'Mary Queen of Scots': See Margot Robbie's stunning royal transformation into Queen Elizabeth

Margot Robbie is wearing white face paint and brightly colored hair for her next big role — and, no, it’s not a reprise of Harley Quinn. Robbie, star of Suicide Squad and an Oscar nominee for last year’s I, Tonya, plays Elizabeth I (opposite Saoirsie Ronan’s Mary I of Scotland) in December’s historical drama Mary Queen of Scots. As seen in the new poster (below), Robbie’s take on the legendary ruler involves Manic Panic-worthy red hair, severe makeup, a prosthetic nose, and a vengeful glare.

Saoirse Ronan as Mary Queen of Scotts and Margot Robbie as Queen Elizabeth I. (Image: Focus Features)
Saoirse Ronan as Mary Queen of Scotts and Margot Robbie as Queen Elizabeth I. (Image: Focus Features)

Robbie’s royal look is quite a contrast to that of Hollywood’s best-known Queen Elizabeth I: Cate Blanchett, who portrayed the queen as natural beauty with flowing auburn hair in 1998’s Elizabeth and its sequel.

Cate Blanchett in 1998’s <i>Elizabeth.</i> (Photo: Gramercy Pictures)
Cate Blanchett in 1998’s Elizabeth. (Photo: Gramercy Pictures)

In the new film, based on historical events, Elizabeth fights to keep the throne of England after her cousin Mary makes a play for the monarchy. Unmarried, the “Virgin Queen” must defend her reign alone.

Watch the Mary Queen of Scots trailer:

Speaking to Entertainment Weekly in September, Robbie said that her character’s makeup and prosthetics were so jarring that they made the crew uncomfortable, which was perfect for the character. “The less they looked at me, the more isolated I felt,” she said.

Mary Queen of Scots opens in theaters on Dec. 7.

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