and streaming service NOW. The eight-episode production, created and penned by Simon Burke (the TV series Zen and Fortitude), with Australian filmmaker Claire McCarthy (Ophelia, the TV series The Luminaries) on board as lead director, will bring to life the power struggles of Ancient Rome from a different perspective: that of the women.

In detail, the story follows Livia Drusilla’s journey from a naïve young girl whose world crumbles in the wake of Julius Caesar’s assassination, to Rome’s most powerful and influential empress, driven by a deep desire to avenge her father and secure power for her sons. Livia and her peers navigate their way through a brutal society by means of strategy, conspiracy, seduction and murder. She will soon discover that seizing power is not enough: you must be able to keep it when everyone else wants it. In the press release disclosing the series’ first-look images and trailer, the production is described as a “visceral and authentic family saga, grounded in historical accuracy and bringing to life the incredible true stories of the women who would go on to create one of the most enduring and fascinating dynasties of all time”.

Kasia Smutniak (Perfect Strangers [+lire aussi :
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bande-annonce
fiche film], Them) will play Livia Drusilla, with her younger counterpart played by Nadia Parkes (the TV series The Spanish Princess). They are supported by an international cast including Liam Cunningham (the TV series Game of Thrones) as Livius, Livia’s father; Colette Tchantcho (the TV series The Witcher) as Antigone, Livia’s best friend, ex-slave and closest ally; Matthew McNulty (the TV series Misfits) as the future emperor Gaius; Christine Bottomley (the TV series The End of the F***ing World) as Scribonia; Ben Batt (Captain America: The First Avenger) as Agrippa; Enzo Cilenti (Free Fire [+lire aussi :
critique
bande-annonce
fiche film]) as Tiberius Claudius Nero; and Claire Forlani (Meet Joe Black) as Claudia Octavia. Isabella Rossellini (Blue Velvet, Death Becomes Her) makes an appearance playing Balbina, an early enemy.

Domina was produced by the UK’s Fifty Fathoms, Tiger Aspect and Sky Studios, with Italy’s Cattleya providing executive production services. The series will air in May 2021 on Sky Atlantic and streaming service NOW. It will also air in the USA on EPIX in June. NBCUniversal Global Distribution is in charge of its international sales, on behalf of Sky Studios.

You can watch the trailer below: