Johansson to be ‘Queen of Scots’

Murder plots, illegitimate children, political espionage and treason involving 4 different countries and 2 monarchs, one of whom is eventually executed. Sounds like something only Hollywood could create right? Wrong. This was the life of Mary Queen of Scots, who ruled Scotland and for a time France in the 16th century. Her relations (or lack thereof) with her cousin Queen Elizabeth I of England led to treachery, deceit, murder and nearly complete political destruction. Thus begins the story as told by screenwriter Johnny McGovern, best known for penning Liam.

The flick, which has been plagued by rumors since its announcement in 2004, is set to star Scarlett Johansson and is being produced by her mother and manager Mary Johansson’s 2929 Productions for Warner Independent Pictures. The story will center around Mary and her antagonistic relationship with Elizabeth I. Beginning with the birth of the monarch and her ascension to the throne at 6 days old, the film chronicles the trials and tribulations that eventually led to her beheading on February 8, 1587. Originally slated to star Bryce Howard Dallas as the title character, and with Ridley Scott in the production seat, the film has undergone a bit of a metamorphosis and is now slated to begin filming in Europe in Summer 2007. No director or additional cast have been attached to the project at this time.

This year has proven to be quite busy for Scarlett as she currently has The Prestige slated for release this October, as well as upcoming projects Amazon (2007) (announced), Napoleon and Betsy (2007) (attached), Brilliant (2007) (pre-production), The Other Boleyn Girl (2007) (filming), and The Nanny Diaries (2007) (post-production). Her mother’s production company also has been active of late, with the early hit Akeelah and the Bee as well as half a dozen other projects in the works for the coming year.