Matthias Schoenaerts Joins Kate Winslet In HBO's 'The Palace'

Television has dramatically evolved over the last ten-twenty years as it’s become the destination for adult stories, mid-budgeted dramas, and the filmmakers that have migrated across the threshold to tell those stories. With all that in mind, HBO is putting together two new series that star “Mare of Easttown” actress Kate Winslet with “The Palace” and The Trust.” Certainly, this highlights HBO’s commitment to continue working with the Emmy-winning actress for the foreseeable future (also perhaps a sign that a “Mare Of Easttown” sequel isn’t coming anytime soon, but the two parties want to continue working together).

While character details are scarce, Variety adds some info about “The Palace” and reports that seasoned Belgian actor Matthias Schoenaerts has been tapped for an unnamed role in the series. The story takes place over a year within a palace of an authoritarian regime as things begin to crumble. Of course, the pairing could end up leading to strong dramatic scenes.

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The impressive creative team assembled for “The Palace” includes writer/showrunner Will Tracy (“Succession”) and director Stephen Frears (“The Queen”) as they’ll executive produce as well alongside Winslet.

Schoenaerts predominantly appears in smaller dramas and was recently seen in David O’Russell’sAmsterdam.” Other acting credits include Jacques Audiard’s beautiful, heartbreaking drama “Rust & Bone,” and he co-stars with Noomi Rapace in the upcoming series reboot of the gritty Italian spaghetti western, “Django.”

Winslet isn’t just dabbling with acclaimed television like “Mare of Easttown.” She had recently reunited with “Titanic” director James Cameron for the “Avatar” sequel “Avatar: The Way of The Water,” which is set to dominate theaters on December 16. There are two more “Avatar” sequels to be shot, but it’s unclear how much time, if any, Winslet would have to commit to subsequent installments as she continues to work with HBO, with “Palace” and “Trust” also on the docket.