Enterprising Flemish broadcaster VRT has boarded the historical coming-of-age drama series ‘King of Hearts’ from Giles Coulier, whose company, De Wereldvrede, is behind such hits as 2019 series “War of the Worlds” and Prix Europa winner, “Albatros.”
As continental royalty series hit ratings and sales – think “Maxima” – “King of Hearts,” currently in development, has been selected to participate in the inaugural Euro-Atlantic Co-Pro Pitch program to be held at the Iberseries & Platino Industria confab in Madrid.
Based on real events, the drama centers on Baudouin, introverted and insecure, who is made King before he is ready for the task. As Belgium descends into crisis and his family fractures around him, he is forced to confront the man and leader he wants to become. Under mounting pressure, he learns to make difficult choices, challenge his father’s influence and forge his own beliefs. But with power comes a darker temptation: to control others as he himself was once controlled.
Later in life, he tries to protect his nephew Filip from the same painful path he went through. But he slowly realizes how hard it is to become a better man than the father who raised him.
“We are thrilled we can once again work on a fiction series that sheds light on an important chapter in our recent history. As a public broadcaster, we believe it is essential to tell these stories, but always through emotionally compelling, surprising and strong storytelling,” said Elly Vervloet, VRT international drama expert.
