Karen Gillan (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3) is set to play the Queen of England Mary Tudor in Fools, a historical comedy from writer/director Guy Jenkin (What We Did On Our Holiday).
Fools will focus on Queen Mary as she takes the English throne and strikes up a friendship with her court jester, which is based on their real friendship. Joining Gillan in the film is Patsy Ferran (White Bird), Brenda Blethyn (Vera) and Jim Broadbent (Harry Potter). Ferran will play Jane Foole, Mary’s jester while Broadbent will play a cardinal schemes to take more control over Mary’s court.
The official synopsis reads: Set in the 16th century in the aftermath of Henry VIII’s death, “Fool” follows England’s first queen Mary I (Gillan) as she takes the throne in a divided country on the brink of chaos. While the ambitious Cardinal Pole (Broadbent) plots to secure control, he overlooks a humble court jester, Jane Foole (Ferran). The pious and apparently humourless queen finds Jane’s brilliant slapstick routines uproariously funny, and they strike up a genuine friendship, the comedy lightening Mary’s mood in the darkest of times, and helping fend off Pole’s murderous manipulation. But can Jane’s comedy save a nation from civil war?
“I am thrilled to be working with such a supremely talented core group of actors on ‘Fools,'” said Jenkin. “Together, we will tell the untold story of the strange friendship between England’s first Queen, and her female jester. ‘Fools’ will turn the conventions of a historical film inside-out, and promises to be subversive, striking and very funny.”
“With ‘Fools,’ Guy has discovered a fascinating, hidden piece of history. This is a story where comedy actually saves lives. It’s a defence of moderation, and a celebration of the power of laughter,” Bennett said.
Fools is written by Jenkin who will also direct. Producing is Ryan Bennett for PaperEpic Productions. Filming on Fools will take place later this year.
Ricky Church – Follow me on Twitter for more movie news and nerd talk.
