Production is now underway on Focus Features’ period drama Mary, Queen of Scots starring Saoirse Ronan (Brooklyn, Hanna) in the title role and Margot Robbie (The Legend of Tarzan, Suicide Squad) as Queen Elizabeth I. Focus Features just released the first official photo of Ronan in character as shooting begins in England and Scotland. The Working Title Films production is directed by Josie Rourke who’s making her feature film directorial debut with Mary, Queen of Scots.
Oscar nominee Beau Willimon (The Ides of March) adapted John Guy’s biography My Heart is My Own: The Life of Mary Queen of Scots for the screen. Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, and Debra Hayward are on board as producers. Alexandra Byrne is the costume designer, Jenny Shircore is the make-up and hair designer, Chris Dickens will edit the drama, James Merifield is the film’s production designer, and John Mathieson is the director of photography.
“We are privileged to be collaborating with our partners at Working Title on this stellar production, and with Josie as she makes the exciting move from stage to screen work. With two of today’s most vital actresses bringing to life two female titans, Mary, Queen of Scots will be one of the movie events of 2018,” stated Focus chairman Peter Kujawski.
The Mary, Queen of Scots cast also includes Jack Lowden (Dunkirk), Joe Alwyn (Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk), Martin Compston (Sweet Sixteen), Brendan Coyle (Me Before You), David Tennant (Doctor Who), and Guy Pearce (Memento).
The Plot: 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.
