Famke Janssen Lands Leading Role in Netflix’s “Amsterdam Empire”
Famke Janssen is set to star in the upcoming crime drama series “Amsterdam Empire” on Netflix. The show, created by Piet Matthys, Nico Moolenaar, and Bart Uytdenhouwen, follows the story of Betty, a former 90s pop star who is married to the owner of a major weed empire. However, Betty’s world is turned upside down when she discovers her husband’s infidelity with a younger woman who is now pregnant.
Instead of seeking financial compensation, Betty decides to take matters into her own hands and goes after the entire weed empire to seek revenge on her unfaithful husband. Janssen describes her character as complex, with a mix of determination and vulnerability. She wanted to challenge herself by incorporating music, dance, and singing into the role, drawing inspiration from iconic performers like Paula Abdul.
The Dutch actress, known for her roles in “GoldenEye” and “X-Men,” is excited to showcase a different side of herself in “Amsterdam Empire.” She explains that she has often been typecast as a villain in Hollywood and is eager to break away from that mold. Janssen believes in the importance of portraying multifaceted characters and exploring different facets of her personality through acting.
Returning to her native language for the first time in her career, Janssen found the experience of acting in Dutch refreshing and enjoyable. She praises the growing international appeal of foreign-language projects, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in storytelling. With Netflix’s backing, she is confident that “Amsterdam Empire” will resonate with audiences worldwide.
In addition to her starring role, Janssen will also serve as an executive producer on the series. She sees producing as a natural progression in her career, allowing her to have more creative control and leverage her experience working on set. Janssen is committed to telling compelling stories that captivate viewers and make a lasting impact.
“Amsterdam Empire” promises to be a thrilling and engaging series that showcases Janssen’s talent in a new light. With its intriguing plot and dynamic characters, the show is sure to be a hit with audiences. Stay tuned for the premiere of “Amsterdam Empire” on Netflix later this year.