11/03/2008

Terry Gilliam’s fantasy adventure The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus has resumed shooting in Vancouver. The UK/Canadian co-production had come to a halt after leading man Heath Ledger was found dead on January 22.

Gilliam had completed the live action portion of the film in London and was all set to begin the bluescreen sections of the film in Canada when the tragedy occurred.

Thanks to the fantasy element of the film, which allows characters to pass through a magic mirror into imaginary worlds, three different actors will play Ledger’s role. British actor Jude Law, Irish actor Colin Farrell and Johnny Depp will portray him.

Producers William Vince, Amy Gilliam and Samuel Hadida said in a statement, “Since the format of the story allows for the preservation of his entire performance, at no point will Heath's work be modified or altered through the use of digital technology. Each of the parts played by Johnny, Colin and Jude is representative of the many aspects of the character that Heath was playing.”

Gilliam said, “I am grateful to Johnny, Colin and Jude for coming on board and to everyone else who has made it possible for us to finish the film. I am delighted that Heath’s brilliant performance can be shared with the world. We are looking forward to finishing the movie and, through the film, with a modicum of humility, being able to touch people's hearts and souls as Heath was able to do.”

Filming resumed “with the blessing and support of Heath Ledger’s family,” he added.

Other key cast members include Christopher Plummer, Lily Cole and Tom Waits.