MOVIE MEN MARVEL AT CATHEDRAL
DEAN OF DURHAM TALKS ABOUT SHOOTING A BLOCKBUSTER IN CHURCH
Two of the world’s leading directors marvelled at their time in Durham.
Joe and Anthony Russo joined the Dean of Durham Cathedral, the very Reverend Andrew Tremlett, to talk about filming the latest blockbuster in the world-famous church.
In recent days there has been a buzz around the cathedral, with fans eager to catch a glimpse of A-list stars such as Chris Helmsworth and Robert Downey Jr during the filming of the Marvel Comics-inspired movie, Avengers: Infinity War.
Although not giving much away about the hugely anticipated movie, the Russo brothers said the place of worship is set to feature in several scenes.
However, they added that it would not appear on screen as a cathedral.
Anthony said they had been inspired and left in awe by both the inside and the outside of the cathedral.
Joe added that they have all been made very welcome in Durham, which he said is a ‘beautiful’ city.
He said: “We have had a lot of fans come along. We have been able to speak with them and we sent Thor’s hammer out. We don’t exist without the fans.”
Rev Tremlett said: “Welcoming such a large team on the historic site of Durham Cathedral is of course a great adventure.
“I would like to thank our nearly 1,000 staff and volunteers that have made it possible.”
Rev Tremlett said he would like to pay tribute to the cast and crew who have supported the cathedral during service times, saying they had gone completely silent and were very respectful.
He added that, for many years, the cathedral has told the story of the conquest of good over evil and it is good to see a film, such as The Avengers, doing the same.
This is not the first time Durham Cathedral has been used as a film location, and the Dean said they still get tourists looking for the places used in the Harry Potter films, and he expects it to be the same with the new Avengers movie.
He said: “Tens of millions of cinema-goers will now have the opportunity to see the cathedral on screen as it plays its part in promoting the North East to a world- wide audience, contributing to the regional economy.
“We expect our involvement with the Avengers to generate much interest in the cathedral to a wide range of people. I have to say it has been a huge privilege and pleasure to host the production.”
“We don’t exist without the fans” JOE RUSSO