You know what Helen Mirren holds in her hand in the trailer for HBO miniseries “Catherine the Great”? “Absolute power.”
That’s not the only great line of from the Oscar winner in the one-minute, 10-second preview.
“When I was young I dreamed of freedom, I dreamed of breaking chains,” Catherine (Mirren) says. “But, as you get older your choices narrow. So, instead I gave us an empire, but I knew exactly what I was doing.”
And this warning: “I will not share my throne with anyone.” That includes you, Grigory.
Watch the trailer above.
In the four-part historical drama, co-produced by HBO and Sky, Mirren plays the 18th-century Russian empress who is described as “strong-minded, independent, brilliantly intelligent and sexually liberated — the definition of the modern woman.”
“Catherine the Great” will follow Catherine toward the end of her reign, during her passionate affair with Grigory Potemkin, played by Jason Clarke. Amid scandal, intrigue and immense conflict, they develop a unique and devoted relationship, overcoming their adversaries and together serving as the architects of modern-day Russia.
The drama is written by Nigel Williams and directed by Philip Martin, whose credits include “The Crown.” Mirren and Martin also serve as executive producers, alongside David M. Thompson of Origin Pictures and Charlie Pattinson of New Pictures.
“Catherine the Great” premieres this fall.