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The Last of Us star lands next lead movie role

The Last of Us star Bella Ramsey has been cast as the lead in a new period drama titled Monstrous Beauty.

Written and directed by Romola Garai, whose acting credits include Atonement and Suffragette, production is due to commence in September with Dominic West (The Crown), Fiona Shaw (Andor) and Ruth Negga (Agents of SHIELD) also onboard as key characters.

Ramsey is set to play the aspiring playwright of King Charles II's court, Barbara Field, whose rare condition renders her whole body hairy (via Deadline).

bella ramsey
Axelle/Bauer-Griffin - Getty Images

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The official, lengthy synopsis reads: "Set in the 17th Century, Monstrous Beauty is the story of a unique young woman born into poverty with a rare condition that means she is entirely covered in hair.

"Given the precious gift of an education, she is offered the opportunity of a place in the luxurious and decadent court of King Charles II (West), as a 'Natural Wonder' where people with extraordinary appearances mix with the aristocracy.

"Fuelled by the desire to be defined for who she is rather than how she looks, Barbara aspires to become a playwright under the auspices of famous actress Nell Gwyn (Negga), powerful mistress to the King. Nell herself is intent on teaching Charles a public lesson on the true appreciation of women beyond their physical appearance."

dominic west in the crown, season 5
Netflix

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It finishes: "Barbara seeks the help of famous playwright of the day, Aphra Behn (Shaw), and casts beautiful actor Vale (the object of Barbara's own desire) as the lead, despite his lack of talent. But will Barbara succeed in becoming a woman of independent means whilst challenging a highly patriarchal society, and become master of her own destiny?"

In a statement, writer-director Garai revealed that she's had this story up her sleeve for "many years".

She explained: "Barbara's deep need to express herself and to be seen and appreciated by others... is all of ours; I am over the moon and truly humbled to be making this film with such an incredible roster of talent – they have responded with such intelligence, sensitivity and love to Barbara and her story."

The Last of Us airs on HBO in the US, and on Sky Atlantic and streaming service NOW in the UK.

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