Jude Law and co love ‘epic magic of Wales’
HOLLYWOOD stars Jude Law and Charlie Hunnam and film-maker Guy Ritchie have been sharing their love of the Welsh locations where they made their new movie, King Arthur: Legend of the Sword.
A video for a new campaign to promote film tourism by VisitBritain takes viewers behind the scenes of the new blockbuster, which is released next month.
Locations in Wales used for the film were Dinorwg Quarry, near Llanberis, and Llyn Gwynant, in Snowdonia National Park. One scene in the film sees a pair of stuntmen jump 80ft from a pinnacle above Vivian Quarry into the water.
The Young Pope actor Jude Law – who plays evil Vortigern in the film – says in the video: “We’re all enjoying being out here in Snowdonia and shooting 150 bowmen and the entire Pendragon clan. Visually it’s a total feast.”
And titular star Hunnam, who is famed for his role on Sons of Anarchy, seemed to be in his element, saying in the film: “I’m a big lover of the outdoors, I’ve been all over the place.
“It’s hard to wipe the smile off your face, I’m so happy here.”
Director Ritchie, who previously used the Cambrian Mountains for a car-chase scene in his 2015 Man From Uncle reboot, adds: “I’ve always wanted to shoot here, it looks so spectacular. It’s an epic countryside full of life, rivers are gorgeous, lakes are gorgeous. I like it, it feels ancient.”
The Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels director is also pictured against a stunning backdrop with producer Lionel Wigram, who added that the filmic landscape was among Britain’s best-kept secrets.
“We’re filming on a stone bridge over a stream which was built by the Romans, it feels magical.
“Whenever you’re at a beautiful location, everyone’s happy and in a good mood, it’s a real communal experience. It’s exciting. It feels so Arthurian this landscape.”
The Where Stories Become Legends campaign also highlights the Warner Brothers’ use of locations in Scotland and England.
VisitBritain director of marketing Clare Mullin added: “Our collaboration with Warner Bros. Pictures on King Arthur: Legend of the Sword is a fantastic opportunity to showcase to a global audience the legendary experiences only available in Britain, inspiring people to book a trip right now to discover their own epic stories.”
King Arthur: Legend of the Sword is released in UK cinemas on May 19.