Gemma Chan has signed on to star in “Mary Queen of Scots,” the historical drama directed by Josie Rourke expected out late next year.
Chan joins a cast that includes Saoirse Ronan, Margot Robbie, Guy Pearce and David Tennant.
The film is based on a biography written by John Guy of Mary, Queen of Scots, titled “My Heart Is My Own,” with a script written by “House of Cards” creator Beau Willimon.
“Mary Queen of Scots” follows Mary (played by Ronan) as she becomes queen consort to the king of France, later marries her first cousin, who is murdered, then marries another man who is suspected of the crime, before being imprisoned by her cousin Elizabeth I (Robbie), who views her as a threat to the throne.
Chan’s Bess is a close friend of Elizabeth I who becomes the captive Mary’s keeper for 15 years.
Last month, Chan joined the film “Dear Agnes” as a lead. She will appear in next year’s “Crazy Rich Asians,” and also reprise her role in the TV drama “Humans.”
