See a First-Look of Helen Mirren in HBO and Sky's CATHERINE THE GREAT

A first-look photo of Helen Mirren in the HBO/Sky Miniseries CATHERINE THE GREAT has been released and additional cast has been added to the four-episode miniseries.

Set against the politically tumultuous and sexually charged court of Russian empress Catherine the Great, who wielded supreme power throughout Russia for nearly half of the 18th century, the limited series follows Catherine towards the end of her reign during her passionate affair with Grigory Potemkin. Amid scandal, intrigue and immense conflict, they develop a unique and devoted relationship, overcoming their adversaries and together serving as the architects of modern-day Russia.

The previously announced cast included Mirren, as Catherine the Great, the Russian Empress who was strong-minded, independent, brilliantly intelligent and sexually liberated - the definition of the modern woman; Jason Clarke as Grigory Potemkin, a Russian military commander who became Catherine the Great's lover, favored statesman and life-long friend; and Joseph Quinn as Paul, Catherine's son and heir.

The newly added cast includes: Gina McKee as Countess Bruce, Catherine's lifelong friend and confidante; Rory Kinnear as Minister Panin, a skillful politician, advisor and governor to Catherine's son; Richard Roxburgh as Grigory Orlov, one of Catherine's former lovers, who helped orchestrate the coup that brought Catherine to power; Kevin R. McNally as Alexei Orlov, who, with his brother Grigory, helped orchestrate the coup that brought Catherine to power; Sam Palladio as Alexander Vasilichikov, Catherine's young lover.

CATHERINE THE GREAT is produced by Origin Pictures and New Pictures and is an HBO/SKY co-production.

Currently shooting in palaces and sets across Russia, Latvia and Lithuania, this four-part miniseries will chart the latter years of Catherine's 34-year reign, as she builds Russia's reputation as one of the great powers of Europe.

Photo Credit: Hal Shinnie/HBO

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