Saoirse Ronan plays Mary Stuart, Margot Robbie plays Elizabeth I, and Jack Lowden plays Lord Darnley in the 2018 historical drama Mary Queen of Scots.
Main cast
- Mary StuartSaoirse RonanMain
- Queen Elizabeth IMargot RobbieMain
- Henry Stuart, Lord DarnleyJack LowdenMain
Supporting cast
- James Stewart, 1st Earl of MorayJames McArdleSupp
- William Cecil, 1st Baron BurghleyGuy PearceSupp
- Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of LeicesterJoe AlwynSupp
- John KnoxDavid TennantSupp
- David RizzioIsmael Cruz CórdovaSupp
- Mary BeatonMaria DragusSupp
- James Hepburn, 4th Earl of BothwellMartin CompstonSupp
- Bess of HardwickGemma ChanSupp
Guest & voice
- Mary of GuiseBrenda BlethynSupp
- Cardinal BeatonRichard CantGuest
- Andrew MelvilleAlex BeckettGuest
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About this cast
Directed by Josie Rourke, Mary Queen of Scots (2018) is a historical drama starring Saoirse Ronan as Mary Stuart and Margot Robbie as Queen Elizabeth I. The film focuses on the tumultuous relationship between the two rival queens and the political intrigue of 16th-century Scotland and England.
FAQs
Who plays Mary Queen of Scots in the 2018 film?
Saoirse Ronan stars as Mary Stuart, also known as Mary Queen of Scots.
Who plays Queen Elizabeth I in Mary Queen of Scots?
Margot Robbie plays Queen Elizabeth I.
Is Mary Queen of Scots accurate?
The film takes dramatic liberties with chronology and events but is based on real historical figures and John Guy’s biography ‘My Heart Is My Own’.
Who directed Mary Queen of Scots 2018?
The film was directed by Josie Rourke, making her feature film directorial debut.
Which streaming service has Mary Queen of Scots 2018?
In the UK, the film is available on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video as of 2025.
Sources & where to watch: IMDb · Wikipedia · Where to watch (JustWatch UK) · Updated June 2026