The Gilded Age season 2 production has begun.
Filming began earlier this month in Newport, Rhode Island, home to many of the stately homes built by some of America’s wealthiest families that serve as the backdrop for the show. And filming is also taking place in upstate New York.
A first photo for the new season was shared showing the period show filming.
Reprise: Cynthia Nixon and Christine Baranski will reprise their roles as “old money” sisters Ada Brook and Agnes Van Rhijn when production begins on season two of The Gilded Age
The Gilded Age is expected to be ready for the small screen sometime in 2023.
Most of the cast will return with the exception of one actor.
Christine Baranski and Cynthia Nixon return in the historical drama as “old money” sisters Agnes Van Rhijn and Ada Brook.
Louisa Jacobson, 30, plays her orphaned niece, Marian Brook, who comes to live with them after her father’s death.
First: A first photo for the new season has been shared showing the filming of the period show. The Gilded Age is expected to be ready for the small screen sometime in 2023
Ingenue: Louisa Jacobson, 30, will be reprising her role as Ingenue Mario Brook, so doesn’t always understand or agree with the rules that governed New York society in the late 19th century
Marian is a free-thinking young woman who doesn’t always agree with her aunts’ strict adherence to the societal rules that ruled New York City in the late 19th century.
Across 61st Street, the “new money” Russell family, led by railroad baron George and rising star Bertha, played by Morgan Spector and Carrie Coon, will continue their quest to advance in business and society.
The Russells are extremely wealthy but do not belong to the same social class as their neighbors, who make up the main families of Manhattan’s elite.
Debutante: Taissa Farmiga, 27, plays debutante Gladys Russell, who struggles with her mother’s firm influence over her actions
Destiny: Harry Richardson, 29, portrays Larry Russell in The Gilded Age as a young man who chooses his own destiny
Opulence: The HBO series plays with the opulence that was the hallmark of New York society in the late 1800s
Their characters are based on some real life “invaders”, William and Alva Vanderbilt, who built their own grand mansion in 1883.
The show’s creator, Julian Fellowes, even adapted some of Alva’s antics into the series, including a stunt to ensure that acting matron of society Mrs. Lina Astor, played by Tony winner Donna Murphy, reluctantly joined the coming Russell daughter’s Out-Ball.
Russell children Gladys and Larry, played by Taissa Farmiga, 27, and Harry Richardson, 29, are trying to figure out where they belong in the world despite their parents’ domineering ambitions. Gladys resents her mother’s tight control over her actions and desires more freedom. Larry tries to determine his own destiny.
Professional Woman: Denee’ Benton returns to the series as aspiring journalist Peggy Scott. The program has been praised for portraying African Americans as more than servants
Personal life: Tony and Grammy winner Audra McDonald and British actor John Douglas Thompson portray Peggy Scott’s parents, Dorothy and Arthur Scott, as wealthy African Americans
Also returning to this opulent world is Denee’ Benton as aspiring journalist Peggy Scott.
Peggy must deal with her own problems at home, including a domineering father, played by British actor John Douglas Thompson. Her supportive mother, Dorothy, is played by Tony and Grammy award winner Audra McDonald. Audra and Christine are both co-stars on the CBS legal series The Good Fight.
The HBO series has been lauded for showing African Americans as more than servants, but does not do enough to demonstrate the racial prejudices they grapple with on a daily basis.
No return: Australian actor Thomas Cocquerel, 32, will not return. His rising character, Tom Raikes, broke Marian Brook’s heart in the season finale
Australian Thomas Cocquerel, 32, who starred as Tom Raikes, Marian’s rising love interest, will not be returning to the series after breaking her heart in the season finale.
Jeanne Tripplehorn, who played Scarlet Woman and social misfit Sylvia Chamberlain, will make an appearance in season two.
Filming: Filming began earlier this month in Newport, Rhode Island, home to many of the mansions that serve as the series’ backdrop