Chris Pine goes full 'Braveheart' in first trailer for Netflix's big-budget historical epic 'Outlaw King'

Netflix’s big-budget films have most definitely been hit and miss. When they get things right, they make incredible films like the CGI animal rights’ masterpiece Okja and Mudbound, a moving film about two World War II vets – one white, one black – dealing with racism in rural Mississippi.

But when things go wrong, we get… Will Smith’s orc-fairy-police drama Bright. Nuff said.

And the streaming service’s latest offering is a blood-and-guts Braveheart-style movie from Hell or High Water director David Mackenzie.

What is the plot for Outlaw King?

The untold, true story of Robert the Bruce who transforms from defeated nobleman to outlaw hero during the oppressive occupation of medieval Scotland by Edward I of England. Despite grave consequences, Robert seizes the Scottish crown and rallies an impassioned group of men to fight back against the mighty army of the tyrannical King and his volatile son, the Prince of Wales.

Who is starring in Outlaw King?

Filmed in Scotland, Outlaw King reunites director Mackenzie with star Chris Pine - who you can tell is trying really hard to pull off a successful Scottish accent - alongside Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Florence Pugh and Billy Howle.

The screenplay, written by Mackenzie (Young Adam), Bash Doran (Boardwalk Empire), James MacInnes, Mark Bomback and Scottish playwright David Harrower, takes place over the extraordinary historic year when Robert the Bruce fights to regain control having been crowned King of Scots, only to be defeated in a surprise attack and made an outlaw by the English King and his occupying forces.

What’s the hype?

Well, according to a statement by director David Mackenzie, it’s all very exciting.

“I am so happy to have the opportunity to dig deep into the story of Robert the Bruce and to discover some of the truths that often get obscured by legend,” said the director.

“I am also delighted that Chris Pine, with whom I had a great time on our last film, has joined our Scottish and international cast and crew including the excellent Aaron Taylor-Johnson and the exciting emerging talent of Florence Pugh and Billy Howle.

“I know Chris will bring intensity and flair to Robert the Bruce and his struggle to take back his country, being crowned King of Scots, then suffering a disastrous defeat and left on the run with just a handful of supporters only to claw his way, with bravery and cunning, back to victory.

“This was an early form of guerilla warfare against the might of a vastly bigger better resourced enemy and is one of the great comeback stories of history.”

We’re going to go ahead and say we’re quite excited.  Watch the full trailer below.

Outlaw King comes to Netflix on 9 November 2018.

(Images: Netflix)

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