Filming has begun on location in England and Scotland on the Working Title Films production of ‘Mary, Queen of Scots,’ starring Saoirse Ronan in the title role opposite Margot Robbie (‘Suicide Squad,’ ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’) as Elizabeth I. Josie Rourke, artistic director of The Donmar Warehouse, makes her feature directorial debut on the movie.
‘Mary, Queen of Scots’ explores 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.
Joining the cast are Jack Lowden (‘Dunkirk,’ ‘England is Mine’), Joe Alwyn (‘The Sense of an Ending,’ ‘Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk’), Martin Compston (‘Sweet Sixteen,’ ‘Line of Duty’) and Brendan Coyle (‘Downton Abbey,’ ‘Me Before You’). Also featuring in the cast are David Tennant (‘Doctor Who,’ ‘Broadchurch,’ ‘Jessica Jones’) and Guy Pearce (‘Memento,’ LA Confidential,’ ‘The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert’).
The screenplay for the film comes from Beau Willimon (‘The Ides of March,’ ‘House of Cards,’ based on John Guy’s acclaimed biography My Heart is My Own: The Life of Mary Queen of Scots.
Focus Features holds worldwide rights and will release Mary, Queen of Scots in the US and Universal Pictures International will distribute the film internationally.