‘Mary Queen of Scots’ Trailer Pits Saoirse Ronan Against Margot Robbie’s Queen Elizabeth I (Video)

Saoirse Ronan faces off against Margot Robbie in the first trailer for Focus Features’ “Mary Queen of Scots,” an historical biopic that has all the makings of returning both stars to the Oscar race — in the same movie this time.

British stage veteran Josie Rourke directs the film, which explores the turbulent life of the charismatic Mary Stuart (Ronan). Queen of France at 16 and widowed at 18, Mary defies pressure to remarry. Instead, she returns to her native Scotland to reclaim her rightful throne. But Scotland and England fall under the rule of the compelling Elizabeth I (Robbie).

Each young Queen beholds her “sister” in fear and fascination. Rivals in power and in love, and female regents in a masculine world, the two must decide how to play the game of marriage versus independence.

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Determined to rule as much more than a figurehead, Mary asserts her claim to the English throne, threatening Elizabeth’s sovereignty. Betrayal, rebellion, and conspiracies within each court imperil both thrones– and change the course of history.

Ronan (“Lady Bird”) and Robbie (“I, Tonya”) were both nominated for Best Actress this year, though they lost to Frances McDormand for her role in “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.”

“Mary Queen of Scots” also stars Jack Lowden, Joe Alwyn, Gemma Chan, Martin Compston, Ismael Cordova, Brendan Coyle, Ian Hart, Adrian Lester, James McArdle, David Tennant and Guy Pearce.

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Beau Willimon (“The Ides of March,” “House of Cards”) wrote the screenplay based on John Guy’s book “Queen of Scots: The True Life of Mary Stuart.” Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Debra Hayward produced.

Focus Features is planning to release the film on Dec. 7.

Watch the traile above.

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