Versailles interview with Marie Askehave

Marie Askehave on portraying Delphine, Duchesse d'Angers, a strong-willed feminist at the court of Louis XIV, her special connection with the Chevalier de Lorraine, and the essence of courage 

Foto: Marie Askehave - Copyright: Miklos Szabo
Marie Askehave
© Miklos Szabo

November 6, 2018 by Nicole Oebel @philomina_

Note: The interview contains mild spoilers on Versailles season 3.


You were part of highly-acclaimed Nordic Noir series like Forbrydelsen and Borgen - noted for their "well-crafted and electric plots, memorable characters, and a tremendous sense of setting". Can you compare working on these shows to working on Versailles?  

One thing is the same: a lovely hardworking crew with a very nice, warm and familylike way of being.

The shooting and the series are very different. Versailles is a much bigger setup and for me of course the language is a big difference. The costumes and locations are something that take more attention from your acting.

Joining the cast of Versailles in season 3, stepping into the court of Louis XIV must have been a special experience. What do you remember best from your first few days on set in France and meeting everyone? 

I remember watching season 1 and 2 in like a week, and then joining everyone at "the kings gardenparty". It was like walking into my computer screen. If you know the song from A-ha "Take on me" where he runs into a cartoon, you'll know what I mean. I was completely star struck, and of course very nervous! Then Jess (Palatine) said: "Oh my good! You are Rie from The Killing! Oh my gooooood. Everybody! It's Rie!!!!" that was both really funny and made me relax instantly ;)))

Where Louis XIV's court creates an environment in which women are pitted against each other, Delphine seems independent and at ease with herself. What do you admire about her?

Delphine is strong-willed, clever, feminist. And determined to fight for what she thinks is a just cause; her freedom of belief. Doing that in an environment like Versailles is the essence of courage.

Foto: Marie Askehave, Versailles - Copyright: Canal+
Marie Askehave, Versailles
© Canal+

Coming in as the new love-interest for one half of MonChevy must have been an interesting challenge. Did you read up on the historical Chevalier & Monsieur and maybe also on the conversation Versailles created with the depiction of their love and relationship?

I don't think that Delphine knew much about their relationship, or was interested in knowing about Monsieur and Chevalier. Their relationship was their business. She wasn't looking for a husband, she liked Chevalier, and wanted to spend time with him both with and without clothes :)

Delphine lets the Chevalier know: "I need no man. And I wouldn't marry you if you were the last speciman on this earth." Still they become a vital part in each other's character arcs. What is at the heart of their connection?

I think they found a special connection – more than sex and above love. I think Chevalier in some ways, was a changed man after meeting her. And maybe because of her, he and Philippe could come back together again. She learned that it's okay to get help from somebody – even a man :)

Joe Sheridan has described Evan as Puck from 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'. You've had all kinds of scenes with Evan, from banter to rejection, from Grand Salon to bedroom. How did you experience working with him?

Well that does sound like Evan! He is very lively, warm, caring person. He is a very talented actor and working with him was a gift.

Foto: Marie Askehave - Copyright: Miklos Szabo
Marie Askehave
© Miklos Szabo

In ep. 3x03 we have the fun, suggestive banter between Delphine and the Chevalier: "You would have to convert if you wish to get your hands on my stunning fortune. - No need to convert, I am as proficient with women as I am with men." What are the scenes that you enjoy laughing about?

There were SO many laughs on the making of Versailles, and I enjoyed every one of them. It was a blast. But what I enjoyed a lot, was working with the scenes on horseback. Something I have had on my bucket list for a long time! Chinos wrangler team was amazing.

What was the most surprising or rewarding aspects of working with an international cast?

That even though it was a gigantic setup it was "just like home".

If you could spend some time with one of Versailles characters, who would it be and what would you do?

I think Delphine really wanted to have a nice long chat with Louis! It feels like she didn’t get through to him :)

Last but by no means least, what can we see you in next?

I have for the last year been filming the third season of "Follow the Money". Also a Nordic Noir series from The Danish National Broadcasting Company DR. Just like Borgen and The Killing. This spring I made another Danish tv-series "Hand in Hand” that is airing these weeks and then I played lead in another Danish tv-series - which one is still not official :)

Thank you so much for making time for us, Marie!

Related: More interviews with the "Versailles" stars

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