Principal photography commences today, October 5th, on the German-Irish coproduction ‘Superhero’ in Dublin. Andy Serkis (TinTin, The Lord of the Rings trilogy) heads up the feature which is directed by Ian FitzGibbon (Perrier’s Bounty), and written by Anthony McCarten.
The film’s other cast members include Thomas Brodie Sangster (Love Actually, Nowhere Boy), Aisling Loftus (Dive), Jessica Schwarz (Perfume, Off Beat) and Irish actor Michael McElhatton (Parked, Happy Ever Afters)
'Superhero' is based on Anthony McCarten's novel 'Death of a Superhero' centres around Donald Clarke, a terminally ill teenager who craves sex and adventure, however his time is limited and he’s never even had a girlfriend. As a form of escape, Donald retreats from the harsh realities of life to his illustrated comic book adventures. These stories see the indestructible Miraculousman fight a never-ending battle against his arch nemesis, the mad scientist known as The Glove.
After reluctantly seeing several psychologists Donald meets shrink number six, Dr. Adrian King, 'Dr. Death' as he calls him. After a shaky start they come to a mutual understanding and unexpectedly end up helping each other. Then a new girl at school, Shelly, arrives on the scene, she is the new girl at school, she’s cool, and different from all the other girls. Donald really likes her and life certainly looks brighter with her around…..
'Superhero' is a co-production between Irish production company Grand Pictures and the Germany’s Bavaria Pictures. It is co-funded by Bord Scannan na hEireann/the Irish Film Bord, the German Federal Film Board/FFA, the FilmFernsehFonds Bavaria/FFF, Bavarian Banking Fund/BBF and developed with the support of the Media Programme of the European Community.
Astrid Kahmke and Philipp Kreuzer of Bavaria Pictures commented on the project saying: "We are proud to have assembled an extraordinary cast and a wonderful, internationally experienced crew, first of all director Ian FitzGibbon, to shoot this movie. They are all driven by passion for this project and it is great that we get so much support, not at least from Ireland, to let this film happen."
Michael Garland of Grand Pictures also voiced his delight at the new project, telling us: "Grand Pictures are thrilled to be co-producing this wonderful script with Bavaria Pictures. The project gives us the opportunity to work again with Ian FitzGibbon and Michael McElhatton as well as the additional talents of Andy Serkis, Thomas Brodie Sangster and Sharon Horgan. As ever the Film Board have been extremely supportive and we look forward to delivering a film of real quality and value."
The 'Superhero' shoot will last for approx six weeks and the remainder will then be shot in Munich, Germany. Animation and postproduction will also be completed in Germany. Theatrical release is set for the end of 2011/beginning of 2012. World Sales are handled by Bavaria Film International.
