‘Catherine the Great’ first look: Helen Mirren stars as 18th century Russian Empress

Here’s the first promotional photo of Helen Mirren’s new TV drama about Catherine the Great.

HBO and Sky’s upcoming four-part mini-series will be set against the lavish backdrop of the politically ruthless 18th century Russian court.

Catherine the Great stars Helen Mirren (The Queen, Prime Suspect) as the titular Empress of Russia, who wielded supreme power throughout Russia for 34 years.

She’ll be joined by Jason Clarke (Zero Dark Thirty) as Catherine’s military commander and lover Potemkin, Gina McKee (Bodyguard) as Catherine’s lifelong friend and confidante Countess Bruce, and Rory Kinnear (Skyfall) as Minister Panin, a skilful politician, advisor and governor to Catherine’s son and heir Paul, played by Joseph Quinn.

The cast also includes Richard Roxburgh (Moulin Rouge), Kevin R McNally (Unforgotten), Clive Russell (Game of Thrones), Sam Palladio (Nashville), Lucas Englander (Genius), Antonia Clarke (Les Misérables), Paul Ritter (Friday Night Dinner) and Paul Kaye (Game of Thrones).

Written by Nigel Williams (Elizabeth I) and directed by Philip Martin (The Crown), Catherine the Great will follow Catherine towards the end of her reign and her passionate affair with Grigory Potemkin.

Unable to publicly marry and famously promiscuous, they develop a unique and devoted relationship, overcoming their adversaries and together shaping Russia as we know it today.

Catherine the Great will premiere in 2019 on Sky Atlantic in the UK and Ireland, and on HBO in the US and in Canada.

The Queen is available on DVD on Amazon.