Focus Features and Working Title have announced that filming is now underway in England and Scotland on the historical dramaMary, Queen of Scots, also revealing the first image of Oscar-nomineeSaoirse Ronanin the title role. Scripted byThe Ides of Marchscreenwriter and formerHouse of CardsshowrunnerBeau Willimon, the film is based on the biographyMy Heart Is My Own: The Life of Mary Queen of Scotsand follows the young Mary’s claim to the English throne and how it threatened Elizabeth I’s sovereignty.Josie Rourke, artistic director for the Donmar Warehouse, makes her feature directorial debut on the project, andMargot Robbiefills the role of Elizabeth I, making for one hell of a dynamic duo.
The cast here is pretty stacked, as Ronan is joined byJack Lowden(Dunkirk),Joe Alwyn(Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk),Martin Compston(Sweet Sixteen), andBrendan Coyle(Downton Abbey) as well asDavid TennantandGuy Pearce. It’s great to see such a fascinating story coming to the screen, but even better that this female-driven series of events is being steered by a female director. It really does feel like we’re on the cusp of seeing far more representation behind the camera, especially in the wake ofWonder Woman, andMary, Queen of Scotsis one to keep an eye on.
No release date just yet, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Focus and Working Title had their eye on a fall debut in 2018, just in time for awards season. Check out the first image below, followed by theMary, Queen of Scotssynopsis.
Here’s the official synopsis forMary, Queen of Scots:
Mary, Queen of Scotsexplores the turbulent life of the charismatic Mary Stuart. Queen of France at 16 and widowed at 18, Mary defies pressure to remarry. Instead, she returns to her native Scotland to reclaim her rightful throne. But Scotland and England fall under the rule of the compelling Elizabeth 1. Each young Queen beholds her “sister” in fear and fascination. Rivals in power and in love, and female regents in a masculine world, the two must decide how to play the game of marriage versus independence. Determined to rule as much more than a figurehead, Mary asserts her claim to the English throne, threatening Elizabeth’s sovereignty. Betrayal, rebellion, and conspiracies within each court imperil both thrones – and change the course of history.
