Nicola Coughlan tipped to play Pirate Queen Gráinne Mhaol in upcoming film

The film will be directed by Oscar-nominated Kirsten Sheridan.

Earlier this year that Academy Award and Golden Globe nominated writer and producer, Kirsten Sheridan, had optioned Anne Chambers biographical book, Grace O'Malley – The Biography of Ireland's Pirate Queen.

It was further revealed that the feature film, supported by Screen Ireland, will be produced by Wild Atlantic Pictures in collaboration with Reclaim Entertainment Ventures (Los Angeles), with an aim to begin production early next year.

Sheridan, whose recent work includes Lockerbie and Say Nothing, has been developing the feature/TV project with Chambers for some time.

The movie will focus on the true story of Grace O'Malley, the 16th-century Irish chieftain, seafarer, and fearless leader dubbed the ‘Pirate Queen’, who famously voyaged up the Thames to petition Queen Elizabeth I for her captured son’s freedom.

“This is a deeply personal passion project for both Anne and myself,” explained 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," she continued.

Wild Atlantic Pictures commented on the the film, saying it will be 'raw and contemporary' while exploring sexuality, power and identity in a modern manner rather than typical period piece.

The Galway Advertiser reported that the Derry Girls star had been listed at 2/1 by Ladbrokes to feature in the film, alongside Eve Hewson (3/1 ), Sarah Greene (3/1 ) and Saoirse Ronan (4/1 ).