Netflix’s queen enjoyed 𝓈ℯ𝓍 scenes with Emma Stone in Venice movie

By Robin Pomeroy

VENICE, Italy (Reuters) – Olivia Colman, soon to seen as Queen Elizabeth in the Netflix series “The Crown”, said she had a blast playing another English monarch, not least because of 𝓈ℯ𝓍 scenes with “La La Land” star Emma Stone.

The 44-year-old British actress plays 18th century Queen Anne in “The Favourite”, which was due to be premiered at the Venice Film Festival later on Thursday.

The film portrays as lesbian affairs the close friendships the queen had with two confidants who were rivals for her affections and influence.

“It’s as though we think we invented 𝓈ℯ𝓍, but we didn’t, it’s been going on for quite a long time,” three-time BAFTA winner Colman told reporters at the festival.

“And It was awfully fun having 𝓈ℯ𝓍 with Emma Stone.”

“It was really fun having 𝓈ℯ𝓍 with you too,” replied Oscar-winner Stone, 29, who later added, in case anyone was taking them literally: “We didn’t really!”

In “The Favourite”, Stone plays Abigail Masham, an aristocrat fallen on hard times trying to rebuild her life in the royal court.

Her rival for the queen’s favors is the Duchess of Marlborough, played by Rachel Weisz who, along with Colman, starred in a previous film by acclaimed Greek director filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos, “The Lobster”.

Lanthimos’ “The Favourite” is one of 21 films vying for the Golden Lion at the festival that runs from Aug. 29 to Sept 8.