Jamie Dornan, who played the role of Christian Grey in the titillating global phenomenon, 50 Shades of Grey, will be spending some time right here in South Africa shooting his next film.
The Northern Irish actor has been cast as one of the leads in the film Jadotville, which depicts the true story of the 1961 siege of a 150-strong Irish UN battalion in the Congo.
Jadotville is set to be filmed in Ireland and South Africa, and will go into production in April.
Dornan’s breakout roll was in the erotic drama 50 Shades of Grey opposite Dakota Johnson, which was released just before Valentine’s Day this year.
According to Box Office Mojo, the film has raked in R4.6 billion at the global box office, introducing the little-known actor to millions of viewers.
Jadotville is set to premiere on the subscription-based streaming service Netflix, which acquired the film at the 2015 Berlin Film Festival.
It will be the directorial debut of commercial and music video director Richie Smyth. In a media release, Netflix said the 32-year-old actor and model would play Commander Patrick Quinlan, the head of the UN forces in the city of Jadotville in the south of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Quinlan led his men against 3 000 Congolese troops, which were in turn led by French and Belgian mercenaries working for mining companies, who besieged the Irish until their supplies and ammunition were exhausted.
The film will also feature French actor Guillaume Canet as the French commander who sought to defeat Quinlan and his men.
“The story of how Pat Quinlan led his troops against an overwhelming force without losing a single man is one of the great stories of the 20th century, and we are proud to be working with such a talented and committed team to bring it to life,” Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos said in a statement.
“This film will be an amazing addition to our global original films initiative.”
Alan Moloney, who will produce the movie for Parallel Films, said Netflix was changing the film market.
“As film-makers, we are constantly looking for new ways to bring a movie to the largest possible audience.
“Netflix has already reinvented the TV market and is now moving front and centre into the film business. We are proud and excited to be part of their story and innovation,” he said.
Netflix is not yet available in South Africa. However, according to a report by My Broadband, it is set to launch in the country next year.
Saturday Star