tudors

Max von Sydow has been added to the cast of "The Tudors" for the Showtime series' third season.

the fortunate Ms. Stone will be the unfortunate Anne of Cleves

Von Sydow will play Cardinal Von Waldburg, a German-born clergyman who tries to organize the defeat of Henry VIII (played by Jonathan Rhys Meyers).

Von Sydow will be seen in four of the eight season-three episodes of "The Tudors," a Canadian-Irish co-production that's filming in Dublin. The third season of the series will bow next year on Showtime.

Other recent additions to the skein include British singer Joss Stone, who will play Henry VIII's fourth wife, Anne of Cleves.

Here is our glance comparison at the real life characters and their reel life counterparts...

Cardinal Otto Truchsess von Waldburg and the lovely Max von Sydow

And the ladies...

Anne of Cleves and Joss Stone.....practically TWINS!!

Six wives, four seasons - The Tudors pick up the pace

The Tudors will not last as long as Henry VIII had wives - six seasons, or one season for each wife - but it will come close.

The Tudors will likely last four seasons, Robert Greenblatt, entertainment president of the U.S. pay-TV channel Showtime said over the weekend.

The Tudors' second season concluded on Showtime last month, and will air on CBC-TV in the fall. Last week, the sprawling historical saga that stars Jonathan Rhys Meyers as the 16th century King of England earned a pair of Emmy nominations, for its casting and costumes. CBC is one of The Tudors international co-producers.

Henry VIII had six wives. They were, in order, Catherine of Aragon (annulled), Anne Boleyn (executed), Jane Seymour (died after giving birth to Henry's son), Anne of Cleves (annulled), Katherine Howard (executed), and Catherine Parr (outlived Henry).

"As we know, the wives are limited," Greenblatt said. "The first two seasons we did featured a wife per season, but the story will accelerate a little bit after that. The third season will be the next two, Anne of Cleves and Jane Seymour."

That would be Jane Seymour, the historical figure, and not Jane Seymour the actress.

"I love meeting people who think Jane Seymour, the actress, is in the show," Greenblatt said. "They know nothing about history." The final season, Greenblatt said, "will be the final two wives."

The premiere of this second series/season of the programme is upon us on BBC 2 Friday, 1 August at either 8:00 PM or 9:00 PM depending on where you read! By the way, we've heard that CBC in Canada is currently replaying season one of The Tudors while Canadian viewers await season two in the fall.

The 9:00 PM UK time is suggested by television listings for The Tudors at Digi-Guide.com. Everyone seems agreed on BBC 2 being the channel, and we have in fact confirmed the time online at the BBC @ TV listings page -BBC TWO, WHAT'S ON. So, 9 PM it is. At 8:00, you can enjoy a lovely hour of Gardeners' World.

The 8:00 PM time we read online at the UK-TV Guide site along with the following article:

The lavish historical drama - which takes a fresh look at the life of Henry VIII - returns for a second series. In the opener, divorce Tudor-style is imminent.

As the Catholic Church struggles in vain to control the demands for an annulment by Henry VIII (Jonathan Rhys-Meyers), the King appoints himself head of the Church of England. A cook is blackmailed into poisoning a high-ranking bishop; then boiled alive for his crime.

When Anne Boleyn (Natalie Dormer) insists Henry break all contacts with Katherine of Aragon (Maria Doyle-Kennedy), the noble Queen is banished from court.

So the continuing adventures of the wee, sexy King Henry and his sorted court (including our favorite Thomas Cromwell), is at last appearing on UK screens. Earlier than last year's autumn debut, it can't come too soon for the fans this programme has amassed in Britain. To mark the occasion, we thought we'd add the brief video showing how the Sheridon in New York was transformed into a Tudor castle to celebrate the new season premiere this past March 19. Why? Just for fun. Thanks to Showtime for the clip!

With the third installment of Michael Hirst's vision of Henry VIII's days of infamy being filmed just outside of Dublin this summer, it's no surprise that a few court characters should pop up on the streets. Pictured here on June 19, 2008, are Henry Cavill and James Frain, Tudors veterans flanking actress Charlotte Salt -- who was rumoured to be playing wife #4, Anne of Cleves, but we now hear a whisper that she will be Lady Ursula Misseldon, merely another Henry conquest.

