Oscar®-Nominated Kirsten Sheridan to Bring Ireland’s Famous Pirate Queen Grace O’Malley to the Big Screen

Acclaimed Irish filmmaker Kirsten Sheridan has optioned Grace O'Malley – The Biography of Ireland's Pirate Queen by renowned biographer Anne Chambers. The feature film, supported by Screen Ireland, will be produced by Wild Atlantic Pictures in collaboration with Reclaim Entertainment Ventures (Los Angeles), with a targeted production start in 2026.


Academy Award® and Golden Globe nominated writer and producer Sheridan, whose recent work includes Lockerbie (Sky/Peacock) and the Writer’s Guild of America and IFTA-nominated Say Nothing (Hulu/Disney+), has been developing the feature/TV project with Chambers for some time.

The film will chronicle the extraordinary true story of Grace O’Malley culminating in her famous meeting with Queen Elizabeth I, the most powerful ruler in British history. When her youngest son is taken prisoner, Grace sails up the Thames to confront Queen Elizabeth directly. While perceived enemies, as women, while they question each other's identity, pierce each other's wounds, they win each other's respect and come together as equals to define, not just their nationality, but their most intimate selves.

“This is a deeply personal passion project for both Anne and myself,” said Sheridan. “Every Irish woman now knows Grace O’Malley’s story now thanks to Anne’s innovative biography. It is one of power, resilience, and rebellion. Grace O’Malley defied gender norms, social and political female bias, controlled her own destiny and won the respect of the most powerful woman in history.

Unlike traditional period dramas, Sheridan’s vision for the film is raw and contemporary, exploring themes of sexuality, identity, and gender with a fresh and provocative lens. The project will not only depict Grace’s legendary exploits but will also dive into her complex personal journey as a leader, mother and survivor.

For further information please contact:
Wild Atlantic Pictures – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Copyright © 2025 Grace O'Malley.com - Anne Chambers

Grace O'Malley: The Biography of Ireland's Pirate Queen, 1530-1603 is the sole published biographical account of Grace O’Malley, sourced from original manuscript material, both in public and in private domain. For the latter, the author, Anne Chambers, had sole and exclusive access. Much of this material was located and decyphered in its original form (i.e.16th century manuscripts) by the author and is exclusive to her book. Furthermore, the presentation, opinions and analyses in the book are exclusive to the author. The author reserves all her rights in this book. No part of her book may be reproduced or utilised in any form or media, written or oral, or by means digital, electronic or mechanical, including photographic, film, video recording, photocopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system. Permission from the author and publisher must first be obtained to reproduce any part of or quotations from the book. Any transgression in this regard will be addressed. For more information, comments or enquiries please contact: Info: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Copyright © 2025.

 

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