With principal photography now underway, Focus Features has released a first look image of Saoirse Ronan in the title role in Working Title Films’ Mary, Queen of Scots.
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.
Mary, Queen of Scots is being directed by Josie Rourke from a screenplay by Beau Willimon (The Ides of March, House of Cards). Saoirse Ronan (Brooklyn) stars as Mary Stuart, with Margot Robbie (Suicide Squad) as Elizabeth I, while the rest of the cast includes Jack Lowden (Dunkirk), Joe Alwyn (Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk), Martin Compston (Sweet Sixteen), Brendan Coyle (Downton Abbey), David Tennant (Doctor Who) and Guy Pearce (Memento).
Originally published August 17, 2017. Updated April 17, 2018.
