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.