THE LAST OF US star Bella Ramsey to play a girl covered in hair in the film MONSTROUS BEAUTY

The Last of Us star Bella Ramsey found their next big role as the lead in the period drama titled Monstrous beauty. The film will tell an interesting story of an aspiring playwright in the court of King Charles II who suffers from a rare condition where the character is entirely covered in hair.

The film was written and directed by the actress Romola Garai (Atonement, The Hour) and is also the protagonist Dominic West as King Charles II, Ruth Negga (Passing) as his mistress Nell Gwyn, e Fiona Shaw (Eve killing) as Aphra Ben, the first ever published female playwright in history.

The story will combine fiction with real historical figures and this is the synopsis that has been shared for the project:

Set in the 17th century, Monstrous Beauty is the story of a unique young woman, Barbara Field (Ramsey), born into poverty with a rare condition that sees her completely covered in hair. Endowed with the precious gift of an education, she is offered the opportunity of a place in the luxurious and decadent court of King Charles II (West), as a “Natural Wonder” where characters of extraordinary appearance mingle with the aristocracy .

Fueled by a desire to be defined by who she is rather than what she looks, Barbara aspires to be a playwright under the auspices of famed actress Nell Gwyn (Negga), the king’s powerful mistress. Nell herself is intent on teaching Charles a public lesson in the true appreciation of women beyond their physical appearance. Barbara seeks the help of the famous playwright of the time, Aphra Behn (Shaw), and chooses the beautiful actor Vale (Barbara’s object of desire) as the protagonist, despite her lack of talent. Will Barbara be able to become an independent woman in defiance of a highly patriarchal society and become the master of her own destiny?

Gabriella Stewart, CEO of Hanway Films, said in a statement: “Romola’s brilliant script on identity, power, beauty and the role of the arts in impacting society has attracted an incredible ensemble of the best British and Irish talent. It’s a timeless and fun story that young and old, men and women, and everyone in between, can enjoy together and have a lot to talk about afterward.

Writer-director Romola Garai added: “I am beyond excited to bring to the screen this script, which I love so much and which has lived within me for so many years. Barbara’s deep need to express herself and to be seen and appreciated by others… is all ours; I am over the moon and truly honored to be making this film with such an incredible roster of talent – ​​they have responded with such intelligence, sensitivity and love to Barbara and her story. “

Production will start in September with Matthew James Wilkinson (Yesterday) producing. They will shoot the film before returning to filming The Last of Us Season 2.

Source: Deadline