The King, the Squirrel and the Grass Snake (2011): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 2011, The King, the Squirrel and the Grass Snake is a drama series.

What it’s about. "The king, the squirrel and the grass snake" is a two‐part French historical drama set in 17th‐century Paris, following the intense rivalry between Nicolas Fouquet, the brilliant and flamboyant Superintendent of Finances, and Jean‐Baptiste Colbert, the calculating administrator determined to bring him down. As Fouquet rises in power, wealth, and prestige—building the magnificent château of Vaux‐le‐Vicomte and securing Mazarin’s favor—his influence begins to alarm the young Louis XIV. Colbert seizes the opportunity to undermine his rival, weaving a political trap that will reshape the future of the kingdom. Through court intrigues, shifting alliances, and the growing authority of the Sun King, the film portrays the fall of a man who shone too brightly and the birth of absolute monarchy in France.

Who’s in it. The King, the Squirrel and the Grass Snake stars Lorànt Deutsch as Fouquet, Thierry Frémont as Colbert, Sara Giraudeau as Marie-Madeleine Fouquet and Laurent Natrella as D'Artagnan, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 8.0/10, The King, the Squirrel and the Grass Snake sits among the best-reviewed titles in the catalogue.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The King, the Squirrel and the Grass Snake page.

If you liked it. Fans of The King, the Squirrel and the Grass Snake tend to enjoy Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba and Attack on Titan.