We know that James Frain's Cromwell is safe from our overwrought Henry's overworked chopping block until she shows up, so yes, Cromwell's days are now numbered. Could that be why Mr. Frain isn't beaming his usual lovely smile? Then again, this Anne's days as Queen are also numbered. I guess only Mr. Cavill is owning that somewhat smug smile well.

We wish them all a happy shoot and are keeping fingers crossed hoping that filming won't need to be compromised by a SAG strike.

By Order Of The King: A Third 'Tudors' Season
Production Set To Begin In Dublin During Mid-June

The premium network, as expected, is bringing back The Tudors for a third campaign in 2009. Production is slated to begin on June 16 in Dublin, with Jonathan Rhys Meyers, who portrays the randy royal, set to return. The show's first season and Rhys Meyers received Golden Globe nominations.

The announcement comes as the sixth installment of the 10-episode second season is scheduled to premiere on the linear network Sunday night. Showtime Entertainment president Robert Greenblatt told Multichannel News and then an assembled crowd at a screening in New York last month that writing had already begun on a third campaign.

“The Tudors is now a fixture for us at Showtime and we’re on our way to completing the entire saga of all six wives of Henry VIII,” said Greenblatt in statement. “We are enormously proud of this show, the extraordinary cast, and the production team that recreates the grandeur of the Renaissance year in and year out. There is nothing like this anywhere on American television.”

During the current season, Henry VIII marries Anne Boleyn (Natalie Dormer), while continuing to declare his marriage to Queen Katherine of Aragon (Maria Doyle Kennedy). In turn, Pope Paul III (Peter O’Toole) excommunicates the king. However, Anne’s failure to bear a male heir ultimately carries a heady price -- and sends Henry toward Jane Seymour (Anita Briem), who later becomes the third of six wives.

The following is an excerpt of Paul Levinson's May 11th review of THE TUDORS. He makes a very nice mention of James Frain's portrayal of Thomas Cromwell with which we wholeheartedly agree! Read on...

Some wonderful, decisive moments in history have been brilliantly portrayed in the past few episodes of The Tudors on Showtime. I've currently seen 8 of the new season, thanks to Showtime On Demand.

My single favorite moment, being the media historian that I am, was Thomas Cromwell's introduction - to us as well as Archbishop Cranmer and George Boleyn - of a great "new weapon" for the Protestant reformers, in Episode 6: the printing press. This scene was right on in its portrayal of how monarchs such as Henry were able to harness the advantages of the press in their campaign to break free of Rome, and establish their national identities. (And James Frain superbly played Thomas Cromwell, as he does in every episode.)

Thank you Paul for your continued enthusiasm and insights into the series. They are as always, very good to read! For all of Professor Levinson's comments of the Tudors, read his blog called

Infinite Regress. We also have this link below under "Tudors related sites."

Thank you Teri for pointing out this latest comment on Mr. Frain's portrayal of Cromwell!

A FAT SUIT FOR JONATHAN?

We doubt it will happen, but it's something to ponder...

It seems clear at this point that there is no intention on the part of this pearly white teeth, blemish free, keep-fit club fantasy version of The Tudors to show any of these these characters in their historical true physical form. This hasn't stopped fans of The Tudors from wondering. There has been much chatter on the Web and a whole lot around the watercooler about Jonathan Rhys Meyers in particular, wondering just what he might look like if he would ever consent to packing on a few pounds in the spirit of history over sexy creativity? Well, we were just curious enough to have a go at the most famous Holbein portrait of King Henry VIII in all of his codpiece wearing, gout-ridden glory and here's what we've come up with.

It is a bit hard on the eyes, isn't it? Click on the image for the larger large version.

Showtime announced today that it is picking up a third season of "The Tudors," which will begin production in Dublin in mid-June. Season 3, which will debut in 2009, will trace King Henry VIII's marriages to Jane Seymour (Anita Briem, above) and Anne of Cleves. Star Jonathan Rhys Meyers (above) is set to return. The lavish drama is midway through its second season, which centers on Henry's ill-fated marriage to Anne Boleyn, played by Natalie Dormer.

