Catherine Zeta-Jones to star in Facebook comedy ‘Queen America’
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.
Article continues after this advertisementIn 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.
Article continues after this advertisementBut 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
RELATED STORIES:
Court tosses Olivia de Havilland lawsuit against FX’s “Feud”
