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Reign

Reign

Love is the most dangerous subject.

TV Series2013
TMDB: 8.0/10

Mary, Queen of Scots, faces political and sexual intrigue in the treacherous world of the French court.

Accuracy Verdict

Get ready to uncover the scandalous secrets and royal romances behind the making of 'Reign'!

Behind the Scenes

  • The show's creator, Laurie McCarthy, was inspired by the life of Mary Queen of Scots, but also drew from her own experiences as a teenager, making the character's struggles and relationships more relatable and authentic
  • Adelaide Kane, who played Mary, had to learn to ride a horse and do sword fighting, but also had to master a Scottish accent, which she achieved by listening to Scottish music and watching Scottish films
  • The iconic castle sets were built in Ireland, but the production team also used CGI to create the illusion of a larger, more majestic castle, with some scenes featuring over 1,000 digital extras
  • Toby Regbo, who played Francis, was a last-minute casting choice, and had to learn his lines and prepare for the role in just a few days, but his chemistry with Adelaide Kane was instant, and they became close friends in real life
  • The show's costume designer, Meredith Markworth-Pollack, created over 1,000 costumes for the series, including intricate gowns and suits, and even designed a custom wedding dress for Mary and Francis's wedding episode
  • The cast would often have to film in freezing cold temperatures, with some scenes taking place in the snow, and the actors would have to warm up with hot water bottles and hand warmers between takes
  • The show's writers would often incorporate real historical events and figures into the storylines, but also took creative liberties to make the show more dramatic and engaging, such as the portrayal of the rivalry between Mary and Queen Catherine
  • The final episode of the series was filmed in just 10 days, with the cast and crew working long hours to bring the story to a close, and the final scene was filmed in a single take, with the entire cast present

Did You Know?

  • The show's title, 'Reign', was chosen because it reflected the themes of power, royalty, and female empowerment, and the word 'reign' also means 'to rule or dominate', which fit perfectly with the show's premise
  • The character of Sebastian 'Bash' de Poitiers was inspired by a real historical figure, Sebastian de Montauban, who was a French nobleman and a favorite of King Francis, and the show's writers used his story as a starting point to create the complex and intriguing character of Bash
  • The show's use of music was a key element in setting the tone and atmosphere, with the soundtrack featuring a mix of contemporary and period-specific music, including songs by artists such as Lorde and Hozier
  • The show's production team worked closely with historians to ensure that the costumes, sets, and storylines were as accurate as possible, but also took creative liberties to make the show more engaging and dramatic
  • The show's portrayal of the royal court and the intrigue and politics of the time was influenced by the works of Shakespeare, particularly 'Macbeth' and 'Hamlet', and the show's writers used these influences to create complex and nuanced characters
  • The show's finale featured a time jump of several years, and the cast had to undergo significant transformations to reflect the passage of time, including changes in costume, hair, and makeup
  • The show's legacy continues to inspire and influence new generations of viewers, with its themes of female empowerment, self-discovery, and the complexities of human relationships remaining relevant and relatable today
  • The show's cast and crew have gone on to work on a wide range of projects, including film, television, and theater, and the show's success has launched the careers of many talented actors, writers, and directors

Watch Next

The White QueenMore Accurate

If you loved the historical drama and romance of 'Reign', you'll adore this BBC series based on Philippa Gregory's novels

OutlanderMore Drama

While it's a different time period and setting, this Starz series shares a similar blend of romance, drama, and historical fiction that fans of 'Reign' are likely to enjoy

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