The Great adds Gillian Anderson to season 2

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

Hulu's The Great is about to get even greater after adding Gillian Anderson to its Season 2 cast. Anderson will step onto the period piece comedic series as Joanna, a glamorous socialite from Germany, sometimes also known as the “maestro of marriage” for her abilities to arrange high-profile partnerships for her daughters. She has heard rumors of her daughter’s coup and come to Russia to see it for herself. Though the apple of Catherine’s eye and a doting mother, it soon becomes clear Johanna has more sinister intentions to save her family’s reputation.

Created, written, and executive-produced by Oscar and Emmy-nominated writer Tony McNamara, The Great is a satirical, comedic drama about the rise of Catherine the Great from outsider to the longest-reigning female ruler in Russia's history. With only occasional historical facts, the series stars Elle Fanning as Catherine, Nicholas Hoult, Phoebe Fox, Adam Godley, Gwilym Lee, Charity Wakefield, Douglas Hodge, Sacha Dhawan, Bayo Gbadamosi, and Belinda Bromilow.

Famously known for playing Dana Scully in the fan-favorite series X-Files, Anderson has stolen the show for several series, including Hannibal, American Gods, The Fall, The Crown one of my personal favorites, Netflix's Sex Education, in which she plays sex therapist, Dr. Jean Milburn. She's an absolute marvel when it comes to playing sinister characters on-screen, making her a great fit for the scheming Joanna.

The first season of The Great was nominated for multiple Emmy, Golden Globe awards, including best actor/actress for Hoult and Fanning. It also won the WGA for episodic comedy award for McNamara. If you needed another reason to get caught up on The Great before Season 2 begins, Anderson joining the cast should give you that extra push.