Jude Law Is Sworn In As The Young Pope In New Trailer For HBO Drama

Now that viewers have reluctantly said their farewells to Westworld following last night’s gripping season finale – don’t worry, no spoilers here – HBO is beginning to drum up excitement for what is undoubtedly one of its biggest freshman dramas going into 2017.

We are, of course, referring to The Young Pope, Paolo Sorrentino’s ten-part religious drama that chronicles a great power struggle from within the opulent walls of the Vatican. At the center of that whirlwind is Jude Law’s Lenny Belardo, a prickly intelligent cardinal that goes on to become the first American Pope in the history of the Catholic Church. But Belardo’s methods are unconventional, to put it kindly, and a new trailer released today sheds light on a power-mongering character who, at least on paper, echoes a certain Frank Underwood.

Upon picking up the mantle of Pius XIII, Jude Law’s chain-smoking Pontiff essentially plays by his own rules, and is largely unconcerned with the implications to his authority. Such a provocative premise will surely bring out the very best in Jude Law, and from the teaser trailer alone, it’s clear that Sorrentino’s account of The Young Pope is as arresting as it is visually stunning. Diane Keaton, Silvio Orlando and Scott Shepherd co-star.

Those in the UK and select parts of Europe have already been acquainted with The Young Pope, given Sorrentino’s limited drama began rolling out across the pond in the latter stages of October. It’ll make its NA premiere via HBO on Sunday, January 15 at 9pm ET/PT and yes, plans are already in place for a second season.