Franz Joseph is a main character in Netflix’s German historical drama The Empress. He is played by actor Philip Froissant. Franz is the Emperor of Austria, trying to manage a large empire filled with challenges. His story focuses on his struggles as a ruler, his troubled marriage with Elisabeth, and the personal losses that shape his life.

Trivia/Facts

• Franz Joseph is a key character in Netflix’s German historical drama The Empress, portrayed by Philip Froissant. He is depicted as the Emperor of Austria, burdened with ruling a vast and diverse empire. His character showcases the challenges of leadership, personal loss, and marital struggles. The series explores his attempts to maintain his empire while dealing with mounting personal and political crises.
• Franz becomes emperor during a time of great unrest, with rebels challenging his authority. In Season 2, his problems intensify as he faces political instability and personal heartbreak. He struggles with the fallout from his daughter’s death, which deeply affects his marriage to Elisabeth. His efforts to stabilize the empire are further complicated by external threats, especially from Napoleon.

Franz Joseph in The Empress

• Despite his inexperience, Franz decides to lead his army personally in a war against Napoleon. His decision stems from a sense of duty and fairness, wanting to share the risks with his soldiers. However, his lack of military expertise makes his choice controversial among his family and advisors. The war ultimately leads to Austria’s defeat, marking a significant setback for Franz and his empire.
• Franz’s marriage to Elisabeth is central to his storyline, highlighting both love and conflict. The death of their daughter creates a rift between them, testing their relationship to its limits. They eventually reconcile, but the empire’s troubles continue to loom over their personal lives. Franz’s family, including his brother Maximillian, adds complexity to his story, often causing friction.

Franz Joseph in The Empress

• Napoleon is portrayed as a formidable adversary with superior military strategies. Franz underestimates Napoleon’s plans, leading to disastrous consequences for Austria. The conflict with Napoleon symbolizes the beginning of Austria’s decline under Franz’s reign. Despite the defeat, Franz survives the war, living to an advanced age but witnessing his empire’s gradual collapse.
• Franz’s reign is remembered for its tumultuous events, including significant territorial losses. His inability to foresee political and military challenges leads to the fragmentation of the Austrian empire. The series leaves his character at a crossroads, suggesting more personal and political trials ahead. Franz’s resilience and survival hint at a complicated legacy, both as a ruler and as a person.

Franz Joseph in The Empress

Roddy Ho’s Relationship with Other Characters

• Jackson Lamb: Roddy’s boss often mocks his arrogance and lack of self-awareness, treating him with sarcasm and disdain.
• River Cartwright: Roddy looks down on River, believing himself superior, though River sees Roddy as a socially inept tech expert.
• Louisa Guy: Roddy tries to impress Louisa with his skills, but she finds his behavior irritating and unprofessional.
• Catherine Standish: Roddy respects Catherine’s authority but often overlooks her personal struggles due to his self-absorption.

Franz Joseph in The Empress

Franz Joseph in The Empress

Franz Joseph in The Empress