There’s something about the lives of the royal family that people really want to know more about. Whether it’s The Crown‘s scandalous portrayals of the events that shook The Firm in the 20th century, or Saoirse Ronan’s candid portrayal of bloody Mary, Queen of Scots in the 2018 film.
This time, the latest instalment set to portray the scandal-filled lives of the royals is a psychological horror film based on the final wife of King Henry VIII, Catherine Parr.
The Monarch’s sixth spouse married the King when his health was becoming increasingly worse, with Parr unsure about the longevity of their marriage.
While it might seem a little rogue to imagine a film about the royals slotting into the horror genre, one must remember that only two of Henry’s six wives had survived up until his marriage to Parr—with this in mind, perhaps a couple of adrenaline-induced jump-scares mightn’t feel quite so out of place.
Of course, the storyline itself is certainly enough to pique our interest, but it’s the on-point casting that also has us sold. Michelle Williams is set to take the lead role as Catherine, while Jude Law will play Henry VIII.
For more casting news and details on the film, keep scrolling.
What is Firebrand about?
Firebrand will follow the life of Catherine Parr, the sixth and final wife of King Henry VIII. Henry’s wives preceding Parr included Catherine of Aragon (divorced), Anne Boleyn (beheaded), Jane Seymour (died), Anne of Cleves (divorced), and Catherine Howard (beheaded).
When Parr married Henry, hope in the stability of their marriage was lacking—not least because of Henry’s previously violent and selfish nature, but also because his health was quickly deteriorating.
But Parr had another agenda. As a protestant, she hoped to covert pro-Catholic Henry, thus converting the Kingdom itself. The film will see her attempt to navigate the marriage, and to capitalise on her position as a Queen Consort.
Who is in the cast of Firebrand?
Michelle Williams will lead the film as Catherine Parr, while Jude Law will play her on-screen husband, King Henry VIII, per Deadline.
Speaking about their casting, director Karim Aïnouz said, “Jude got how complex this guy was, not a loveable character but as a most powerful man of his time. And Michelle immediately came to mind.”
Others in the ensemble cast are yet to be announced. However we do know that joining Aïnouz in the film’s production are scriptwriters Jessica and Henrietta Ashworth, who were both behind the successful series Killing Eve.
When will Firebrand be released?
While pre-production is underway, it’s understood filming wont begin until 2022, per The Hollywood Reporter. With this in mind, we might have a bit of a wait before the film is released—fingers crossed for sometime next year.
What has been said about Firebrand?
Aïnouz told Deadline that Firebrand will bring to life a story that hasn’t had much air time, despite Henry’s violent past already a well known part of the British Monarchy’s history.
“There has been much depicted on the king and the wives that perished. It’s important to look at someone who turns out to be stronger than the forces around them. This is a modernistic look at the classic trope of the woman trapped in a castle with a monster,” he said.
