As previously reported, Tony and Oscar winner Judi Dench had been approached by Benedict Cumberbatch to star in Richard III as Cecily, Duchess of York, alongside Cumberbatch in the title role. BBC Two will also present Henry IV in two parts, with Tony winner and Academy Award nominee Sophie Okonedo (A Raisin in the Sun, "Hotel Rwanda") playing Queen Margaret in all three films. Tony nominee Tom Sturridge (Orphans, "On the Road") will play Henry VI. Hugh Bonneville, who stars in BBC's "Downton Abbey," has been cast as Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, and Academy Award nominee Sally Hawkins (Mrs. Warren's Profession, "Blue Jasmine") will play his wife Eleanor, Duchess of Gloucester. The second installment will feature Keeley Hawes ("Mutual Friends," "Line of Duty") as Queen Elizabeth.
The three filmed adaptations are co-produced by Sam Mendes’ Neal Street Productions with Carnival Films/NBCU and Thirteen.
Visit bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00s90hz for more information.
