Outlaw King on Netflix: Is Outlaw King based on a true story? Who is Robert the Bruce?

Netflix has stepped into the foray of critically acclaimed film-makers.

Their recent efforts include the upcoming Coen Brother’s The Ballad of Buster Scruggs.

Outlaw King, like Buster Scruggs, premiered at a film festival to a positive critical reception.

Starring Chris Pine as Robert the Bruce, Outlaw King is a historical drama directed by David Mackenzie (Hell or High Water).

Is Outlaw King based on a true story?

Yes, and it’s a story which has repeated itself throughout history.

Robert the Bruce was King of Scots from 1306 until his death in 1329.

Played by Chris Pine, Robert the Bruce was one of the most famous warriors of his generation.

Outlaw King follows the story of Robert and the eventual First War of Scottish Independence waged against England.

Wikipedia boasts thousands of words on Robert the Bruce and the First War of Scottish Independence.

For those not well versed in Scottish history, wading through the history can be confusing at best.

Outlaw King takes place during the years in which Robert the Bruce fought for an independent Scotland.

However, in real life Bruce had pledged of fealty to Edward I of England, making his campaign more complicated than most.

But Edward I is likely to have suspected Bruce’s ulterior motive.

He forced Bruce to put up one of his estates under the control of a man to whom Bruce would be answerable to – a method of control.

In 1304, Bruce became embroiled with a man named Comyn who betrayed him to Edward.

Bruce stabbed Comyn, though did not kill him, and was forced to flee Dumfries.

As a result, Bruce was forced to either become a fugitive or a king.

With the support of the Scottish church, he was crowned King of Scotland on March 25, 1306.

However, he was then defeated in battle and forced to flee mainland Scotland as an outlaw.

Thus the Outlaw King was born.

Outlaw King is available on Netflix from November 9, 2018.