Vertical, roadside attractions get Jude Law starrer 'Firebrand’

Roadside Attractions and Vertical has acquired the US rights to the historical thriller “Firebrand,” which opens in theaters on June 21. Based on the historical novel “Queen’s Gambit” by Elizabeth Fremantle, starring Alicia Vikander and Jude Law. By Karim Ainooz.

„Firebrand” follows „England’s legendary queen, Catherine Barr, and her quest to survive the perilous final months of the life of her ailing and abusive husband, Henry VIII.” Also starring Eddie Marsan, Sam Riley, Simon Russell Peel and Erin Doherty. Gabriel Tana and Caroline Marks Blackwood are producing the film, which competed at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.

„I couldn’t be more excited to bring Firebrand to the screen and tell the story of Catherine Barr – a fiercely intelligent, enlightened and liberated woman – a woman I am deeply inspired by – often overlooked or certainly underrepresented in English history. Much is known about the tyrannical reign of Henry VIII; Indeed, much is known about the king and those who died at his hands, but here my focus is on a woman who not only managed to survive him, but also thrived and succeeded in her own way,” Inous said in the report.

The screenplay comes from Henrietta Ashworth and Jessica Ashworth, with additional writing by Roseanne Flynn. Maria Logan, Anne Sheehan, Flynn and Nicola Hart are executive producing.

Previous collaborations between Roadside Attractions and Vertical include „Emily the Criminal,” „Benediction,” „The Pot Generation,” „The Desperate Hour” and „Alice.”

„Alicia Vikander creates an immortal movie character in her portrayal of Kathryn Barr, a woman who must draw on every ounce of her wits and passion to survive her abusive husband, brought to terrifying life by Jude Law’s stunning performance as Henry,” Roadside Lures. co-chairs Howard Cohen and Eric D’Arbeloff said in a statement.

Zarowi and Senior Vice President of Acquisitions Tony Piantedosi negotiated the deal on behalf of the vertical. Cohen, d’Arbeloff and vice president of acquisitions Angel Ann negotiated the deal with CAA on behalf of the filmmakers on behalf of Roadside Attractions. Lark Management and CAA represent Ainuz.