Outlaw King from Netflix has begun in the UK, focusing on Robert the Bruce

The new Netflix production Outlaw King, which looks at a key year in the life of Robert the Bruce, has begun principal photography in the UK this week. Download the History Scotland special: Robert the Bruce & the Battle of Bannockburn.

The 'epic, period drama' reunites director David Mackenzie with Chris Pine (pictured), who stars as Robert The Bruce, alongside Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Nocturnal Animals), Florence Pugh (Lady Macbeth), Tony Curran (“Sons of Anarchy”), Stephen Dillane (“Game of Thrones”) and Billy Howle (On Chesil Beach). 

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Outlaw King takes place over the extraordinary historic year when Robert the Bruce fights to regain control having been crowned King of Scots, only to be defeated in a surprise attack and made an outlaw by the English King and his occupying forces.

The struggles of Robert the Bruce

Outlaw King director David Mackenzie said: 'I am so happy to have the opportunity to dig deep into the story of Robert the Bruce and to discover some of the truths that often get obscured by legend. This is my sixth feature film shot in Scotland and autumn is my favourite time of year to shoot so I am excited to bring this film to light in the beautiful Scottish elements - come rain, shine, storm or snow. I am proud that our little Glasgow based production company, Sigma films, has been able to make this film and thank Netflix for letting us do it.

I am also delighted that Chris Pine, with whom I had a great time on our last film, has joined our Scottish and international cast and crew including the excellent Aaron Taylor-Johnson and the exciting emerging talent of Florence Pugh and Billy Howle. I know Chris will bring intensity and flair to Robert the Bruce and his struggle to take back his country, being crowned King of Scots, then suffering a disastrous defeat and left on the run with just a handful of supporters only to claw his way, with bravery and cunning, back to victory. This was an early form of guerilla warfare against the might of a vastly bigger better resourced enemy and is one of the great comeback stories of history.”

Outlaw King

The film is due to be released in 2018. To find out more, visit Netflix.

(Chris Pine image copyright Netflix)