Starz’s ‘Becoming Elizabeth’ Has Found Its Queen Elizabeth I

Starz has cast German actress Alicia von Rittberg to play young Queen Elizabeth I in its eight-episode series “Becoming Elizabeth.”

“Becoming Elizabeth,” which comes from British playwright Anya Reiss, centers on young Elizabeth Tudor (Rittberg), an orphaned teenager who becomes embroiled in the political and sexual politics of the English court on her journey to secure the crown.

In case you’re wondering right about here, Netflix’s “The Crown” follows the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, the current monarch of the United Kingdom, who came into power like 400 years later.

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Elizabeth I was the daughter of Henry VIII and his second wife Anne Boleyn, who was famously beheaded when Elizabeth was just two years old. Despite the marriage being annulled and Elizabeth declared illegitimate, after a long journey filled with scheming, betrayal and illicit relationships that threatened to bring forth her demise, Elizabeth ultimately ascended to the throne and ruled for 45 years.

Alongside Reiss, George Ormond and George Faver executive produce “Becoming Elizabeth.” The miniseries has an all-women writing team.

Deadline first reported news of the casting.

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