Natalie Dormer, famous for her role as Margaery Tyrell on Game of Thrones, has joined with Fremantle for some upcoming projects. She has signed a multi-year contract and will co-develop several drama series with Fremantle, one of which will be Vivling, a drama based on the iconic actress Vivien Leigh, most famous for her roles as Scarlett O’Hara in Gone With the Wind and Blanche DuBois in A Streetcar Named Desire. The series will recreate Vivien’s career at both its best and worst, and “give audiences a glimpse into the complex mind of the creative genius,” stated producers.
Dormer has had a prior relationship with Fremantle, starring in their period piece Picnic at Hanging Rock, which was released on Netflix and Foxtel. “Natalie is a true talent both as an actress and producer,” stated Christian Vesper, Fremantle’s executive vice president, “Her great ambition and taste for compelling entertaining projects is a perfect mix to add to the Fremantle family.”
Larysa Kondracki had personally reached out to Dormer, coercing her into playing headmistress Mrs. Appleyard. “She wrote me this long-ass letter saying, ‘No one can play this other than you. It’s got to be you,’ Dormer informed Hollywood Reporter, “And I was like, ‘I don’t wanna get in a corset again, it’s too soon,’” referencing her time on Game of Thrones.
In regards to the Game of Thrones ending, Dormer was a bit reserved. “I’m excited to see the next season. I’m on the edge of my seat like everybody else,” Dormer stated, “I know A to B. I know what B is, but I don’t know how they get B. But I do know B.”
Concerning her excitement at joining Fremantle, Dormer was much more outspoken: “Their impressive slate reflects a dedication to the highest-quality storytelling and the strength of their reputation internationally.” She also raved about director Kondracki’s work on Picnic at Hanging Rock, telling viewers, “when you start watching Picnic, you’ll see how surreal it is. The supernatural elements to it, the fun she (Kondracki) has with the lights and crystals and water with the lens. I was like, ‘This woman’s got a vision.’”
Forthcoming Dormer-Fremantle projects will be announced soon.