'Mary Queen of Scots' Trailer Pits Saoirse Ronan Against Margot Robbie's Queen Elizabeth I (Video)

Saoirse Ronan faces off against Margot Robbie in the first trailer for Focus Features’ “Mary Queen of Scots,” an historical biopic that has all the makings of returning both stars to the Oscar race — in the same movie this time.

British stage veteran Josie Rourke directs the film, which explores the turbulent life of the charismatic Mary Stuart (Ronan). Queen of France at 16 and widowed at 18, Mary defies pressure to remarry. Instead, she returns to her native Scotland to reclaim her rightful throne. But Scotland and England fall under the rule of the compelling Elizabeth I (Robbie).

Each young Queen beholds her “sister” in fear and fascination. Rivals in power and in love, and female regents in a masculine world, the two must decide how to play the game of marriage versus independence.

Also Read: Margot Robbie Teases Harley Quinn Spinoff 'Birds of Prey' as 'R-Rated Girl Gang Film'

Determined to rule as much more than a figurehead, Mary asserts her claim to the English throne, threatening Elizabeth’s sovereignty. Betrayal, rebellion, and conspiracies within each court imperil both thrones– and change the course of history.

Ronan (“Lady Bird”) and Robbie (“I, Tonya”) were both nominated for Best Actress this year, though they lost to Frances McDormand for her role in “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.”

“Mary Queen of Scots” also stars Jack Lowden, Joe Alwyn, Gemma Chan, Martin Compston, Ismael Cordova, Brendan Coyle, Ian Hart, Adrian Lester, James McArdle, David Tennant and Guy Pearce.

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Beau Willimon (“The Ides of March,” “House of Cards”) wrote the screenplay based on John Guy’s book “Queen of Scots: The True Life of Mary Stuart.” Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Debra Hayward produced.

Focus Features is planning to release the film on Dec. 7.

Watch the traile above.

The Evolution of Margot Robbie, From 'Wolf of Wall Street' to 'The Suicide Squad' (Photos)

Reprising her role as Harley Quinn a third time in "The Suicide Squad," Margot Robbie is killing it this year. Here's a walk through her career, starting way back with her role in a certain Aussie soap opera ....
Photographed by Corina Marie for TheWrap at Thompson Toronto
"Neighbours" (1985-present)

Robbie started off her acting on the silver screen in the Australian soap opera "Neighbours," which began in 1985 and is still on today. She was part of the show from 2008-2014, and played the role of Donna Freedman.
Grundy Television Australia
"Pan Am" (2011-2012)

Robbie's next TV gig was as flight attendant Laura Cameron on ABC. The show only lasted for one season.
Photo by Eric Liebowitz - © 2011 American Broadcasting Companies, Inc.
"About Time" (2013)

The Aussie lept onto the big screen in the film "About Time," in which she played a small role alongside Rachel McAdams and Domhnall Gleeson, as one of his character's love interests.
Working Title Films
"The Wolf of Wall Street" (2013)

Robbie's big breakout role came opposite Leonardo DiCaprio in the bawdy "The Wolf of Wall Street," in which she played Leo's wife.
Paramount Pictures
"The Big Short" (2015)

Robbie made a cameo in "The Big Short,"which is also all about Wall Street. She explains confusing finance terms and just how the big short played out -- while sipping champaign in a bubble bath.
Paramount Pictures
"Whiskey Tango Foxtrot" (2016)

Robbie plays opposite Tina Fey in this movie about journalists covering the war in Afghanistan.
Frank Masi - © 2015 Paramount Pictures
"The Legend of Tarzan" (2016)

Robbie stars opposite Alexander Skarsgard in a live action version of "Tarzan," in which the two return to the jungle after living in London.
"Suicide Squad" (2016)

Robbie entered the DC universe in Warner Bros.' "Suicide Squad" as Harley Quinn, the love interest to Jared Leto's crazy Joker. Robbie's performance was a standout in the poorly-rated film.
Warner Bros.
"I, Tonya" (2017)

Robbie leads the film as Tonya Harding, the Olympic figure skater fallen from grace. Robbie narrates the story of jealousy and rage from Harding's perspective.
Neon
"Goodbye Christopher Robin" (2017)

Robbie plays A. A. Milne's wife Daphne in this behind-the-scenes look at the life of the creator of Winnie the Pooh, which was inspired by their son C.R. Milne.
20th Century Fox
"Mary Queen of Scots" (2018)

Robbie is the latest actress to take on the role of Queen Elizabeth I in "Mary Queen of Scots," in which Saoirse Ronan plays the title character. The movie tackles the story of Mary Stuart's attempt to overthrow her cousin Elizabeth as the Queen of England.
Focus Features, Working Title Film
"Dreamland" (2019)

Robbie stars in "Dreamland" opposite Garrett Hedlund, about a teenager's adventures as a bounty hunter. The film had its premiere at Tribeca last April.
"Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood" (2019)

Robbie plays real-life figure Sharon Tate in Quentin Tarantino's "Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood" alongside Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio.
Sony
"Bombshell" (2019)

Robbie stars in "Bombshell," which followed the women who accused Fox News head Roger Ailes of sexual harassment. She plays a fictional character, while Charlize Theron played Megyn Kelly and Nicole Kidman play Gretchen Carlson.
Lionsgate
"Birds of Prey" (2020)

Robbie reprises her Harley Quinn character in her own standalone film, "Birds of Prey." The film was written by Christina Hodson and was directed by Cathy Yan.
Warner Bros.
"The Suicide Squad" (2021)

Robbie reprises her role as Harley Quinn for a third time as she joins the new squad, helping the U.S. to infiltrate a foreign country.
HBO Max
Upcoming projects

Robbie will next star in "Gotham City Sirens" as Harley Quinn, as well "Ruin," "Barbie" and an untitled David O. Russell project.
Warner Bros.

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What’s your favorite Margot Robbie role?

Reprising her role as Harley Quinn a third time in "The Suicide Squad," Margot Robbie is killing it this year. Here's a walk through her career, starting way back with her role in a certain Aussie soap opera ....

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The Evolution of Margot Robbie, From 'Wolf of Wall Street' to 'The Suicide Squad' (Photos)

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