From Bond Girl to Weed Queenpin: Famke Janssen Reclaims Her Power in a Dutch-Language Netflix Drama
In her latest role, Dutch actor Famke Janssen is stepping away from her long-standing image as a Hollywood villain—and she’s doing it in her native tongue. The upcoming Netflix crime drama Amsterdam Empire, set to release later this year, puts Janssen front and center as Betty, a 90s one-hit-wonder-turned-vengeful ex-wife navigating the murky underworld of cannabis empires in the Netherlands.
“It’s the role I’ve been waiting for,” Janssen told Variety at the Monte-Carlo Television Festival. “Betty gets betrayed by her husband—who owns the largest weed business in the country—and rather than settling for hush money, she goes after the whole empire. And him.”
While that might sound like a classic revenge tale, Janssen insists Amsterdam Empire offers something deeper. “She’s not angry all the time,” she says. “That gets exhausting. But I did want her to fight back. To take control.”
The series, created by the team behind Undercover—Piet Matthys, Nico Moolenaar, and Bart Uytdenhouwen—marks a significant moment in Janssen’s career: not only does it give her a rare lead role, it also lets her act in Dutch for the first time on screen.
From Pop Stardom to Power Struggles
Betty’s backstory is just as bold as her comeback. Once a chart-topping singer in the 90s with a hit called Forever, she’s now determined to build something of her own after being cast aside. For the role, Janssen even embraced the challenge of filming a faux music video, taking inspiration from icons like Paula Abdul.
“It was about pushing myself—singing, dancing, everything,” she says. “I loved it.”
This complexity is no accident. Janssen has spent years navigating roles that barely scratched the surface of what she could bring to the screen. From the psychic power of Jean Grey in X-Men to cold-hearted femme fatales, she has often been typecast.
“I’ve had to turn two-dimensional roles into three-dimensional characters,” she admits. “Maybe it’s because I’m a foreigner. Or a strong woman. But the goal was always to show more.”
The Actress as Architect
For Janssen, Amsterdam Empire is not just about returning to her roots—it’s about taking control of her creative destiny. She has signed on for two seasons and will also serve as executive producer.
“We actors are on set with every department. We learn everything,” she explains. “Producing is a natural step. It’s time.”
As streaming platforms expand their reach and audiences crave more global, authentic storytelling, Janssen believes it’s the perfect moment to bring a Dutch-language series to international viewers.
“It doesn’t have to be in English anymore to be powerful,” she says. “People just want truth. And this show has it.”
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FAQ: Amsterdam Empire and Famke Janssen
What is Amsterdam Empire about?
The series follows Betty, a former pop star who sets out to take over her husband’s illegal cannabis business after discovering his betrayal. It’s a mix of crime drama, revenge thriller, and personal reinvention.
Is the show in Dutch or English?
Amsterdam Empire is primarily in Dutch, marking Famke Janssen’s return to acting in her native language after a career built mostly in English-language roles.
Will there be more than one season?
Yes. Janssen has confirmed she signed on for two seasons and is also serving as an executive producer for the show.
When will Amsterdam Empire be available on Netflix?
The show is set to premiere on Netflix later in 2025. An exact release date has not yet been announced.
