Oscar-nominated filmmaker Kirsten Sheridan has acquired the rights to Anne Chambers’ book Grace O’Malley – The Biography of Ireland’s Pirate Queen, with production set to begin next year.
The film will chronicle the extraordinary true story of a meeting between Queen Elizabeth I, the most powerful ruler in British history, and the fearless 16th-century Irish rebel pirate Grace O’Malley (Granuaile).
“When her youngest son is taken prisoner, Grace sails right up the Thames to confront Queen Elizabeth directly.
“Over the course of just one week, these leaders of two warring nations question each other’s identity, pierce each other’s wounds, win each other’s respect, and come together as equals to define not only their nations but their most intimate selves.”
Academy Award and Golden Globe-nominated writer and producer Kristen has been developing the project with author Chambers for a number of years, and it is to be followed by a planned television series.
Speaking about the project to Variety, Kirsten said: “This is a deeply personal passion project.
“Every Irish woman knows Grace O’Malley’s story. It is one of power, resilience, and rebellion.
“She defied gender norms, controlled her own destiny, and stood toe-to-toe with the most powerful woman in history,” she added.
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“Grace was the ultimate punk Pagan ‘savage’ who came from a tribe of warriors, but also of filí, a powerful caste of poets and diviners.”
The feature film, supported by Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, will be produced by Dublin’s Wild Atlantic Pictures in collaboration with the Los Angeles-based Reclaim Entertainment Ventures. “Unlike traditional period dramas, Sheridan’s vision for the film is raw and contemporary, exploring themes of sexuality, identity, and gender with a fresh and provocative lens,” Wild Atlantic Pictures noted.
“The project will not only depict Grace’s legendary exploits but will also dive into her complex personal journey as a leader, mother, and survivor.”
We can’t wait to tune in to this one!