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Predominately a film actor, Elle Fanning had a chance to spread her wings in Hulu’s “The Great.” From the mind of “The Favourite” writer Tony McNamara, the satirical series revolving around Catherine the Great (Fanning) allows the actor to play a new kind of protagonist. Though based on the real ruler of Russia, the series is filled with anachronisms and historical inaccuracies to humorous effect. And for Fanning’s part, she plays a hysterical and equally vicious ruler, which is different from her past roles.
“‘The Great,’ again, it’s like a blond royal, but it’s so turned on its head because it’s raunchy and violent and we’re saying the C-word every other word,” Fanning laughed. Being in the series also allowed her to explore more complicated emotions through long-form storytelling. Starting as an optimistic young woman about to get married, Catherine becomes disillusioned by her chaotic husband, Peter (Nicholas Hoult). This is the beginning of an impressive character arc where she develops as a cunning strategist, going as far as to overthrow her husband to gain control of Russia. Playing a variety of complex emotions, Fanning has proven she is more than a Disney princess.
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“I love when Tony pushes a character back because Catherine’s trajectory is not always up,” Fanning told Collider. “She’s on a downward slope this season, for sure. We have the luxury and time to crash somewhat, like just totally hit rock bottom, and then you have time to see them build up again.”
