Game of Thrones star Lena Headey lands title role in new Showtime dramedy

Lena Headey’s time on Game of Thrones came to an end when Queen Cersei was buried under a ton of bricks, but Headey’s acting career is just getting going. After securing a voice role in Netflix’s Dark Crystal prequel, CNN reports that Headey has landed the title role in an upcoming dramedy pilot for Showtime, simply titled Rita.

Per Showtime, Rita is a “headstrong unconventional teacher and single mother who takes on every kind of authority — as well as her family — in a messy and unfiltered way.” Headey is nothing if not commander onscreen, so playing someone who takes on authority should be easy for her. Really, she would be great in any role. Say what you will about Game of Thrones season 8, but I think one of its primary sins was that there wasn’t enough of Headey’s Cersei.

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If the show is picked up, it could also give Headey a chance to show off her comedy chops, something she didn’t get to do much as Cersei. Showtime president of Entertainment Jana Winograde sounded especially thrilled to have Headey on board. “Rita is a deliciously subversive character who will make you laugh and cry as she continuously challenges the hypocrisy around her,” Winograde said. “It goes without saying that Lena Headey is a force, whose essence is ideal to take on this wonderfully dynamic lead role.”

Rita is based on a Dannish series of the same name that ran for four seasons. Christian Torpe, who created the original series, is writing the pilot for the Showtime version as well. Cross your fingers it gets picked up for a full series. We could all use more Lena Headey in our lives

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