Popsugar Entertainment The Great Gillian Anderson Joins The Great Season 2 Cast on Channel 4 We're Eager to See Gillian Anderson and Elle Fanning's Mother-Daughter Duo on The Great 15 May 2021 by Karenna Meredith Image Source: Hulu The Great is adding another iconic actress to its cast for season two: Gillian Anderson. Not long after portraying another historical figure, Margaret Thatcher, for The Crown, Anderson is set to portray Catherine's (played by Elle Fanning) mother, Joanna. Variety reports that Anderson will appear on the Channel 4 series for two episodes to bring the German socialite to life. Despite doting on her daughter — a mum-to-be herself — Joanna's arrival in Russia may bring more darkness and drama than the palace expected. Anderson joins Fanning, along with Nicholas Hoult, Phoebe Fox, Adam Godley, and more returning cast members for the show's second season. The production timeline is still unknown, but we do hope to see Catherine and her crew grace our screens again soon. Get a glimpse of the cast members, new and returning, below. Related: How Much of Channel 4's The Great Is Real History, and How Much Is Totally Fictional? Gillian Anderson as Joanna Image Source: Getty / Gareth Cattermole Gillian Anderson is the first newcomer announced to The Great season two cast. She'll play Catherine's mother, Joanna. She comes to Russia after hearing rumours of her daughter's coup, but things are not what they seem. 1 / 5 Elle Fanning as Catherine Image Source: Getty / Andreas Rentz Elle Fanning will continue to reign as the show's lead, Catherine. 2 / 5 Nicholas Hoult as Peter Image Source: Getty / Maria Moratti Nicholas Hoult will be returning as Peter. 3 / 5 Adam Godley as Archie Image Source: Everett Collection Adam Godley is set to return as Archie. 4 / 5 Phoebe Fox as Marial Image Source: Everett Collection Phoebe Fox will reprise her role of Marial. 5 / 5 The GreatHuluGillian AndersonElle FanningTV