Croatian Dignitaries Welcome “Robin Hood: Origins” to Dubrovnik

E.Bennett Walsh with Croatia’s Minister of Tourism

Dubrovnik, February 18th 2017 – A press conference was held early this morning to announce the beginning of the filming of the action film “Robin Hood: Origins” in Dubrovnik, the biggest Hollywood production to be shot in Croatia to date.

The speakers at the conference were director Otto Bathurst, line producer E. Bennett Walsh, and Croatia’s dignitaries, Igor Deranja from Dubrovnik’s Mayor’s office, Gari Capelli, Croatia’s Minister of Tourism, and Nina Obuljen Koržinek, Croatia’s Minister of Culture.

In her remarks, the Croatian Minister of Culture extended her support to incoming productions, confirming the Ministry’s resolution to further strengthen Croatia’s film production incentive program and reputation as a centre of excellence in providing film production services. Filming of “Robin Hood: Origins” in Croatia will commence on Monday, February 20th and will continue until March 10th. Shooting will first take place in Dubrovnik, after which the crew is moving to Istra.

Film set in Dubrovnik

This is so far the most ambitious Hollywood project to be produced in Croatia, with an impressive lists of Hollywood A-listers and seasoned film professionals. The well-known Dubrovnik locations – Stradun, the city walls and the Posat harbour – will find themselves standing in as Nottingham.

E. Bennett Walsh and Otto Bathurst

Also interesting is that Croatia and Dubrovnik are the film’s star locations, which additionally illustrates Croatia’s ascendence to an increasingly desirable film location due to its successful film incentive program, natural beauty and excellent film service providers.

In the story, a war-hardened Crusader and a Moorish commander mount an audacious revolt against the corrupt English crown in what promises to be a thrilling action-adventure from director Otto Bathurst (“Peaky Blinders”). Packed with gritty battlefield exploits, mind-blowing fight choreography, and a timeless romance, ROBIN HOOD: ORIGINS is a never before seen story of how Robin Hood became the icon and legend as we know him today.

Taron Egerton (“Eddie the Eagle”, “Kingsman: Secret Service”) appears in the role of Robin Hood, Jamie Foxx is John, Eve Hewson is Marian, Ben Mendelsohn (“Rogue One”, “Bloodline”) is the sherif of Nottingham, Paul Anderson (“Legend”) is Gisborne and Tim Minchin (“Californication”) is friar Tuck, while the role of Will Scarlett is interpreted by “50 Shades of Grey” i ”50 Shades Darker” star Jamie Dornan.

Jamie Foxx arrives in Dubrovnik (Photo: Grgo Jelavic/PIXSELL)

The film, written by British producer and screenwriter Joby Harrold (upcoming “King Arthur: Legend of the Sword”), is directed by Otto Bathurst, known for the TV shows “Peaky Blinders” and “Black Mirror” and produced by Tory Tunnell, Joby Harold, Jennifer Davisson Killoran and Basil Iwanyk. The film’s line producer is E. Bennet Walsh, a veteran producer, with numerous successful films under his belt, such as “Amazing Spiderman 2”, “Ghost Rider,”the first two parts of the “Kill Bill” thrilogy, and the thriller “Paranoia”.

Igor Deranja, Croatia’s Minister of Culture Nina Obuljen Korzinek, Tourism Minister Gari Cappelli at the press conference today with E. Bennett Walsh and Otto Bathurst

“Robin Hood: Origins”, distributed by Lionsgate, is a co-production between Appian Way, Lionsgate, Safehouse Pictures i Thunder Road Pictures. The local Croatian production service company is Pakt Media. The US distribution is scheduled for March 2018.