“Russia must be saved — and I with it,” says Elle Fanning in a new trailer for “The Great.” The Hulu series tells the story of Catherine the Great (Fanning), the longest reigning female ruler in Russia’s history.

Determined to be “useful to Russia” and “help its greatness,” Catherine arrives in Russia an idealistic young woman enthusiastic about playing a role in leading the country alongside her husband, Emperor Peter (Nicholas Hoult). She’s wholly unprepared for the realities of her arranged marriage. “You don’t talk, my love,” Peter tells her when she attempts to make a toast at a party.

Peter isn’t interested in anything his new wife has to say, least of all her political aspirations. He’s convinced that Catherine’s only use is bearing his heirs.

The spot hints that Peter is standing between Catherine and her destiny — and she’s willing to get rid of him to rule.

“All the Bright Places” and “The Roads Not Taken” are among Fanning’s most recent credits. She’ll re-team with her “Galveston” director, Mélanie Laurent, for “The Nightingale,” an adaptation of Kristin Hannah’s novel of the same name. Her sister, Dakota Fanning, will co-star in the WWII-set coming-of-age story about sisters trying to survive the German occupation of France.

“The Great” premieres on Hulu May 15.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJGedvRfHYg&feature=emb_logo