Great Scot... Can that really be our Saoirse in the regalia of Queen Mary?
SHE’S a hot commodity in Hollywood, having already been nominated for two Academy Awards. And now Irish actress Saoirse Ronan has taken on another iconic role, as Mary Queen Of Scots in an upcoming biopic.
Saoirse, 23, was spotted filming scenes for the film in the windy Scottish countryside on Thursday in full regal costume.
Donning a dramatic red wig and full-length purple gown, Saoirse, pictured, seemed to adapt to the role perfectly, with her alabaster complexion perfectly evoking portraits of the 16thcentury Scottish queen.
Saoirse was seen waiting patiently as her team made sure everything was in the correct place before the crew began filming.
The actress is set to feature in the film along with Suicide Squad star Margot Robbie, who will play her rival Queen Elizabeth I.
The upcoming British-American historical drama is being directed by Josie Rourke and is based on John Guy’s biography Queen Of Scots: The True Life Of Mary Stuart.
The screenplay was penned by Beau Willimon, creator of Netflix’s popular political thriller House Of Cards.
Mary Queen Of Scots will revolve around Mary Stuart’s attempt to overthrow her cousin Elizabeth I, in 1568, after she famously acceded the Scottish throne at just six days old.
Brooklyn star Saoirse will also be joined in the film by David Tennant, Jack Lowden, Joe Alwyn and Guy Pearce. The movie has been scheduled for a November 2018 release, and there is already speculation it will attract award nominations due to Saoirse’s pedigree.
The historical epic will explore how Mary and Elizabeth were ‘rivals in power and in love, and female regents in a masculine world’, according to a film publicist, who added: ‘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.’
Saoirse wowed fans when the first promotional image of the film was released; with her red tresses in a voluminous side-braid, she looked every inch the steely monarch.