Belinda Stars HBO Max’s ‘Carlota’ Series as Mexico’s Empress

HBO Max released the first official images of its new original series *Carlota*, a ten‑episode dramatization of Empress Carlota of Belgium, the last monarch of the Second Mexican Empire. Mexican pop star Belinda portrays the Empress, while Spanish actor Jaime Lorente plays her husband Emperor Maximilian. The supporting cast includes Miguel Ángel Silvestre as General Alfred van der Smissen, Mabel Cadena as Josefa, and Bárbara de Regil, Sebastián Zurita and others.

The production, a Sony Pictures Television co‑production for HBO Max, was filmed over 17 weeks in more than 40 locations across Latin America and Europe. It employed around 45 principal actors, roughly 1,300–1,370 extras, 80 musicians and over 100 dancers. Costume design was led by Loles García, emphasizing a contemporary yet period‑accurate Victorian aesthetic. No premiere date has been announced, but the series is slated for release sometime in late 2026 or early 2027 and will be exclusive to HBO Max.

Social media reaction has been strong, with fans praising Belinda’s transformation while some users criticize her age‑altered look. The series has generated significant buzz in Mexico, Spain and among international audiences.