The series has emerged as something of a calling card for the pay cable network. Robert Greenblatt, Showtime's entertainment president, told The Times recently that he'd ultimately like to extend it for four seasons, covering all of Henry's six wives. But it remains to be seen whether Rhys Meyers, who is only committed to three seasons, will sign for a fourth.

Stay tuned for the episode of "The Tudors" that will air Sunday, April 27. Showtime informs Gold Derby that No. 205, "Anne's Family's Power is Jeopardized," is the one the network plans to submit to Emmy judges in the race for best drama series--if the show makes the top 10 runoff after a popular vote of 14,000 academy members, which seems likely. At that point, the strength of just one episode will decide if "Tudors" can pull off a historic breakthrough and become the first non-HBO cable series nominated for best drama series. Or best series, for that matter. None has managed to make the comedy cut either, come to think of it.

There is still time for switcheroos to be made by network execs, who are currently seeing the final season episodes, like No. 10, for the first time. So these decisions aren't royal decrees. In order to lighten the workload involved in shows officially entering the Emmy race, the TV academy asks networks to make early episode declarations, which can be changed later with ease as long as the initial filings are made on time.

It's a good thing that Showtime can change its mind about the episode planned for Jonathan Rhys Myers: last Sunday's segment, No. 203 ("Henry Marries Anne in Secret"). Yeah, it's great TV that finally gives viewers the Big Payoff of the Cranky King's wedding to Anne Boleyn, but Rhys Meyers doesn't get much screen time to showcase the kind of dramatic grandstanding that voters expect. So Showtime is also considering No. 210, whatever that is. Details haven't yet been disclosed.

Here's what happens in No. 203: Henry harrumphs, "The annulment of my marriage (to Catherine) must be declared immediately!" You see, the belly of his mistress, Anne, is ballooning fast and he needs to make a decent queen out of her, pronto.

He installs a new, wimpy Archbishop of Canterbury to make the proclamation the Pope will not, then he finally weds Anne in a quiet, vaulted place. Afterward, they proceed to the coronation, traveling by regal carriage through the empty streets of London. (Obviously, his subjects ain't too crazy about his new queenie.) An assassination attempt against Anne seems to go unnoticed.

Next comes the grandiose coronation during which Henry jumps up, snatches the crown from the archbishop and places it upon Anne's head as he booms, "With this — St. Edward's crown — I do so solemnly crown you queen of England!"

A few nights later, he cuddles up with Anne in bed, but she shoos him away, saying, "Can't now! Our baby!" His highness is not amused.

He's also not smiling with the baby is born and it turns out to be a girl. "I'm so sorry!" Anne sighs.

Randy Henry's a good sport about it, noting, "You and I are both young. With god's grace, boys will follow."

Not not anytime soon. Not with Anne. Next scene we see him eyeing the sexy Lady Eleanor, who he corners in a game of nude chess. Checkmate!

You see, this episode is fun, yes, but I don't spy an Emmy-worthy performance here. No, no, no.

If Emmy contenders make the final runoff after a popular vote of 14,000 members of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, they must submit a sample episode to a judging panel that will determine the five final nominees. Final episode declarations aren't due until the end of May, but here is what "The Tudors" plans [as of now] Updated by LA Times on April 26, 2008:

Best Drama Series (205 "Anne's Family's Power is Jeopardized" airs April 27)
Lead Actor: Jonathan Rhys Meyers (209)
Supporting Actor: Henry Cavill (210)
Supporting Actor: Jeremy Northam (205 "Anne's Family's Power Is Jeopardized")
Supporting Actor: Nick Dunning (208)
Supporting Actor: James Frain (209)
Supporting Actress: Maria Doyle Kennedy (207)
Supporting Actress: Natalie Dormer (210)
Guest Actor: Peter O'Toole (208)

Directing: Ciaran Donnelly (205 "Anne's Family's Power Is Jeopardized")
Directing: Dearbhla Walsh (208)
Directing: Jon Amiel (209)
Directing: Jeremy Podeswa (201 "A Cook Poisons a Bishop")
Writing: Michael Hirst (205 "Anne's Family's Power Is Jeopardized")
OTHER CATEGORIES: Art Direction, Casting, Cinematography, Single-Camera Picture Editing, Hairstyling, Music Composition, Sound Editing, Sound Mixing, Visual Effects, Stunt Coordination

So, good to know that James Frain's Cromwell will be put forth for Emmy consideration, and the specific episode is Episode 9 (209). Hmm, just a few episodes away. He's been excellent in everything so far this season, so Episode 9 is definitely an object of anticipation here at AJF! Can't wait, can't wait.

