Zodiak Rights, the international distribution arm of Banijay Group, has concluded a host of presales for the much-anticipated second season of global drama hit Versailles, as it prepares to showcase the new 10 x 60’ series at MIPCOM.
Due to premiere on CANAL+ in France next year, the second season of Versailles has been acquired in Europe by public broadcaster BBC Two (UK), Amazon Prime (UK), C More (Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland), DIRECTV (Latin America), Movistar+ (Spain), RTBF (French speaking Belgium), RTP1 (Portugal), and Universal has a worldwide pan-entertainment deal.
A CANAL+ Création Originale series, co-produced by Capa Drama, Zodiak Fiction, and Incendo, Versailles is a landmark Anglo-French drama which takes the period genre to new dimensions, injecting a vibrant modernity into an era that put France at the epicentre of glamour, culture and fashion. The series has been brought to life by a critically-acclaimed creative team including Executive Producers Simon Mirren, David Wolstencroft, Claude Chelli, Anne Thomopoulos, Guillaume Thouret, Gaspard de Chavagnac and Jean Bureau.
Season two of Versailles, which stars George Blagden (Vikings), Alexander Vlahos (Merlin) and Anna Brewster (Star Wars: The Force Awakens), is directed by Thomas Vincent (The Tunnel), Mike Barker (Broadchurch) and Louis Choquette (Rumours).
The first 10 x 60’ season of Versailles has now sold to more than 135 countries around the world. In France, the season one premiere broke viewing figure records for CANAL+, making it the best performance for a CANAL+ originated drama since 2013.
In the UK, the viewing figures for Versailles were above slot average across the series on BBC Two, with almost 2m viewers coming to each episode, making it one of the best performing drama acquisitions in recent years for the channel.
Caroline Torrance, Head of Scripted at Zodiak Rights, commented, “Versailles has proved a resounding success on the international stage, offering a breath-taking and ambitious primetime drama that generates a real buzz wherever it airs. Its acclaimed creative team and cast have vividly brought to life this landmark moment in history, redefining period drama for today’s audiences, and we’re looking forward to delivering this exciting new chapter to our global broadcasters.”
Versailles is a unique take on a defining period of French history centred on King Louis XIV, a 17th century rock star. Versailles season two shows us the dark underbelly of power, as Louis sees the dream of his grand Versailles palace crumbling before his eyes. With phase one of the palace complete, most of France’s eminent lords and ladies now live under the Sun King’s roof. Drugs, gambling and alcohol are rampant, as nobles begin to poison each other in order to get closer to the king and climb up the social ladder. Blinded by his passion for his mistress Montespan, Louis refuses to listen to the advice of the church and his closest advisors. Surrounded by darkness and depravity, he loses his sense of purpose and, in a desperate attempt to escape, leaves for war against his arch enemy William of Orange… He must discover the path back to light and redemption to save his vision of Versailles.