Ralph Fiennes to Star In, Executive Produce 'Unbeaten' Racehorse Drama for 'Conclave' Producer, StudioCanal

Ralph Fiennes is set to star in and executive produce Unbeaten, a theatrical feature from Conclave producer House Productions, StudioCanal and Escapade Pictures.

The three-time Oscar nominee will play the real-life legendary racehorse trainer Henry Cecil in his final years as he emerges from disgrace, reunites with the love of his life Jane and begins a partnership with the racehorse Frankel, according to a synopsis from the producers.

Cecil made Frankel a champion racehorse who was unbeaten in all 14 starts and earned a final victory at the Champion Stakes at the iconic Ascot Racecourse.

The theatrical feature, in advanced development, is based on a screenplay by Bash Doran and will be directed by BAFTA winner Nora Fingscheidt (The Outrun).

"I knew nothing about the legendary Henry Cecil until I read Bash Doran's screenplay. I was compelled and moved by it and by Henry's story with the great horse Frankel. Henry was — and still is — a unique figure, complex and competitive in the very specific world of horse racing," Fiennes said in a statement.

Fiennes received an Oscar nomination for his performance in Edward Berger's Vatican-set drama Conclave. His other credits include Wuthering Heights, Quiz Show, The English Patient, Schindler's List, In Bruges, The Grand Budapest Hotel and The Menu.

The film reunites Fiennes with House Productions' Tessa Ross, who also produced Conclave. Rory Aitken of Escapade Pictures and 42 will also produce.

StudioCanal is fully financing the project, handling worldwide sales and is set to release Unbeaten in the U.K., France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Benelux, Australia and New Zealand.

Unbeaten is also backed in development by BBC Film and Access Entertainment (Conclave, The Zone of Interest). The executive producer credits are shared by Anna Marsh, Ron Halpern, Joe Naftalin, Fiennes and Doran.

Tony Rushmer, author of The Triumph of Henry Cecil: The Authorised Biography, is a consultant on the film.

The project marks the second collaboration between Berlin Silver Bear winner Fingscheidt and StudioCanal following the U.K. release of BAFTA-nominated The Outrun, starring Saoirse Ronan.