The world of elite ballet is often shrouded in mystery, a realm where grace and precision meet intense competition and passion. Now, audiences are set to get an insider’s look into this captivating universe through “Étoile,” the latest series from the creative minds behind “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino. The official trailer, released by Prime Video, offers a tantalizing glimpse into the drama that unfolds when two rival ballet companies decide to swap their top dancers as part of a bold marketing campaign.
“Étoile” is set against the glamorous backdrop of New York and Paris, two cities renowned for their contributions to the world of ballet. The series stars Charlotte Gainsbourg as Geneviève, the interim general director of l’Opéra Français and Le Ballet National. She devises a plan with Jack, played by Emmy Award winner Luke Kirby, the executive director of the Metropolitan Ballet Theater, to trade their star ballerinas for a year. This high-stakes experiment is designed to save their respective institutions, but it also sets the stage for a series of personal and professional conflicts.
One of the most intriguing aspects of “Étoile” is its unique premise. While the series is not based on the real-life dancer swap between Paris and New York City in 2009, it draws inspiration from Frederick Wiseman’s documentary “La Danse: The Paris Opera Ballet.” Co-creator Daniel Palladino revealed to Vanity Fair that the documentary’s portrayal of the ballet world’s quirks and complexities inspired them to create a fictionalized drama that captures the essence of this often-mysterious art form.
Charlotte Gainsbourg, known for her roles in films like “Melancholia,” considers “Étoile” to be her English-language comedy debut. In an interview with Vanity Fair, she expressed her excitement about taking on a comedic role in English, noting that while she has done comedies in France, she is still seen as a serious actress. “For me, it was very new to do a comedy in English,” Gainsbourg said. “I’ve done comedies in France, and still people see me as a serious actress—but I love comedies.”
The series also boasts a stellar supporting cast, including Kelly Bishop, Yanic Truesdale, Gideon Glick, Lou de Laâge, and David Alvarez. Each actor brings their own unique talents to the screen, adding depth and nuance to the story. Gainsbourg credits Sherman-Palladino for the series’ tone, noting that her background as a former dancer adds an authentic touch to the narrative. “Étoile” is the second ballet-centric series created by Sherman-Palladino, following the short-lived ABC Family series “Bunheads,” which was canceled in 2012.
Sherman-Palladino’s connection to the ballet world is evident in her approach to the series. “‘Bunheads’ gave us a little taste of the fun of being in that world on a smaller scale,” she said. “I trained as a dancer, so I have been mystified that nothing has really come close to capturing the weirdness of the dance world. They’re an odd, amazing bunch of people.” Her passion for ballet shines through in “Étoile,” which promises to be a visual and emotional journey for viewers.
The official trailer, released by Prime Video, showcases the series’ stunning visuals and intricate choreography. The VFX work by The Yard adds an extra layer of magic to the ballet performances, making each scene a feast for the eyes. The trailer hints at the personal struggles and professional rivalries that will drive the series forward, promising a compelling narrative that goes beyond the dance floor.
As “Étoile” prepares to premiere on April 24, it is clear that this series has the potential to captivate audiences with its unique blend of drama, comedy, and ballet. The combination of a talented cast, an intriguing premise, and the creative vision of Sherman-Palladino and Palladino makes “Étoile” one to watch. Whether you are a fan of ballet or simply looking for a fresh and engaging series, “Étoile” promises to deliver.
