"Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light" premieres March 23
The final chapter of "Wolf Hall," titled "The Mirror and the Light," will premiere on Masterpiece PBS on Sunday. This six-part series adapts the last book of Hilary Mantel's trilogy. It stars Mark Rylance as Thomas Cromwell and Damian Lewis as King Henry VIII. The story is set in 1535, starting after the death of Anne Boleyn. It follows Cromwell as he navigates the dangerous politics of the Tudor court. Writer Peter Straughan mentions that the series shows Cromwell trying to manage many responsibilities while facing looming chaos. The production faced budget constraints, which led to some cuts. Director Peter Kosminsky stated that many scenes and characters had to be removed due to financial limitations. Straughan noted that working with these constraints is common in the industry. Despite the challenges, producers believe the emotional depth of Cromwell's story remains intact. Viewers will see him make difficult decisions while being unaware of his eventual fate. The show aims to depict the tension and danger surrounding his character. The series was in development for 10 years, with filming taking place over 84 days in the UK. The delays were due to various factors, including waiting for the book to be written and the impact of COVID-19. The cast also includes returning actors and new faces. "The Mirror and the Light" promises to deliver a captivating conclusion to the acclaimed adaptation when it airs at 9 p.m. ET on March 23.