Queen Mother Catherine de Medici, played by two-time Oscar nominee Samantha Morton, is willing to do anything to survive as season two of Starz’ original series, The Serpent Queen, premieres July 12 on the Starz network and app.

At the season’s start, France is divided. A woman named Edith who goes by “The Prophet” (Isobel Jesper Jones) has gained a loyal following amongst those who want to change the current religious regime. Meanwhile, the royal court is divided between the Guises, who are committing unholy acts, and the Bourbons, who turn to a familiar but unwelcome foreign sovereign, Queen Elizabeth I of England (Minnie Driver). 

RELATED: Starz Ups Alison Hoffman to President of Domestic Networks

Things quickly get tense but Catherine is willing to do what she must to maintain power and control. 

Returning to their season-one roles are Danny Kirrane, Ray Panthaki, Raza Jaffrey, Enzo Clienti, Amrita Acharia, Ruby Bentall, Beth Goddard, Ludivine Sagnier and Rupert Everett. The series also stars Angus Imrie, Emma McDonald, Stanley Morgan and Philippine Velge. Appearing in recurring roles are Jones, Rosalie Craig, Bill Milner, Ashley Thomas and Alexandre Willaume. 

The Serpent Queen is based on the book “Catherine de Medici: Renaissance Queen of France” by Leonie Frieda and is from writer and executive producer Justin Haythe. The series is executive produced by Francis Lawrence and Erwin Stoff and produced for Starz by Lionsgate Television and 3 Arts Entertainment.

‍