“True Blood” star Anna Paquin has been tapped to star in Netflix and CBC’s six-part miniseries “Alias Grace,” the adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s novel of the same name, which is based on a true story. Paquin will appear as Nancy Montgomery opposite star Sarah Gadon, who plays the titular role of Grace Marks.
The story follows Grace Marks, a poor, young Irish immigrant and domestic servant in Upper Canada who, along with stable hand James McDermott, was convicted of the brutal murders of their employer, Thomas Kinnear and Nancy Montgomery in 1843. Nancy is Kinnear’s housekeeper and lover, and while she initially befriends Grace, she begins to resent Grace and becomes increasingly jealous of Kinnear’s affection for her. Nancy eventually fires Grace in a fit of rage and is later found brutally murdered.
The six-hour miniseries is written and executive produced by Sarah Polley, and directed by Mary Harron. “Alias Grace” will be broadcast in Canada on CBC and globally (excluding Canada) on Netflix.
“Anna is an incredibly versatile performer who always makes complex, unpredictable and fascinating choices in her work,” said Polley. “It’s always a marvel to watch her and we’re thrilled to have her join the cast.”
“Alias Grace” was co-commissioned by CBC and Netflix, produced by Halfire Entertainment and created by Polley. The executive producers are Polley, Harron, and Noreen Halpern. Producing alongside Polley is D.J. Carson.
