The Upper West Side is buzzing with excitement as the talented team behind *The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel* begins filming their new series, *Étoile*. This highly anticipated ballet drama is already generating significant interest, particularly among fans of Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino, the Emmy-award-winning duo responsible for the hit shows *Gilmore Girls* and *Bunheads*.
On July 22, 2024, the normally serene Lincoln Center Plaza was transformed into the set of this new series.
Known for being the home of the real American Ballet Theatre, the iconic Metropolitan Opera House building served as the backdrop for what appeared to be an early scene in the series. The set was meticulously designed to replicate a press conference, with American and French flags framing the panel, hinting at the international stakes of the storyline. According to a Backstage casting call, additional scenes will be filmed in Manhattan on Tuesday, with the crew expected to shoot on 74th and Amsterdam Avenue on Wednesday.
*Étoile*, which translates to "star" in French, is poised to be a captivating exploration of the ballet world, focusing on the lives and careers of dancers and the artistic staff of two world-renowned ballet companies. The plot, as detailed on IMDB, revolves around these companies as they embark on a bold plan to save their institutions by swapping their most talented dancers. The story is set in both New York City and Paris, promising viewers a rich visual experience of these two iconic cities.
The series has already garnered attention with its impressive cast. Luke Kirby, who charmed audiences as Lenny Bruce in *The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel*, is set to star, bringing his unique talent back to the screen. He is joined by British-French actress Charlotte Gainsbourg, known for her roles in *Nymphomaniac* and *Melancholia*. Gainsbourg will portray the head of the Parisian ballet company, a role that promises to be as complex and intriguing as her previous work.
Other notable cast members include Simon Callow, familiar to many from *Outlander* and *Four Weddings and a Funeral*, Gideon Glick from *Maestro* and *White Noise*, and Yanic Truesdale, who *Gilmore Girls* fans will recognize as Michel Gerard.
Sherman-Palladino's deep personal connection to the world of ballet adds an authentic touch to *Étoile*. As a classically trained ballet dancer herself, she brings a unique perspective and passion to the project, ensuring that the series will resonate with both ballet aficionados and newcomers to the art form.
The show has already secured a two-season order from Amazon Prime, although the release date has not yet been announced.
In a press release, Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon and MGM Studios, expressed her excitement for the project, stating, "We’re incredibly excited for *Étoile*, as we have no doubt Amy, Dan, and their team will continue to produce incredible and impactful event television that we can’t wait to share with our global Prime audiences.
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With its star-studded cast, the expertise of the Palladinos, and the enchanting world of ballet as its backdrop, *Étoile* is shaping up to be another must-watch series. Fans of *The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel* and *Gilmore Girls* have every reason to be excited as the Upper West Side once again becomes a hub of creative energy and storytelling magic.
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