TUDORS SEASON TWO PREMIERE SCREENING

The Frains on a working night off from Broadway

On Wednesday, March 19 at the Sheraton Hotel in New York City, Showtime hosted a screening and party of the premiere episode of the new season of The Tudors. Many of the cast were there - star Jonathan Rhys Meyers, the incomparable Peter O'Toole, Natalie Dormer, Henry Cavill, David Alpay and James Frain who must have gotten an excuse note for the night off from The Homecoming. Also in tow were Tudors costume designer Joan Bergin and writer Michael Hirst along with other Showtime actors in current projects, such as Billie Piper - "Secret Diary of a Call Girl" and Tracey Ullman - "Tracey Ullman's State of the Union." Showtime has graciously provided the video above so that we may share it with you here.

We love the comment by Henry Cavill as to what he attributes the success of the series; "I would guess it's just the excellent writing of Michael Hirst and the acting abilitiy of most of the cast." "Most" of them Henry? Geez man, way to support your fellow thesbians! LOL!

Here below is another video report of the screening party as provided by Hollywood Live Video.

That's right, as of Sunday, March 16, Showtime has added a preview of the premiere episode from Season Two online. After a good 5 minutes or so of catch-up in a "previously on The Tudors" segment, we are treated to an "edited" (for content or time, we don't know) version of the premiere. What fun!

It opens in London, 1532 in the midst of Henry's battle with the Catholic Church over his desire to divorce Queen Catherine and marry Anne Boleyn. Enjoy!

You can access each episode from Season One from the following site as well as the premiere episode above. We are not certain if these previews are viewable only on North American computers, so give it a try and see! THE TUDORS EPISODES ONLINE.

James Frain as Thomas Cromwell, Season Two

Having watched it, let me just say that it worth the wait. The plot thickens and we are introduced to a few new characters. Peter O'Toole in his first wee snippet is elegant perfection! As for James Frain's increasing role, let me let our Carol give her impression:

"I watched the Season 2 Episode 1 preview and it did not disappoint! Chock full of the requisite and by now justifiably expected intrigue and cruelty and death and gems and baubles and cleavage and suggestive glances and probable creative history and sex and best of all this time, lots of Thomas Cromwell! James Frain walking his incomparable walk, in tights, no less! Curls! Gorgeously nuanced facial expressions and subtley delivered lines. As is his talent, he immediately, single-handedly elevates the pith quotient, watchability and overall caliber of this super soap!!

On behalf of the king as well as to his own benefit, Thomas Cromwell witnesses, participates in and even generates some fairly unpleasant business, putting it mildly. It is due to the great talent of James Frain that we are able to detect conflict and even regret in this chilling character. As always, James Frain enables us to experience exactly what his characters are feeling, and allows us to still see their humanity even as we watch them perform their foulest deeds. What could be bad?

Thanks for the preview review! And thank you Carol for relaying the info on the preview to us. So, go, go! Make a nice hot cup of something, grab the comfy computer chair and enjoy!

The following features interviews with many of the actors appearing in the upcoming season, including James Frain. Meet the cast from Season Two of The Tudors, in "Royal Cast of Characters:"

With the addition of Thomas Cranmer, Cardinal Wolsey's successor and Pope Peter O'Toole, we also see a more confidant Cromwell emerge. And as Frain fan Teri says, we like it!

Showtime has kindly given us this link to several teaser videos for Season Two. The first clip entitled "Future Queen", shows Henry promising Anne the future she has been longing for and lays the groundwork for the meat of Season Two.

James can be seen in a number of the clips as Cromwell in his increasingly important role as Henry's right hand man. He gets to do King Henry's dirty work banishing people thither and yon, and will no doubt get the ball rolling in a beheading or two. Well, for as long as he keeps his own head about him at any rate.

