Will this happen? Everything we know

Netflix’s popular historical drama series The Empress has finally returned for its second season in 2024, but will the German-language hit be renewed for season 3? Based loosely on the real-life historical figure of Empress Elizabeth of Austria, the show captures the rebellious spirit of the unorthodox monarch as she defies the strict social norms of her repressive royal life and all the challenges she faced as a ruler and as a person. The series was a surprise hit for the streamer and is still one of Netflix’s biggest hits in a language other than English.

Like many streaming originals, there was a big gap between seasons 1 and 2, but that didn’t seem to lessen the impact of the period drama’s return. Staying closer to the historical record than programs like Bridgerton, The Empress however, it has all the makings of a compelling fantasy drama. These unique features elevate the German show above the usual anachronistic historical fiction being pushed by major streamers and make season three even more plausible for The Empress. With many more events in Elisabeth’s life to explore, Netflix may be ordering another set of episodes soon.

The 3rd season of Imperatriz is not confirmed

Netflix has not yet renewed The Empress

Since the second season is still so new, it’s no surprise that Netflix hasn’t sent out any word about a third season of The Empress yet. As the show is a German co-production There’s probably more to the series’ renewal than a simple Netflix order. If the long delays between seasons 1 and 2 are any indication, it’s clear that The Empress it doesn’t follow the same production structure as many American shows that hit screens as quickly as possible.

It’s unclear exactly when Netflix will make the decision to renew or cancel the show. It took nearly two months for the streamer to order Season 2, and this came after Season 1 was a smash hit. If The Empress season 2 doesn’t do the same business as its predecessor, there’s little hope the streamer will ask for more episodes, or at the very least, Netflix won’t move too quickly when it comes to giving it the green light. Costume period dramas are expensive and represent a large investment that needs to have a large return.

Empress Season 3 Cast Details

Who will return in season three?

Although nothing has been announced about the cast of The Empress Still in the third season, the historical record provides a guide to who will reprise their roles. First, There’s no doubt that Devrim Lingnau will return to reprise her role as the rebellious and beloved Empress Elisabeth.and her emotional arc only grew stronger throughout Season 2. Meanwhile, Emperor Franz Joseph (Philip Froissant) will also likely return, and the historical record confirms that he survived his trip to the front lines, as seen in the Season 2 finale.

Other payoffs are less certain and really depend on the direction the Season 3 story chooses to take. Archduke Maximilian’s (Johannes Nussbaum) storyline took a dramatic turn in season 2, with his older brother losing his title. Choosing to leave Austria following his dismissal, it is uncertain whether the estranged archduke will be taken into consideration in season three. the writers would be remiss if they didn’t tell the story of his fascinating (and ultimately tragic) time in Mexico.

The supposed cast of The Empress season 3 includes:

Actor	The role of the Empress
Devrim Lingnau	Empress Elisabeth von Wittelsbach
Philip Froissant	Emperor Franz Joseph I
Melika Foroutan	Archduchess Sofia
Johannes Nussbaum	Archduke Maximilian
Almila Bagriacik	Countess Leontine von Apafi
Jördis Triebel	Duchess Ludovika
Josefina Thiesen	Princess Mary Charlotte
Christophe Favre	Napoleon III
Elisa Schlott	Helena

Empress Season 3 Story Details

The war continues next season

While The Empress is very much about Empress Elisabeth’s experience on a personal level, many world-shaping events happened around her and make up the interesting periphery of the story. Throughout the second season, the Lombardy-Venice rebellion was brewing, which ended up fomenting the war. Feeling inadequate, Franz Joseph chose to go to the front lines to support his troops, and his fate was left in limbo at the end of Season 2. The historical record reveals that Franz will survive the meeting.

On the home front, Elisabeth struggles with motherhood and the unrealistic pressure to produce a male heir to the empire. His mental health is one of the most interesting aspects of the historical drama and adds a layer of dimension to the historical figure that is very modern. Expect this to continue in Season 3 of The Empress as things become increasingly pressured between Sisi and Franz Joseph as they find themselves caught up in the maelstrom of history.