Posted by: Riikka

17 Aug 2007

(No Comments)

Hollywood glamour is heading for Ely Cathedral. The world-famous landmark will be used as a location for a “major sequence” in The Other Boleyn Girl, starring Scarlett Johansson, Natalie Portman and Kirsten Scott Thomas.

Producers contacted by the News refused to confirm which actors will be on set for filming, which is expected to commence on August 28 for three days. But they said they will be working on an important sequence for the film.

The Other Boleyn Girl, a BBC Films Production, is about the power struggles, rivalries and strained loyalty between Anne and Mary Boleyn. The film has been developed for the big screen by BBC Films after the success of the TV film of the same name, which was shown in 2003.

Johansson plays Mary opposite Portman as Anne, and Eric Bana stars as Henry VIII. Mary and Anne compete for the favour of Henry VIII, and although Anne wins the battle she eventually feels the sharp edge of Henry’s anger.

The cathedral has clearly established itself as an in-demand location.

Last year filming for The Golden Age, which is due out in November, saw Australian actress Cate Blanchett arrive in the city. The superstar also filmed scenes in Cambridge on the River Cam near St John’s College for the sequel to the Oscar-nominated film Elizabeth. She worked on-set in Ely with Geoffrey Rush and Clive Owen to shoot scenes in the cathedral’s Lady Chapel. It is rumoured the cathedral received a five figure sum for allowing the ancient place of worship to be used for filming for The Golden Age.

It is not known how much money the producers of this latest film have paid to use Ely Cathedral, but the budget for the entire movie is believed to be about £20 million.

The Other Boleyn Girl is due to be released in February next year.

Source: Cambridge News

Filed under: 'The Other Boleyn Girl'