12/09/2005

Stephen Frears’ new feature film The Queen starring Helen Mirren as HM Queen Elizabeth II is starting filming tomorrow for ITV’s production arm Granada and Pathe which handles international rights on the project.

Based on a script by Peter Morgan (Martha Meet Frank, Daniel & Laurence), the film explores the relationship between UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and the Queen in the week between Lady Diana’s death and her funeral. Michael Sheen who had already embodied Tony Blair in Stephen Frears’ TV drama The Deal -also scripted by Morgan- will reprise his role, while other UK Monarchs such as the Queen Mother will be played by Joan Plowright and Prince Charles by Alex Jennings.
The film will be lenced by Brazilian director of photography Affonso Beato (All About My Mother, Dark Water). The Queen will have a theatrical release in the UK prior to its TV premiere on ITV.