Despite the plummeting ratings, producers of “Reign” are confident that the upcoming season won’t be the last for the TV series.
Amid speculations that the show will be canceled after its third season, The CW greenlit the historical drama for a fourth season. Many believe that the fourth season will be the last for the show.
The CW recently released their fall TV lineup and “Reign” was significantly absent from it. The list included “Supergirl” Season 2, “Jane the Virgin” Season 3, and the eighth and final season of “The Vampire Diaries,” which are all slated for an October premiere.
Writers have confirmed that production for the fourth season has already begun, but the premiere date has been pushed back by the network.
The CW has not yet announced a premiere date for “Reign” nor how many episodes the latest installment will have. The first two seasons received a full order of 22 episodes while the third season had 18 episodes.
The show was initially supposed to have a midseason premiere but talks of it having a May 2017 premiere date surfaced.
The CW reportedly prioritized shows that perform better in terms of ratings such as “iZombie,” “The 100,” and “The Originals” for a midseason premiere.
Christian Today notes that if the show will push through with its May 2017 premiere, then it will coincide with the premiere of the seventh season of “Game of Thrones.” Should that happen, “Reign” is certain to suffer in the rating game and might not even have a Season 5.
Despite the delay in the premiere, production is going along as planned. New characters have been added to interact with Adelaide Kane’s Queen Mary and her complicated life.
Will Kemp has been cast as Lord Darnley, Mary’s second husband. Based on historical accounts, Darnley married Mary after King Francis’ death.
Their marriage lasted for a year as Darnley was murdered. He and Mary had a son who went to become King James I. Reports say that the show may focus on Mary’s son as well.
History would also dictate that Darnley was a nobleman with an increasing arrogance, which the Queen couldn’t handle. As per Ecumenical News, “The Midnight Man” actor will debut as a dancer.
“Eastenders” star Adam Croasdell was also tapped to play Earl of Bothwell, Mary’s third husband. In the history books, Bothwell was described as a warm-hearted but rebellious man who loved Mary deeply.
It’s also believed that Bothwell and the Queen of Scots had something to do with the untimely demise of Darnley so that he and Mary could wed.
TV Line reports that both Kemp and Croasdell are expected to appear on a limited basis this season, but their contracts could be extended for them to play their roles a realistically as possible.
Fans are excited to see how Mary will fall in love again this season. After Francis’ death, the Queen endured never-ending pain as well as the struggle to keep her nation from Queen Elizabeth’s threat.
With the casting of Mary’s third husband, rumors again surfaced that the fourth season will be the last of the show. Given Bothwell was the last husband of Mary before her death.
Fans are expecting a cold-blooded war to ensue between Queen Mary and Rachel Skasrten’s Queen Elizabeth. Back in Season 3, the foundations for their impending war have already been laid down.
After learning of Lola’s execution, Mary vows to take revenge on Elizabeth and asks Gideon to help her. James also finds out that John Knox was behind the assassination plot for Elizabeth but has no evidence to prove it.
Upon claiming victory, Elizabeth asks Robert Dudley to marry her but is dismayed to learn that he’s already married to Lettice Knollys.