A mermaid’s life could hold the key to immortality in “The King’s Daughter.” The adaptation of Vonda N. McIntyre’s novel “The Moon and the Sun” sees a young creature captured by none other than King Louis XIV. His quest to live forever puts her in danger, but the ruler’s illegitimate daughter might hold the key to saving the aquatic being. In the process, a father and daughter may finally break the barriers between them. The Sean McNamara-helmed project took years to reach the screen. Filmed in 2014, it was initially set for a 2015 release date. Delays ultimately took it off the schedule until Gravitas Ventures obtained North American rights in 2021.
Co-writers Barry Berman and James Schamus adapted the book for the big screen. Schamus is notable for his work on films such “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” and “Hulk.” He’s also a producer on titles such as “Brokeback Mountain.” Berman co-wrote the 1993 romantic comedy “Benny and Joon.”
The project brings together a collective of well-known names. Acclaimed actress Julie Andrews guides viewers through the story as the film’s narrator. ‘Daughter’ stars Pierce Brosnan as the French monarch Louis XIV and Kaya Scodelario portrays his daughter Marie-Josephe D’Alember. Fan Bingbing takes on the role of the marine creature trapped in a world that is not her own. Benjamin Walker and Rachel Griffiths also star.
The film’s official synopsis:
“King Louis XIV’s (Brosnan) quest for immortality leads him to capture a mermaid’s (Fan) life force, but his immovable will is challenged when his long-hidden illegitimate daughter (Scodelario) forms a bond with the magical creature.”
Magic and fantasy meet historical fiction in Gravitas Ventures’ “The King’s Daughter.” The film will debut exclusively in theaters on January 21, 2022. Watch the first trailer below.