Jamie Bacon to play tragic Scottish hero Bonnie Prince Charlie

London: English actor Jamie Bacon is to play the lead role in a film about Bonnie Prince Charlie.

"The Great Getaway" will follow the Young Pretender's escape across the Western Isles, after defeat at Culloden in the failed Jacobite rising of 1745.

Having previously appeared in small roles in little-known British indies, this is Bacon's first major film role. Although previously linked with American actor Jake Abel, executive producer Robbie Moffat has said that Bacon would be "perfect" for the part, reported Digital Spy.

Of the decision to cast an English actor, Moffat said, "Bonnie Prince Charlie was born in Rome to a Polish mother and an English father. He did not have a Scottish accent.
"One of the things this film is trying to do is rid the story of its myths."

The cast for "The Great Getaway" includes Mhairi Calvey as Flora McDonald, along with Angus Macfadyen and James Cosmo. Moffat is reportedly keen to cast Prince Harry's former girlfriend Cressida Bonas in the film.

Filming is scheduled to begin in Scotland later this month, with a major fight scene involving 500 extras expected to be shot in Dumfries and Galloway.