Hollywood heartthrob Jude Law looks totally unrecognisable as he transforms his appearance to play Henry VIII for new historical film
Since appearing in a laundry list of films, Jude Law has been a pin-up for most due to his famous good looks and toned appearance.
But fans are set to be shocked as the Hollywood heartthrob, 51, takes on a completely different look to play the infamous Henry VIII in the new historical film, Firebrand, set in the 1500s. Sporting a plump physique, greying beard while wearing regal clothing including a feathered hat, the actor looked worlds apart from his trademark good looks.
Jude stars alongside Alicia Vikander, who plays Katherine Parr, Henry VIII’s sixth wife. The film is based on the 2013 novel Queen’s Gambit, by Elizabeth Fremantle. And fans were given a sneak peek of the film earlier this week when the trailer was released showing both actors in character.
The narration alongside the visual explained: “In a rotten blood soaked, island kingdom there once was a queen by the name of Katherine Parr. She was the sixth wife of the vengeful Henry VIII. The five wives who came before her all met untimely ends but Katherine’s fate was to change the kingdom forever.”
After Katherine finally agrees to marry the king, known for being a tyrant, she began to do everything in her power to enforce her Protestant beliefs. But when he returns from fighting abroad, the film sees him become paranoid and turns against the radicals as theories surrounding Katherine’s involvement flows through the palace.
The plot reads: “Everyone holds their breath for the queen to slip up, for Henry to take her head like wives before. With the hope for a future free of tyranny at risk, will Katherine submit to the inevitable for the sake of King and country?”
In the final clip of the trailer, Katherine stands over her husband who is held down as she asks: “Do you believe in Hell? I think we are both bound for it. I am ready, are you?” The period film also stars Sam Riley, Eddie Marsan, Simon Russell Beale, and Erin Doherty and is set for release next month.
Jude previously explained that he had sprayed himself in an “awful” perfume made specifically for him to play Henry VIII. The scent was made of “blood, faecal matter and sweat”. He said: “I read several interesting accounts that you could smell Henry three rooms away. His leg was rotting so badly. He hid it with rose oil. I thought it would have a great impact if I smelt awful.”
And speaking of the parfumier, Jude added: “She makes wonderful scents, and she also makes awful scents. She somehow came up with this extraordinary variety of blood, faecal matter and sweat. Initially, I used it very subtly. But then it became a spray fest.”
And Alicia said: “What I found pretty incredible is to have this character that I portrayed; she has books (she wrote) you can go and read…not only do I listen to her own voice, knowing it’s a woman from 500 years ago. I don’t think human emotions and behaviours have changed over five hundred years. (This is a) woman who is married off, without having any say in it. Five wives that are dead. Putting yourself in that state of mind, really changes things. You realise how fragile each moment is.”
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