The first trailer for ‘Mary Queen of Scots’, starring Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie as Mary Stuart and Elizabeth I, has arrived. Just as they competed in the Oscar race earlier this year, the new film will see them go head to head as warring historical queens.

Based on the biography by John Guy, the film is directed by theatre director Josie Rourke from a screenplay by Beau Willimon, best-known as the creator of ‘House of Cards’.

The official synopsis reads:

“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 I.

“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.”

You can watch the trailer here.

 

‘Mary Queen of Scots’ hits Irish theatres on 18th January 2019.