Samantha Morton stars as Catherine de’ Medici, with Amrita Acharia as Aabis and Barry Atsma as the Duc de Guise in the historical drama The Serpent Queen.
Main cast
- Catherine de’ MediciSamantha Morton1-2Main
- Rahima / AabisAmrita Acharia1-2Main
- Charles Cardinal de LorraineBarry Atsma1-2Main
Supporting cast
- Diane de PoitiersLudivine Sagnier1Supp
- King Henri IIStanley Weber1Supp
- Antoinette de GuiseColm Meaney1Supp
- Mary, Queen of ScotsAntonia Clarke1-2Supp
- King Francis IIDanny Kirrane1Supp
- LeoneEnyi Okoronkwo1-2Supp
- Pier de RonsardRebecca Humphries1Supp
- Mathilde / AabisSennia Nanua1Supp
- Charles IXAlex Heath2Supp
- Henri, Duc d’Anjou / Henri IIILouis Hilyer2Supp
Guest & voice
- Navarre / Jeanne d’AlbretRosie Benjamin2Guest
- Emmanuel Philibert, Duke of SavoyRory Alexander1Guest
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About this cast
The Serpent Queen is a historical drama series centred on Catherine de’ Medici, the Italian-born queen of France who became one of the most powerful women of the 16th century. The series traces her rise from an orphaned teenager in a hostile court to a shrewd and often ruthless ruler. Samantha Morton leads the cast, supported by a large ensemble of French nobility and mercenaries.
FAQs
Who plays Catherine de’ Medici in The Serpent Queen?
Catherine de’ Medici is played by Samantha Morton.
Where was The Serpent Queen filmed?
The series was filmed primarily in France and the UK, with locations including the Château de Chambord and other Loire Valley châteaux.
How many seasons of The Serpent Queen are there?
As of 2025, there are two seasons; the first aired in 2022 and the second in 2024.
Is The Serpent Queen based on a true story?
Yes, it is loosely based on the life of Catherine de’ Medici, drawing on historical events, though characters and events are dramatised for television.
Who plays the young Catherine de’ Medici?
Young Catherine is played by actress Sennia Nanua in flashback scenes in season 1.
Sources & where to watch: IMDb · Wikipedia · Where to watch (JustWatch UK) · Updated June 2026