It’s official: AFI Fest 2018 will both begin and end with women-directed, women-driven biopics. As previously reported, Mimi Leder’s RBG film “On the Basis of Sex” will open the festival, and now Deadline confirms Josie Rourke’s “Mary Queen of Scots” will screen as the closer on November 15. This will also mark the film’s world premiere.
“Mary Queen of Scots” traces the infamous rivalry between the titular character (Saoirse Ronan), also known as Mary Stuart, and her cousin Queen Elizabeth I (Margot Robbie). Mary attempts to make a power grab for the Queen’s throne but — historical spoiler alert — she fails and is imprisoned and eventually executed.
“Crazy Rich Asians” breakout Gemma Chan, Guy Pearce (“Results”), and David Tennant (“Jessica Jones”) co-star. Beau Willimon (“House of Cards”) wrote the script from John Guy’s book “Queen of Scots: The True Life of Mary Stuart.”
“Mary Queen of Scots” is Rourke’s first feature. She previously helmed filmed stage productions of “Saint Joan,” “Les Liaisons Dangereuses,” and “Much Ado About Nothing” and TV movie “The Vote.”
Ronan received Oscar nods for “Lady Bird,” “Brooklyn,” and “Atonement.” She’s attached to “Lady Bird” director Greta Gerwig’s next film, an adaptation of “Little Women.” Her recent credits include “The Seagull” and “On Chesil Beach.”
Robbie was nominated for an Oscar for portraying disgraced figure skater Tonya Harding in last year’s “I, Tonya.” Harley Quinn spinoff “Birds of Prey,” Fox News sexual harassment story “Fair and Balanced,” and Helter Skelter-era tale “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” are among her upcoming projects.
“Mary Queen of Scots” hits theaters December 7. AFI Fest 2018 runs November 8-15 in Hollywood.
