Wolf Hall Returns This Weekend For Season 2
Wolf Hall, one of the best TV series of the 2010s, is finally returning for its long-awaited second season, adapting the third and final book in the late Hillary Mantel’s seminal trilogy. Arriving this weekend on BBC One and iPlayer, Oscar-winning actor Mark Rylance is returning to the role of the scheming Thomas Cromwell in Tudor England. Here’s all we know so far:
What do we know about Wolf Hall Season 2?
Set just after the events covered in the original Wolf Hall series, the final novel The Mirror and The Light, which released in 2020, completes the decades-long story of Thomas Cromwell and his role in Henry VIII’s court. Despite the large decade-long time gap between the series airing in 2015 to now, the core cast is set to all be returning: alongside Rylance, who’s been in a string of high-profile Hollywood films since, Homeland and A Spy Among Friends star Damian Lewis is back to play an older, even more tempestuous King Henry. Meanwhile, Jonathan Pryce, who’s in Season 6 of The Crown as Prince Phillip, is back as Cardinal Wolsey and Kate Phillips (Peaky Blinders) reprises the role of Henry’s third and most beloved wife Jane Seymour.
What will it be about?
Series 1 adapted both Wolf Hall and its sequel Bringing Up The Bodies, and these new episodes will act as a cap on that story. The six-part Wolf Hall: The Mirror and The Light begins midway through 1536, in the aftermath of the infamous beheading of Henry’s second wife Anne Boleyn – previously played by The Crown’s Claire Foy. Cromwell remains determined to increase his power and standing in England and remains close to Henry, but the overhanging threat of the king’s wrath makes him wary.
There are plenty of threats to the throne too, from rebellion and a potential invasion, with the BBC’s official synopsis concluding, “All of England lies at his feet, ripe for innovation and religious reform. But as fortune’s wheel turns, Cromwell’s enemies are gathering in the shadows.” There’s plenty for Cromwell to gain, but as anyone who’s studied history knows, no one is safe in Henry VIII’s circles. Expect plenty of drama, lavish costumes and great performances.
Is there a release date?
Wolf Hall: The Mirror and The Light will start on Sunday, 10th November, on both BBC One and iPlayer.
Watch the trailer below:
Wondering what else to watch this month? Check out our list of best tv for November.
