Filmsane

Saoirse Ronan is officially in the role of Mary, Queen of Scots. The Irish actress will be playing Mary Stuart in the upcoming historical drama film directed by Josie Rourke and the production is already underway.

The film is based on the biography My Heart Is My Own: The Life of Mary Queen of Scots and will follow Mary Stuart’s attempt to overthrow her cousin Elizabeth I, Queen of England. Only to find herself condemned to years of imprisonment and facing execution.

Photo by John Mathieson / Focus Features & Working Title

Margot Robbie will be portraying Queen Elizabeth I, while Jack Lowden, Martin Compston, Brendan Coyle, David Tennant and Guy Pearce are selected for the supporting roles.

Josie Rourke is directing the movie, while Beau Willimon penned the script.

Official synopsis for 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 set to premiere next year. There is not set date for the premiere of the biopic, but check out the first photo of Saoirse in the role of Mary Stewart.

Photo by John Mathieson / Focus Features & Working Title