To say Queen Elizabeth I has been played by acting heavyweights is an understatement: before Cate Blanchett secured two Best Actress Oscar nominations for her portrayal in Elizabeth and Elizabeth: The Golden Age, Dame Judi Dench wore the crown.
The role’s history goes some way to explain the mass incredulity that has followed Variety’s announcement that Margot Robbie is slated to play the part.
The Aussie actress is said to be in negotiations to play Queen Elizabeth I in Focus Features and Working Title’s upcoming Mary Queen of Scots.
The film is based on a book titled The True Life of Mary Stuart, with an original script being written by House of Cards creator Beau Willimon. Saorise Ronan has been secured to play Queen Mary.
The response on Twitter has been swift and savage (and occasionally hilarious), as fans fail to envisage Robbie in the royal role.
Whether the mass reaction will be enough to sway Robbie’s decision is anyone’s guess.