Rose Leslie, best known for her role as the fierce wildling Ygritte in Game of Thrones, is set to star alongside Russell Crowe in an upcoming epic film titled The Last Druid. The movie, which is set in the rugged and untamed Caledonian mountains of ancient Scotland, tells the story of a peaceful Celtic elder, played by Crowe, as he strives to protect his family from the invading Roman legions.
A Tale of Resistance and Survival
The drama unfolds when the Roman emperor discovers the secluded Druid haven hidden within the Caledonian mountains, where Crowe's character and his family reside. The screenplay, penned by director William Eubank along with collaborators Phil Gawthorne and Carlyle Eubank, draws inspiration from historical accounts of the Roman invasion of Britain. However, it remains unclear how closely the narrative will adhere to actual events. Historically, Roman armies attempted to conquer what is now Scotland—then known as Caledonia—three times, but each campaign was short-lived. The region was inhabited by various tribes collectively referred to as the Caledonians by the Romans.
Production Details and Locations
Despite the film's clear connection to Scotland and its past, no filming is scheduled to take place in the country. According to entertainment outlet Deadline, production is set to begin on June 8 in Barcelona and the Canary Islands, Spain. The choice of locations may offer landscapes reminiscent of the Scottish highlands, providing a suitable backdrop for the ancient tale.
Leslie's Scottish Heritage
Rose Leslie, 39, will undoubtedly feel at home with the subject matter, given her deep Scottish roots. Her family has owned Wardhill Castle in Aberdeenshire for 800 years. The castle, where Leslie married her actor husband Kit Harington, is now managed by her brother William. Her role in a movie set in the rugged mountains of Scotland echoes her previous portrayal of Ygritte, a member of a savage tribe known as the wildlings in the hit television series Game of Thrones.
Crowe's Contrasting Roles
For Russell Crowe, his role as the peaceful Druid elder stands in stark contrast to the character that catapulted him to fame: the Roman general Maximus Decimus Meridius in the 2000 film Gladiator. That performance solidified his status as a Hollywood star. More recently, Crowe has been filming in Scotland for the remake of the 1986 cult classic Highlander, where he stars alongside Scottish actors Karen Gillan and Kevin McKidd, as well as Superman actor Henry Cavill, who plays the lead role of immortal Scots warrior Connor MacLeod. Crowe will portray Ramirez, another immortal character, stepping into the role originally played by the late Scottish screen legend Sir Sean Connery.
