As her Hulu biopic about Catherine the Great drops, we speak to the 22-year-old star about the women who inspire her, and her life as both the series’ lead and producer.

Before the global pandemic, when human contact is still an everyday occurrence, we meet Elle Fanning in one of her favorite restaurants in the Valley, where she was born and raised, to talk about her latest role. With a script by Australian screenwriter Tony McNamara of The Favourite fame, she jumped at the chance to work on a TV series about the young Catherine the Great, who became the Russian empress after overthrowing her dastardly husband, Peter the Great, played by Nicholas Hoult. Following the coup d’etat, she went on to rule the nation for 34 years, embracing the European ideas of the Enlightenment, extending its borders and governing during a period that became known as The Golden Age. We ask the actor what it was like to embody one of the most powerful female figures in history in The Great, available to stream May 15.

What appealed to you about Catherine’s character?
She’s a beautiful character because she’s very curious, and she always has a second plan and a third and fourth and fifth plan. And she makes mistakes. And she doesn’t claim to know everything. She’s open to learning from other people and even Peter, though his style of ruling is horrible. And she’s a great manipulator.

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The two actors talk about ‘The Great’ on Good Morning America.

During this historic time of isolation, people have been entertained by “Never Have I Ever,” “Normal People,” “Dave,” “Dead to Me” or “Ozark.” They have spent hours watching “The Last Dance,” a rejuvenated “Survivor,” “Drag Race,” “Love is Blind” and “Making the Cut.” Escapism has been what has popped the most and another welcome respite is likely to be Hulu ‘s “The Great” starring Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult. And thankfully, Hulu is making it available all in one binge this Friday.

Loosely inspired by the life of Catherine the Great, who is portrayed by Fanning, the Tony McNamara (“The Favourite”) created series imagines her rise to power through a contemporary mindset. Of course, the series begins with her marriage to Peter III, played wonderfully by Hoult, and McNamara and his writing team have glorious fun playing with history when it suits their particular tale. Despite an overall stellar cast (look for “Normal People’s” Sebastian de Souza in a major role) the shining star is Fanning. The now 22-year-old actress has earned acclaim for her roles in films such as “20th Century Women” and “The Beguiled,” but this is hands down the best thing she’s ever done. She not only excels at the comedic moments but finds a way to break your heart as well.

Fanning jumped on the phone just a month or so into the nation’s stay at home orders (well, at least those in California) to discuss her rare foray into episodic content. Be warned, however, there are some spoilers ahead (whether you think they are minor or major is debatable).

The Playlist: Hi Elle. How are you doing?
Elle Fanning: I’m good. How are you?

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Elle video chats with Jimmy about celebrating her 22nd birthday in quarantine, explains how she ended up with Bob Dylan’s harmonica and breaks down the importance of supporting Children’s Miracle Network.