The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Robert the Bruce biopic premieres in Edinburgh
Star-studded cast descends on the capital for opening of Outlaw King
Actor Chris Pine has said that “God willing” Outlaw King will be appreciated by the Scottish audience.
The biopic depicts the story of how Robert the Bruce led 500 men to defeat the larger and better equipped English army during the 14th Century.
Joined by his co-stars at the Scottish premiere in Edinburgh, the American actor told how he was excited to bring the Netflix film “home” to Scotland.
Pine said: “We’re very excited to bring a Scottish film back to Scotland, it’s a film about a successful campaign of your (Scottish) people to win freedom from a tyrant.
“It’s nice when you get to show a film you’ve made and spent so many months on, worked so many hours on – and show to an audience that, God willing, will be appreciative.”
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was among the special guests.
She said Creative Scotland funding was able to attract the production to be based in the country and build important relationships with Netflix.
Speaking from the red carpet, Ms Sturgeon said: “I’m really looking forward to seeing it, I think it’s going to be absolutely fantastic.
“I think it’s great to see the legend of Robert the Bruce brought to the screen, but it’s going to be fantastic to see the wonderful Scottish scenery.
“Hopefully it will not only entertain people, but encourage lots of people to come and visit Scotland as well.”
Braveheart star James Cosmo plays Sir Robert VI de Brus – father of the protagonist – in Outlaw King.
The 70-year-old said there were similarities between the two Scottish history-based stories.
Cosmo said: “Obviously, it has historical similarities.
“I guess the fact is, Robert the Bruce is the man who won the freedom for Scotland – he became King of Scots.”
Outlaw King will be released on Netflix and in selected cinemas on November 9.