Gugu Mbatha-Raw is Amma Asante

Period drama fills out its cast.

‘Touch’ star Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Sam Claflin (‘Snow White and the Hunstman’) and Sarah Gadon (‘Cosmopolis’) have all signed up to star in writer/director Amma Asante’s period drama ‘Belle.’

Set in 1790, the film is inspired by the true story of Dido Elizabeth Belle, a mixed-race woman raised as an aristocratic lady in 18th century England. Mbatha-Raw will play Belle, who was the illegitimate daughter of Admiral Sir John Lindsay.

Claflin will be taking the role of Belle’s love interest, while Gadon is set for the role of her cousin. Screen Daily adds that Tom Wilkinson, Emily Watson, Miranda Richardson and Mathew Goode will will fill out the supporting roles.

‘Belle’ is slated to being principal photography in September.