‘Nell Gwynn’ movie about King Charles II’s mistress coming from ‘Atonement’ makers

A new movie about the mistress of King Charles II has been announced.

Based on the Olivier-winning play by Jessica Swale, the film will dramatise the life of Nell Gwynn, mistress of Charles II, and her part in the theatre of the 17th century.

Nell Gwynn is being produced by Working Title Films, the famed production company behind Darkest Hour, Atonement, and The Theory of Everything.

24-year-old French-British actress Emma Mackey has been cast as the title character.

Mackey is best known for her role in Netflix’s Sex Education.

She’s also appearing in Kenneth Branagh’s upcoming Murder on the Orient Express sequel, Death on the Nile.

The official synopsis for the play reads: “Nell Gwynn charts the rise of an unlikely heroine, from her roots in Coal Yard Alley to her success as Britain’s most celebrated actress, and her hard-won place in the heart of the King.

“But at a time when women are second-class citizens, can her charm and spirit protect her from the dangers of the Court?”

Ordinary Love directors Lisa Baros D’Sa and Glenn Layburn will begin filming the movie in 2021.

Jessica Swale’s Nell Gwynn book is available on Amazon.