The Golden Globe nominated Showtime series "The Tudors" is a lot of fun, but trust me when I tell you that this is a sex-filled look at the life of Henry VIII. Written by Michael Hirst, who penned the first Elizabeth feature, "The Tudors" stars Jonathan Rhys Meyers stars as Henry and he is just a complete psycho with a ton of power. I am not much of a historian, but I have to believe a lot of liberties have been taken with the truth behind the actual events that inspired this show, but I'll be damned if I didn't enjoy these 11 first season episodes.

For an AMAZINGLY thorough review of this first season's DVD, please head over to Ultimate Disney.com for a review by Aaron Wallace.

Showtime's official site for "The Tudors" series. First and foremost the hub of information about the series, it's cast & characters as well as video clips, contests, news, links and so much more. We thank them for their efforts and the good sense to cast James Frain!

Tudors Online - a fansite dedicated to "The Tudors" series. The series is getting a lot of attention and this fan page promises to capture much of the excitement with news, press, photos, history and links.	The Tudors Online - another beautiful fansite for the series - not to be confused with "Tudors Online!" Also launched as the series is, they have their own unique addition to the buzz. With galleries, news, links, video and interactive features, this is another great resource for fans of "The Tudors."	The Tudors Fan Wiki -- The great global scrapbook which is wiki. All comers, all welcome to join up and make your contributions to the ever growing fan base for the series. There are cast and character profiles (terrific pages on James Frain and Thomas Cromwell), fan discussions, lists of Tudors films throughout cinema history and more. A royal resource to explore the nooks and crannies of the Tudor court. A truly interactive adventure for fans of "The Tudors."
James Frain Online Our EXCELLENT sister-fansite which preceded us on the Web by a couple of years. JFO is also a brilliant resource for the Frain reign of Thomas Cromwell on "The Tudors." Look for screencaptures as well as video clips.	Meet James Frain - Frain fan Ildi has created a collection of screencaps and video from some of James Frain's work which now includes "The Tudors." She has expanded this treasure into a fansite in her native Hungarian.	JRM fansite - the original jonathan rhys meyers fansite, online since 1997; you will find, of course a feast of news on JRM and "The Tudors."
Henry Cavill Online - a fansite for a real-life Henry since 2002, this actor is coming into his own in his portrayal of Charles Brandon, the best of young Henry VIII's mates.	Jeremy-Northam.com - fansite for the actor doing an amazing portrayal of Sir Thomas More, serving at once as mentor, supporter and conscience to the young king.	Admiring Natalie Dormer - another new website for this dynamic actress. It is rich with enthusiasm and content, a great resource for information on Ms. Dormer and her projects, including a fan forum to interact with other fans.
The Unofficial Peter O'Toole Pages - A very well done fansite with up to date information as well as a good long look back on this beautiful Irish actor's career. He's managed 75 years as of August 2, 2007 and is going strong!	Hans Matheson Online An unofficial website dedicated to the Scottish born actor portraying Thomas Cranmer, they do a fine job of providing respectful and accurate information for fans of Hans Matheson, and those wanting to find out more about this talented actor. This site offers comprehensive information available about Hans' projects, and "an extensive library of photography."	Gabrielle Anwar UK - A lovely fansite for the cameleon-like Gabriel Anwar who had the task of bringing some fiestiness to the royal Tudor Princess Margaret. She's now doing a great job being fiesty on the TV series "Burn Notice."
Wonderful Sam Neill - a fansite for this Irish-born, Kiwi-raised brilliant actor who single-handedly brought red velvet into vogue on "The Tudors" as Cardinal Thomas Wolsey.

You Tube has at present about 50 clips to view. One of our favorites - "Lost promo for The Tudors."

TV.com site for the show. They have a fine collection of clips as well.

Mystic Bliss.net - an astounding "multi Fandom site", this leads to their page chock full of Jonathan Rhys Meyers video clips. In wmv form, you can see promos and appearances on chat shows and such - Tudor related and much much more.

The Official Tudors MySpace page; for clips, photos, chit-chat, the low-down & the downloads.	Tudors page at TV.com, chock full of fun stuff such as pictures, news, episode summaries & info.	Tudors page at Buddy TV. See cast profiles, series news and forums.	Tudors page at Vox. For the bloggidy blog on the show, if you're into that sort of thing.
Infinite Regress- blog spot belonging to author and Fordham University professor Paul Levinson. He has taken on many TV reviews including a well updated commentary on "The Tudors."