Pierce Brosnan, Kaya Scodelario, Benjamin Walker, Rachel Griffiths star in The King’s Daughter, the action-adventure fantasy film directed by Sean McNamara opening in theaters on January 21, 2022.
In the film, 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. The film is based on Vonda N. McIntyre’s novel “The Moon and the Sun.”
In 1684 France, Louis XIV (Pierce Brosnan) – the Sun King – is the most powerful and influential monarch on the planet. But his birthday is approaching along with a rare solar eclipse and he’s worried about the future of France. His spiritual advisor, Père La Chaise (William Hurt), comforts him, while his physician, Dr. Labarthe (Pablo Schreiber) informs him that scientists believe mermaids contain a life force which grants immortality. Louis commissions Yves (Benjamin Walker), a young sea captain, to search the North Seas for the heretofore-mythical sea creature.
Meanwhile, in order to help pay off war debts, Louis brings to Court Marie-Josèphe (Kaya Scodelario), the daughter of the mistress he always loved. Orphaned at a convent since birth, Marie-Josèphe is educated and musically gifted, yet bears an inherent defiance of authority. Père feels he can use Marie-Josèphe to tap into the deep pockets of Lintillac (Ben Lloyd-Hughes), a wealthy young merchant who is angling for a position at court, as well as use her musical abilities to satisfy Louis’ ear.
As the week of the Eclipse begins, Yves returns to Versailles, successful in the capture of a mermaid (Fan Bingbing). He is ordered to place her in a reservoir beneath the Grotto of Thetis and restore her to full health.
Watch the official trailer for The King’s Daughter.