Tudor Film 'Firebrand' Sets U.S. Theatrical Release Date

Most Americans, even if they aren't Anglophiles, know the story of King Henry VIII and his six wives. (There's currently a Broadway musical about it, after all.) But most are probably more familiar with some of his wives than others. Anne Boleyn, of course, is famous for her seemingly indomitable spirit and the horrifying nature of her death. Catherine of Aragon is often (incorrectly) remembered as a frumpy religious zealot. And Jane Seymour is the one who died after giving birth to the prince the king so desperately wanted (who, in his turn, didn't live past his sixteenth birthday). Far fewer people know all that much about King Henry's final wife, Katherine Parr, the one who managed to survive him, often against dangerous odds. 

Historical thriller Firebrand aims to change all that. Based on Elizabeth Fremantle’s bestselling historical novel Queen’s Gambit, the film stars Alicia Vikander as Katherine and Jude Law as Henry, will tell the story of the king's final marriage and the wife who managed to outlive him, even though she fell foul of his courtiers and came perilously close to being beheaded herself. (The real Katherine was nearly arrested for treason, but ultimately reconciled with Henry before the Palace could carry out the order to take her to the Tower.)

The film had its world premiere at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, where it received enthusiastic reviews, praising its contemporary attitude and the performances of both Vikander and Law. Now American audiences will get the chance to see Katherine Parr's story for themselves. Roadside Attractions and Vertical have acquired the U.S. rights to the historical thriller, which will now arrive in theaters on June 21. 

Parr was twenty-three years Henry's junior when she became Queen of England, and was actually quite a remarkable woman in her own right. Known for her intelligence and wit, she had a passion for theology and was a devout and outspoken Protestant. (A fact that often brought her into conflict with certain factions of Henry's court.) She wrote and published three books of devotions, two under her own name, which was a rather remarkable achievement at the time. And she was heavily involved in the passing of the Succession Act, which restored Princess Mary and Princess Elizabeth to their rightful positions as their father's heirs. 

Here's the film's synopsis. 

In blood-soaked Tudor England, Katherine Parr, the sixth and last wife of King Henry VIII, is named Regent while tyrant Henry is fighting overseas. Katherine has done everything she can to push for a new future based on her radical Protestant beliefs. When an increasingly ailing and paranoid King returns, he turns his fury on the radicals, charging Katherine’s childhood friend with treason and burns her at the stake. 

Horrified and grieving, but forced to deny it, Katherine finds herself fighting for her own survival. Conspiracy reverberates through the palace. 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?" 

Alongside Vikander and Law, the film's ensemble cast includes Sam Riley (Maleficent) and Eddie Marsan (Ridley Road) as noble-born brothers Thomas and Edward Seymour, Simon Russell Beale (Vanity Fair) as Bishop Stephen Gardiner, Patsy Ferran (Jamestown) as Princess Mary Tudor, and Erin Doherty (The Crown) as Protestant martyr Anne Askew, who was burned as a heretic in 1546. Ruby Bentall (Poldark), Briony Hannah (Call the Midwife), and newcomer Maia Jemmett play Katherine's ladies in waiting.

 “We were blown away when we saw the film in Cannes and are now thrilled to be bringing it to audiences next year," Vertical Partner Peter Jarowey said. "Not only is it an extraordinary story with great performances, Karim Aïnouz is one of the most exciting filmmakers working today.”

The film's script was penned by Killing Eve's Henrietta Ashworth and Jessica Ashworth, with additional writing by Rosanne Flynn. Executive producers are Maria Logan, Anne Sheehan, Rosanne Flynn, and Nicola Hart, with Gabrielle Tana and Carolyn Marks Blackwood serving as producers. 

Firebrand will arrive in theaters on June 14, 2024.