As we fall into Autumn, we look at some of the productions happening in studios and on location around the UK and Ireland
by Charlie Gardiner
During the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes in the United States, productions worldwide closed down in support of the performers and writers on the picket line. However, there are some productions that managed to keep their projects going in pre and post-production. Here’s a look at some of the active productions currently taking place in the UK and Ireland.
‘Sonic the Hedgehog 3’
The highly anticipated sequel to the 2020 and 2022 smash hit blockbusters, starring James Marsden and Ben Schwartz, is currently unable to continue shooting with SAG actors but is using its time wisely by continuing filming without performers.
The third instalment of the widely popular video game adaptations will pick up where the second film left off – with the introduction of Sonic’s arch nemesis, Knuckles. While the plot for the new film is being kept under wraps, we do know that Knuckles will be played once again by national treasure and Spotlight member, Idris Elba.
We can’t wait to see this film whizz on the big screen in 2024!
‘Paddington in Peru’
Paddington is back with his beloved family – the Browns – and this time he’s going on a great adventure back to his home country: Peru!
Currently filming in and around London until the end of the year, Paddington, voiced by brilliant Spotlight member Ben Whishaw, is joined by the likes of Emily Mortimer, Rachel Zegler and Spotlight members, Hugh Bonneville and Olivia Colman.
‘West the Road’
Highly celebrated actress and national treasure Imelda Staunton and Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham, both of whom are Spotlight members, lead the cast of West the Road, a story of female friendship and adventure.
A group of friends are brought together after the death of a childhood companion. When they discover their late friend had a daughter who was put up for adoption, they take it upon themselves to find the girl.
Currently filming in County Kerry, Ireland, West the Road will be one to watch when it’s released in 2024.
‘Albion’
Albion follows the story of Kit and Sonny – who were once close friends but have since drifted apart – as they head out on a pilgrimage of the Ridgway to scatter the ashes of Kit’s grandfather. Along the way, they discover things about each other’s pasts that will change the fate of their future forever.
Starring Spotlight members Ian Bonar and Ankur Bahl, Albion is currently filming in Buckinghamshire.
‘The Boy that Never Was’
The upcoming television series The Boy That Never Was tells the devastating story of the aftermath of an earthquake, leaving the lead character, Harry, in disrepair after the loss of his son.
Five years pass, and Harry has started life again in Dublin when someone comes into his life and brings back the pain and grief he experienced years before.
The cast is yet to be announced for The Boy the Never Was – which is currently filming in Dublin.
‘The Gorge’
The plot for The Gorge, starring Hollywood royalty Anya Taylor-Joy, Miles Teller and Sigourney Weaver, follows two young lovers who find themselves in a dangerous criminal world.
Currently filming in Wales, London and at Warner Bros’ studios in Leavesden, we can expect to see the exciting new drama on AppleTV+ next year.
‘Heads of State’
Filming is taking place in London for the upcoming action film, starring Spotlight member Idris Elba, Priyanka Chopra Jonas and John Cena.
While London is the base for production, shooting has also taken place this year in the Italian town of Trieste.
The plot is under wraps, but with the likes of Elba and Chopra Jonas on board, it’s likely to be a sure-fire hit.
‘Joan’
Game of Thrones star Sophie Turner leads the cast of Joan, which tells the story of a woman caught between the criminal world of jewellery theft and her desperate attempt to get her daughter back from social services.
The new ITV television drama is currently filming in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire after shooting in Herne Bay Kent and Birmingham.
With all these exciting projects still in production, it reminds us that considering the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, the industry is still strong. Other productions that were shooting in the UK but have since had to cease due to the strikes include:
- How to Train Your Dragon – the live-action adaptation of the beloved animated films.
- Deadpool 3 – the long-awaited sequel that will see Hugh Jackman returning to his iconic role of ‘Wolverine’.
- Wicked – the on-screen adaptation of the Broadway and West End musical phenomenon.
- Silo – the second season of the exciting AppleTV+ series.
- The Sandman – the second season of the hit Netflix series, based on the comic book written by Neil Gaiman.
These are just some of the productions cast on Spotlight. Find out more about our membership options and start looking for auditions today!
