THE LAST OF US Star Bella Ramsey Set To Play a Girl Covered in Hair in Film Project MONSTROUS BEAUTY

The Last Of Us star Bella Ramsey has found their next big role as the star of the period drama film 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 in which the character is entirely covered in hair.

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

The story will combine fiction with real historical characters and this is the synopsis that was 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 means she is entirely covered in hair. Given 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 people with extraordinary appearances mix with the aristocracy.

Fuelled by the desire to be defined for who she is rather than how she looks, Barbara aspires to become a playwright under the auspices of famous actress Nell Gwyn (Negga), powerful mistress to the King. Nell herself is intent on teaching Charles a public lesson on the true appreciation of women beyond their physical appearance. Barbara seeks the help of famous playwright of the day, Aphra Behn (Shaw), and casts beautiful actor Vale (the object of Barbara’s own desire) as the lead, despite his lack of talent. But will Barbara succeed in becoming a woman of independent means whilst challenging a highly patriarchal society, and become master of her own destiny?

Gabrielle Stewart, Hanway Films CEO, said in a statement: “Romola’s brilliant screenplay about identity, power, beauty and the role of the arts to impact society has attracted an incredible ensemble of the very best British and Irish acting talent. It is a timeless and entertaining story that young and old, male and female, and everyone in between, can enjoy together and have lots to talk about after.”

Writer-director Romola Garai added: “I am beyond thrilled to be bringing this script, that I love so much and that has lived within me for so many years, to the screen. Barbara’s deep need to express herself and to be seen and appreciated by others… is all of ours; I am over the moon and truly humbled 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 is set to begin in September with Matthew James Wilkinson (Yesterday) producing. They will shoot the film before jumping back into shooting The Last of Us Season 2.

Source: Deadline