Roadside Attractions and Vertical land US rights to the historical thriller, Firebrand, directed by Brazilian-Algerian filmmaker Karim Aïnouz and starring Alicia Vikander(Ex-Machina, The Danish Girl) and Jude Law (The Talented Mr. Ripley, Sherlock, Cold Mountain, The Grand Budapest Hotel). The film is based on Elizabeth Fremantle’s historical novel Queen’s Gambit, and it represents the latest collaboration between Roadside Attractions and Vertical. The two companies’ recent collaborations include Emily the Criminal, Benediction, The Pod Generation, The Desperate Hour, and Alice. Firebrand will open only in theatres June 21, 2024
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. The film co-stars BAFTA nominee Eddie Marsan (21 Grams, Wrath of Man), Sam Riley (Control, Maleficent), BAFTA Award-winner Simon Russell Beale (The Death of Stalin, Benediction) and SAG Award-winner Erin Doherty (The Crown, Intelligent Design). Firebrand is produced by Oscar®-nominated and BAFTA-winning film and television producer Gabrielle Tana (Thirteen Lives, The Dig, Philomena, The Duchess) and Carolyn Marks Blackwood (Cottontail, The Dig).
In blood-soaked Tudor England, twice married, accompli
Horrified and privately grieving, but forced to deny it, Katherine finds herself under ever-increasing scrutiny and suspicion. Everyone holds their breath – for the queen to slip up, for Henry to take her head like wives before. With the hope for a future free of tyranny at risk, will Katherine submit to the inevitable for the sake of King and country?
Roadside Attractions’ Co-Presidents Howard Cohen & Eric d’Arbeloff remarked, “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.”
Vertical Partner Peter Jarowey commented, “We were blown away when we saw the film in Cannes and are now thrilled to be bringing it to audiences next year. Not only is it an extraordinary story with great performances, Karim Aïnouz is one of the most exciting filmmakers working today.”
Aïnouz added, “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 peri
