Yet another developing Apple TV+ series is starting to take shape. As Variety recently reported, Tom Hiddleston will star opposite Claire Danes in the one-hour drama series “The Essex Serpent.”
Adapted from Sarah Perry’s novel of the same title, “The Essex Serpent” centers on Danes’ widowed Cora, who recently moved from London to the small town of Aldwinter in Essex. In an attempt to take a step away from the tumultuous events of her life and past relationship, Cora turns her interest towards the local myth of the Essex Serpent, a mysterious creature rumored to have returned to town. Opposite Danes’ Cora is Tom Hiddleston’s Will Ransome, a well-intentioned native of Aldwinter.
Hiddleston has been enjoying the MCU spotlight for his recurring performance as the mischievous Loki through the “Thor” and “Avengers” films, all culminating in his own upcoming Disney+ series, aptly titled “Loki.” He’s also celebrated for his roles in Guillermo del Toro’s “Crimson Peak,” Jim Jarmusch’s “Only Lovers Left Alive,” and Joanna Hogg’s “Archipelago.”
Danes may be best known for her performance as Juliet opposite Leonardo DiCaprio’s Romeo in Baz Luhrmann’s iteration on the famed Shakespeare tragedy, “Romeo and Juliet.” However, she’s also been the lead in Showtime’s acclaimed series, “Homeland.” In February, it was reported that Danes took over the leading “Essex Serpent” role from Keira Knightly, who left the project for personal reasons.
“The Essex Serpent” will be directed by Clio Bernard (“Dark River”) and written by Anna Symon (“Mrs. Wilson“). Both women are also serving as executive producers along with Jamie Laurenson, Hakan Kousetta, Patrick Walters, Iain Canning, and Emile Sherman. Andrea Cornwell and See-Saw Films are producing.