Based on the best-selling series, the Amazon show is one to watch.
The anticipation ran high on Wednesday night at the New York City premiere of new historical drama, My Lady Jane. Streaming on Amazon Prime, the show is based on a best-selling series of novels written by Jodi Meadows, Brodi Ashton, and Cynthia Hand. Bringing a fresh perspective to one of England’s most tragic and enigmatic figures, the premise poses the question: What if we could rewrite history and change Lady Jane Grey’s story? While it might be technically a period piece, there are elements of drama, romance, and fantasy — imagine Bridgerton meets Mary & George with a dash of shapeshifters, making for the most entertaining guilty pleasure to catch this summer.
As excited as fans of the book are, the cast and team are even more passionate to talk about their project as well as their premiere looks. Director Jamie Babbit spoke keenly about how it featured topics she always looks for in projects: “It had queer subjects which meant a lot to me and feminist themes, which I really liked.” Speaking of feminist themes, Emily Bader, who portrays Lady Jane Grey, was quick to note that her outfit was a nod to her character’s personality. “I’m wearing Maria McManus and Oliver Peoples glassesI I wanted to do something chic because she’s a powerful girl,” she says. Of course, given the strong following the series already has, it seems only inevitable that we’ll see TikToks set to Taylor Swift songs but don’t write the characters off as Swifties yet. Edward Bluemel, who plays Lord Guildford Dudley, was quick to note his character’s shortcomings. “I don’t think [Lord Guildford] would be a Swiftie! He’s too busy and a bit self-centred. I always think that with Taylor Swift’s music, you’ve gotta really put the work in, to go to the concert and know every word.”
Following the viewing of the first episode, was a panel with the cast and creatives. Co-showrunner, Meredith Glynn noted, “Life is funny, sexy, romantic, scary and all those things, we wanted to bring all of those elements to the show and blend those tones in a way that felt original but always fun.” Of course, no premiere is complete without a mini spoiler, as Bader mentioned “There is a moment – it does involve a horse and cast drawbridge situation – where Jane gets to be completely free for a second and it’s completely epic but I can’t spoil anything more.” If you’re looking for a summer binge, My Lady Jane is available on Prime Video on June 27th.
