Kirsten Sheridan, the Oscar-nominated writer who recently wrote several episodes of hit FX series “Say Nothing” and was an exec producer on the Sky/Peacock drama “Lockerbie: A Search for Truth,” is set to bring the story of one of Ireland’s national heroes to the big screen.
The Irish filmmaker — also the daughter of Jim Sheridan — has optioned “Grace O’Malley — The Biography of Ireland’s Pirate Queen” by renowned biographer Anne Chambers. The feature film, supported by Screen Ireland, will be produced by Wild Atlantic Pictures (“Evil Dead Rise,” “Cocaine Bear,” “Abigail”) in collaboration with the LA-based Reclaim Entertainment Ventures. Production is targeted to start in 2026.
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Sheridan — who was Oscar-nominated for the semi-autobiographical “In America” alongside her father and sister Naomi Sheridan and whose credits as a director include “Disco Pigs” and “August Rush” — has been developing the feature project for years alongside Chambers.
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The story will chronicle the extraordinary true story of a meeting between Queen Elizabeth I, the most powerful ruler in British history, and the fearless 16th century Irish rebel pirate Grace O’Malley (Granuaile). When her youngest son is taken prisoner, Grace sails right up the Thames to confront Queen Elizabeth directly. Over the course of just one week, these leaders of two warring nations question each other’s identity, pierce each other’s wounds, win each other’s respect, and come together as equals to define not only their nations, but their most intimate selves.
“This is a deeply personal passion project,” said Sheridan. “Every Irish woman knows Grace O’Malley’s story. It is one of power, resilience, and rebellion. She defied gender norms, controlled her own destiny, and stood toe-to-toe with the most powerful woman in history. Grace was the ultimate punk Pagan ‘savage’ who came from a tribe of warriors, but also of filí, a powerful caste of poets and diviners.”
Sheridan’s vision for the film is described as “raw and contemporary,” exploring themes of sexuality, identity, and gender with a “fresh and provocative lens.” The project will not only depict Grace’s legendary exploits but will also dive into her complex personal journey as a leader, mother and survivor.
Sheridan is represented by Rosalie Swedlin and Bec Smith at Anonymous Content, Anna Flickinger and James Kearney at Uta and Joe Dapello at Schreck, Rose, Dapello and Adams.
