Michelle Williams will play Henry VIII’s final wife in ‘Firebrand’

A new movie about Katherine Parr has been announced.

Born in 1512, Parr became the last of King Henry VIII’s six wives in 1543.

She was Queen of England and Ireland from until Henry’s death in 1547, and was the final queen consort of the House of Tudor.

Parr herself had four husbands and remains England’s most-married queen.

She died aged only 36 in 1548, a year after Henry VIII, due to complications of childbirth.

Katherine Parr will be played by Michelle Williams in Firebrand, which comes from the producer of The Dig.

The movie will be the English-language debut of Karim Aïnouz, whose new film Mariner of the Mountains premieres in Cannes this week.

Firebrand has been written by Henrietta and Jessica Ashworth, best known for their work on Killing Eve.

The script is based on Elizabeth Fremantle’s Queen’s Gambit novel about Katherine Parr – not to be confused with Netflix’s chess drama The Queen’s Gambit!

Michelle Williams has previously starred in My Week with Marilyn, The Greatest Showman, Manchester by the Sea, and Brokeback Mountain.

The 40-year-old American actress has been nominated for four Oscars.

Director Karim Aïnouz commented: “I could not be more excited to be bringing the undiscovered story of Katherine Parr to the screen, a ferociously brilliant woman who I am inspired by deeply and has been largely invisible, or certainly under-represented in English history.

“Much is known about Henry VIII’s tyrannical reign, and those who perished and suffered at his hands, but my focus here is on a woman who not only managed to survive, but also, to thrive.

“This is a reimagining of a “period” film, a psychological horror film set in the Tudor court; a story of intrigue, agency and survival. Having Michelle Williams portray this remarkable woman, an actress of immeasurable talent and passion, is a dream come true.”

Producer Gabrielle Tana added: “I love all of Karim’s work to date and I’m so excited to be working with him. I know that Michelle will do glorious work with Karim.”

Firebrand will begin filming in the UK next year.

It’s expected to arrive in cinemas later in 2022 or in early 2023.

British model and actress Jodie Turner-Smith (Queen & Slim) recently played King Henry VIII’s second wife in a three-part drama series for Channel 5.

Exploring her final months from the Queen’s perspective, Anne Boleyn also starred Amanda Burton (Silent Witness) and Paapa Essiedu (Gangs of London).

The Tudors complete series is available on DVD on Amazon.