British actress Catherine Zeta-Jones is set to star in the first major series produced by Facebook. © VALERIE MACON / AFP
British Oscar winner Catherine Zeta-Jones will star in the dark comedy “Queen America,” the first major series produced by Facebook, which is seeking a foothold in the uber-competitive market for original content.
The sultry 48-year-old actress, who took home an Oscar in 2003 for “Chicago,” confirmed her jump to the small screen — fittingly —in a Facebook post. The news was first reported by Hollywood industry outlet Deadline.
“So excited about my next project!” wrote Zeta-Jones. “I think you’re going to love it!”
“Queen America” takes a look at the cutthroat world of beauty pageants in America. Zeta-Jones stars as ruthless coach Vicki Ellis, who is in high demand from girls and women hoping to be the next Miss America.
The 10 half-hour episodes will debut on Facebook’s relatively new video platform Watch, according to Deadline.
In September, Facebook debuted “Strangers.” Then in late April, it launched “Skam Austin,” an adaptation of a Norwegian program. It also has ordered a half-hour dramedy series starring US actress Elizabeth Olsen.
But snapping up Zeta-Jones — who is also a Tony winner for “A Little Night Music” — indicates a turning point for the world’s largest social network in its efforts to offer original content to its two billion users.
Last year, Zeta-Jones played Olivia de Havilland in the FX series “Feud: Bette and Joan.”
Facebook did not respond to AFP requests for further comment on the project. MKH
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