A dramatic retelling of the Robert the Bruce story for the Netflix generation could become a kingpin in Scotland’s tourist industry.
The global streaming service, famous for hit shows like House of Cards, Stranger Things and Orange Is The New Black, is working on a new feature film about the 14th century King of Scots.
Perthshire-born film-maker David MacKenzie is expected to sign on as director of the Outlaw King, and shooting is slated to begin in Scotland later this summer.
California-born actor Chris Pine, who starred in MacKenzie’s Oscar-nominated feature Hell or High Water, is tipped to star as the Scottish king.
The country’s tourism chiefs believe the Netflix drama could boost overseas visits.
Recent US show Outlander, which was shot in Perthshire and Fife, was described as a “goldmine” for Scotland’s tourism industry.
Jenni Steele, film and creative industries manager at VisitScotland, said: “Set-jetting, where people visit locations and other destinations associated with the movies, is a growing trend – with 40% of all people that come to UK inspired to come here after seeing it on film or television.
“Productions such as Braveheart, Rob Roy and more recently, Outlander, have helped highlight Scottish history’s most colourful characters and have undoubtedly inspired viewers to discover Scotland in person.”
She said: “We look forward to learning more about this exciting project and hope once again to see Scotland shine on screen.”
According to industry insiders, the Outlaw King has been a long-standing passion project for MacKenzie, who started his career with the film The Last Great Wilderness, largely shot on a Dunkeld sheep farm.
The new feature is being produced by Sigma Films, the Glasgow-based company that MacKenzie helped set up.
A spokeswoman for Creative Scotland said: “We are aware that Sigma Films have been developing a range of exciting feature film and TV projects including a period drama about Robert the Bruce, supported by slate funding from Creative Scotland through our Screen Funding programme.”
Details of the Outlaw King are being kept under wraps, but Robert the Bruce’s chief adviser James Douglas is expected to play a key role.
William Wallace is also likely to feature in the story.
Netflix has so far declined to comment on the new production and details of shooting locations have yet to be revealed.
