Catherine the Great (Russian: Екатерина Великая) is a 2025 Russian historical documentary film directed by Morad Abdel-Fattakh about the reign of one of Russia's most celebrated empresses, Catherine II; the third film in the Rus' franchise. The role of Catherine II was played by three actresses: Anna Mikhalkova, Olga Lerman and Nina Kucheruk.
It was released on February 20, 2025, by Central Partnership.
Contents
Plot
The era of palace coups had ended. A new historical figure had emerged. She could have confined herself to the title of Emperor's wife, but through her tenacity and determination, she was able to prove that she deserved to rule Russia and embody the ideas of the enlightenment.
Cast
Anna Mikhalkova as an adult Catherine II
Olga Lerman as Catherine II
Nina Kucheruk as a young Catherine II
Viktor Dobronravov as Alexey Orlov
Kirill Kuznetsov as Grigory Orlov
Yevgeny Shvarts
Yevgeny Kharitonov as Potemkin
Konstantin Kryukov as Bibikov
Production
Filming took place in Saint Petersburg.
Sequel
Catherine the Great will be a direct sequel to the documentaries Peter I: The Last Tsar and the First Emperor (2022 film) and The Empresses (2023 film).