Season 1 • Episode 8
LatestIvan the Terrible is the most discussed Character in the Russian history. At the same time, Ivan is the most unsolved mystery of the Russian Czars. The scale of his political achievements has always overshadowed a living person, and the unparalleled cruelty that entered folklore literally ruled out the possibility of a more complex view of character. The series is an humble attempt to understand the origins of the actions of Ivan IV and look into the dark labyrinth of his soul. Ivan IV of Russia is gradually reborn into the same Ivan the Terrible - a cruel tyrant. And now rumors of his ruthlessness and violent temper are becoming true, and these changes in the character of the king are changing history. Enemies are approaching Russia - will the country be able to survive?
Acting
Makovetskiy's terrifying stillness as aging Ivan.
Production
Claustrophobic palace corridors that breathe oppression.
Writing
Refuses easy villainy, chooses tragic psychology.
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Sergey Makovetskiy initially refused the role, fearing comparison to Eisenstein's iconic 1944 film portrayal.
Released during Putin's constitutional amendments, critics read parallels between Ivan's consolidation of power and modern Russian politics—intentional or not, the timing sparked debate.
RU
