Roadside Attractions and Vertical have acquired the U.S. rights to the historical thriller “Firebrand,” which will open in theaters on June 21. based on the historical novel “Queen’s Gambit” by Elizabeth Fremantle, the film stars Alicia Vikander and Jude Law and is directed by Karim Aïnouz.
“Firebrand” follows “legendary Queen of England, Katherine Parr, and her quest to survive the perilous last months in the life of her ailing and abusive husband, Henry VIII,” per the release. The cast also includes Eddie Marsan, Sam Riley, Simon Russell Beale and Erin Doherty. Gabrielle Tana and Carolyn Marks Blackwoodproduce the film, which played competition at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.
“I could not be more excited to be bringing ‘Firebrand’ to the screen and telling the story of Katherine Parr — a ferociously brilliant, enlightened, and emancipated woman who I am deeply inspired by — a woman who has been largely disregarded, or certainly under-represented, in English history. Much is known about Henry VIII’s tyrannical reign; indeed, much is known about the King himself and about those who perished at his hands, but my focus here is on a woman who not only managed to survive him, but also to thrive and succeed on her own terms,” Aïnouz said in a statement.
The screenplay comes from Henrietta Ashworth and Jessica Ashworth, with additional writing by Rosanne Flynn. Maria Logan, Anne Sheehan, Flynn and Nicola Hart executive produce.
Previous collaborations between Roadside Attractions and Vertical include “Emily the Criminal,” “Benediction,” “The Pod Generation,” “The Desperate Hour” and “Alice.”
“Alicia Vikander creates an indelible film character in her portrayal of Katherine Parr, a woman who had to draw on every ounce of her brilliance and passion to survive her abusive husband, terrifyingly brought to life in Jude Law’s stunning performance as Henry,” Roadside Attractions’ co-presidents Howard Cohen and Eric d’Arbeloff said in a statement.
Jarowey and senior vice president of acquistions Tony Piantedosi negotiated the deal on behalf of Vertical. Cohen, d’Arbeloff and vice president of acquisitions Angel An negotiated the deal on behalf of Roadside Attractions with CAA on behalf of the filmmakers. Lark Management and CAA represent Aïnouz.
