Wolf Hall executive producer Peter Kosminsky has weighed in on the show's cast replacements following the season 2 premiere.
Starring Damian Lewis and Mark Rylance, BBC Two's historical drama on the rise to power of Thomas Cromwell aired its first season in 2015.
Chapter two, titled The Mirror and The Light, has seen some stars, including Lewis, Rylance and Claire Foy, returning to the acclaimed show. Meanwhile, some of the characters had to be recast after the death of Bernard Hill, who originally played the Duke of Norfolk, as well as scheduling conflicts for Marvel star Tom Holland.
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"We made some changes in the cast for a variety of reasons. Obviously very, very sadly, Bernard Hill died not long before we got going so it wasn't possible for him to return as the Duke of Norfolk," Kosminsky said (via OK! magazine).
The character is now played by Timothy Spall, with Kosminsky saying: "I think the Duke of Norfolk is different in the new book. I think Tim fitted that really well."
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As for Tom Holland, who played Cromwell's son Gregory in the first series, the MCU actor has been replaced by Charlie Rowe on the new season.
Kosminsky also explained a change from the first instalment, sharing that there were more parts open to people of colour.
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"There are a number of parts played by people of colour and this is not something we did in the first series. I'm delighted we've been able to do it," he said.
"We wanted the very best actors who are available for the show, and we looked at everybody, and we chose the best actors who auditioned for the roles.
"And obviously, we aren't playing lookalikes in the series. Damian [Lewis] is many things, but he doesn't resemble Henry VIII particularly. Jonathan Pryce doesn't particularly resemble Cardinal Wolsey."
Wolf Hall: The Mirror and The Light airs on Sundays on BBC One at 9pm.
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Stefania is a freelance writer specialising in TV and movies. After graduating from City University, London, she covered LGBTQ+ news and pursued a career in entertainment journalism, with her work appearing in outlets including Little White Lies, The Skinny, Radio Times and Digital Spy.
Her beats are horror films and period dramas, especially if fronted by queer women. She can argue why Scream is the best slasher in four languages (and a half).
