'The Tudors' moves on to wives 3 and 4

Showtime announced today that it is picking up a third season of "The Tudors," which will begin production in Dublin in mid-June. Season 3, which will debut in 2009, will trace King Henry VIII's marriages to Jane Seymour (Anita Briem, above)  and Anne of Cleves. Star Jonathan Rhys Meyers (above) is set to return.

The lavish drama is midway through its second season, which centers on Henry's ill-fated marriage to Anne Boleyn, played by Natalie Dormer.

The series has emerged as something of a calling card for the pay cable network. Robert Greenblatt, Showtime's entertainment president, told The Times recently that he'd ultimately like to extend it for four seasons, covering all of Henry's six wives. But it remains to be seen whether Rhys Meyers, who is only committed to three seasons, will sign for a fourth.

-- Matea Gold

Comments

[Big Sam]

Why not use the ol' Hollywood suspension of reality methodolgy.

Have Henry III as a polygamist and kill off all his wives at one time. One season. 'Nuff' said.