The Regime: 6 lesser-known facts about the HBO miniseries starring Kate Winslet

Veteran actress Kate Winslet has joined forces with HBO yet again, after the succses of Mare of Eastown, for the drama series The Regime. The Oscar-winner slips into the role of an autocratic ruler of a fictional European nation, as her regime slowly begins to unravel within the palace walls. Andrea Riseborough, Matthias Schoenaerts, Martha Plimpton, and Hugh Grant essay prominent roles in this series.

Today’s Now You Know podcast features six lesser-known facts about The Regime.

1. Lead star Kate Winslet, plays the role of Elena Vernham, the Chancellor of a fictional European autocracy while Matthias Schoenaerts slips into the role of Elena’s trusted advisor Herbert Zubak, a disgraced former soldier. However, did you know that this is not the first time that they have starred together in a project. A decade ago, they co-starred in the 2014 film A Little Chaos, directed by the late Alan Rickman.
2. The series is helmed by Will Tracy, who is best known for serving as a writer on acclaimed projects such as Succession, The Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, and the edgy 2022 thriller The Menu. Tracy pitched the idea for the miniseries to the producers by labelling it as a version of Downton Abbey set in an autocrat's palace.
3. Describing her character, Winslet spoke about the challenges she faced in finding the right balance between ‘profound character misunderstanding and face-value entertainment’. She emphasised the fact that she enjoyed portraying the absurd and irrational aspects of the character while ensuring there was always a theatrical element. Winslet also highlighted the complexity of her character, stating that she refrained from being one-dimensional or overtly sexual without a reason.
4. Despite much speculation that the lead in Regime seems to borrow from various world leaders, Winslet has categorically refuted such claims. Winslet explained that she refused to draw inspiration from any specific political figures, past or present, for her role. She stated that the character was unlike anyone she had encountered. Additionally, to better understand the trauma of her character, she collaborated with a neuroscientist and a psychotherapist, delving into the character's childhood and the lasting impact of trauma on personal relationships. Talk about prepping for a role!
5. In her attempts to understand the character, Winslet explored her character’s toxic behaviour and the idea of what motivates a damaged person to wield such power. Winslet also highlighted her character's sense of entitlement, abandonment issues, and fear of the outside world. Despite the character's antagonist nature, Winslet expressed empathy for her.
6. Reflecting on the role, Winslet confessed she had a sense of insecurity before filming commenced.  However, she added that the daunting task of portraying a public figure soon evaporated thanks to the extensive work done by the creative team to help her prepare for the role.

You can stream The Regime on JioCinema in India.

That's all for this episode of Now You Know, see you in the next one, until then its your host Nikhil signing out.

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• Written by Ryan Gomez

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