Susan Sarandon is a queen who’s having trouble relinquishing her crown in “Monarch,” a Fox drama about the “first family of country music.” In the trailer for the new show, Sarandon’s Dottie Cantrell Roman seems to be on the verge of retiring, but is jealous of anyone interested in taking her place.
“We gotta show the world: the Roman family legacy will continue beyond me,” Dottie stresses in the spot. She balks when Anna Friel’s daughter Nicolette suggests that she accompany her onstage for an encore. “They’re calling for me, baby,” Dottie says. “Honey, what have I always told you?” A crestfallen Nicolette replies, “There’s only one queen.”
Nicolette is determined to be the one to “continue this legacy,” but her mother’s not the only person who doubts her. An exec at the Romans’ Monarch label tells her, “You’re very talented — but you’re not her.”
Meanwhile, the “wild card” Roman daughter, Gigi (Beth Ditto), is described as “the future of country music,” so she and Nicolette are destined to be on a collision course. “You stayed out of the spotlight because you thought you’d outshine me?” Nicolette asks Gigi. “Bring it on, sister.”
“Monarch” is created by Melissa London Hilfers. Country artist Trace Adkins stars as well.
“Search Party” and “Jolt” are among Sarandon’s latest credits. She received an Oscar for her leading role in “Dead Man Walking.” Friel counts “Pushing Daisies” and “Marcella” among her best-known credits. She received a nomination for the Golden Globe and an International Emmy. A singer-songwriter in real life, Ditto has previously appeared on-screen in “On Becoming a God in Central Florida,” “Dickinson,” and “Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far on Foot.”
“Monarch” premieres January 30 on Fox.
Source: Women And Hollywood