This is certain to ruffle some feathers among fans of Brit royalty.
Variety reports that American actress (well, I never!) Dakota Fanning has signed on to play Princess Margaret in “Girls’ Night Out.” Based on a true story, the film will follow “a teenage Princess Margaret on V.E. Day in 1945 when she and her sister Elizabeth are allowed out from Buckingham Palace for one night to join in the celebrations, the night encompasses thrills, romance and danger.” The script was penned by Trevor De Silva and the filmmakers are still on the lookout for who will play Princess Elizabeth.
The film is set to be directed by Michael Hoffman (“The Last Station“) who is gearing up to have a very busy 2011. Movement continues on his Coen Brothers-penned remake of “Gambit” with Colin Firth and Cameron Diaz which is set to go in front of cameras this spring and if everything falls into place for “Girls’ Night Out” — which is currently being fielded for international sales at the European Film Market — it will lens by the end of the year.
So young girls romping around a Britain that’s in the throes of the end of World War II? We’re sure the usual lessons about commoners and privilege all that good stuff will be in there and frankly, it doesn’t sound all that compelling. However, if it could even come in the ballpark of “The King’s Speech,” another period pic about royalty, the war and serving the people, this could quickly find favor with critics and auds.