PRODUCTION / FUNDING Ireland / USA
Kirsten Sheridan to helm a feature on Ireland’s pirate queen Grace O’Malley
- The Irish-US co-production will tell the story of the 16th-century chieftain who sailed up the Thames to confront Queen Elizabeth I in a bid to secure her son’s release
Oscar-nominated filmmaker Kirsten Sheridan is set to bring one of Ireland’s most legendary figures to the big screen, having secured the rights to Anne Chambers’ biography Grace O’Malley – The Biography of Ireland’s Pirate Queen. The announcement was first reported by Variety.
Sheridan is best known for co-writing the semi-autobiographical film In America with her father, director Jim Sheridan, and her sister, Naomi Sheridan, for which she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and a Golden Globe Award for Best Screenplay. The Dublin-born writer-director is also known for titles such as Disco Pigs and August Rush. More recently, she penned FX’s hit series Say Nothing and served as the executive producer on Lockerbie: A Search for Truth.
Sheridan has been developing the film (which is currently untitled) for years alongside Chambers. The story will centre on Grace O’Malley (Granuaile), the 16th-century Irish pirate and chieftain who famously sailed up the Thames to confront Queen Elizabeth I in a daring bid to secure her son’s release. Over a week-long meeting, these two powerful women – leaders of opposing nations – engage in a battle of wit and will, ultimately shaping both their countries’ futures and their own identities.
“Grace O’Malley’s story is ingrained in every Irish woman’s consciousness – it’s a tale of power, defiance and survival,” said Sheridan. “She shattered expectations, commanded her own fate and stood on an equal footing with the most powerful ruler of her time. She was a warrior and a poet, embodying both raw rebellion and deep tradition.”
Billed as “raw and contemporary”, Sheridan’s take on the film will explore themes of identity, gender and resilience with a modern sensibility. Beyond chronicling O’Malley’s legendary exploits, the film will delve into her personal journey as a leader, mother and survivor.
The pic, backed by Screen Ireland, will be staged by Irish outfit Wild Atlantic Pictures (the studio behind titles such as Evil Dead Rise, Cocaine Bear and Abigail) in partnership with LA-based firm Reclaim Entertainment Ventures.
Filming is expected to commence next year. The cast is yet to be disclosed.
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