“`html
Jason Statham Charms Locals During filming of New Action Thriller in Wicklow, Ireland
Table of Contents
- 1. Jason Statham Charms Locals During filming of New Action Thriller in Wicklow, Ireland
- 2. Black Castle Transformed into Action Zone
- 3. Statham’s Impromptu Meet-and-Greet Delights Fans
- 4. Economic Benefits of film Production
- 5. Future Implications for Wicklow and beyond
- 6. What are the most significant steps Wicklow County council should take to ensure that the economic benefits from this film extend in the long run?
- 7. Wicklow’s Economic Boost: An Interview with the County’s Economic Advancement Director
The Hollywood star takes time to connect with fans while shooting his latest film, drawing parallels to community engagement in the U.S. film industry.
Wicklow, Ireland – Action movie star Jason Statham is winning over the hearts of residents in Wicklow, Ireland, as he films scenes for his upcoming, as-yet-untitled action thriller. Shooting began around march 10, 2025, and is taking place at various locations within the scenic “Garden county.” The film, directed by Ric Roman Waugh, features a cast including Bodhi Rae Breathnach, acclaimed actor Bill Nighy, Naomi Ackie, and Daniel Mays, promising a compelling cinematic experience.
Black Castle Transformed into Action Zone
the historic Black Castle in Wicklow town has been dramatically transformed into a dynamic battleground for the film. The set includes what appears to be a lighthouse-like structure, adding to the visual spectacle and excitement. Residents have noted the significant changes to the landscape, creating buzz and anticipation within the community. This is reminiscent of how Hollywood productions occasionally revitalize or temporarily alter landmarks in U.S. cities, creating both excitement and logistical challenges.
Statham’s Impromptu Meet-and-Greet Delights Fans
On a recent Thursday evening, large crowds gathered to witness the filming. among them were Amber Shannon and her daughter, chloe, who live near the Black Castle. Security personnel informed the gathered crowd that Statham would make an appearance for an impromptu meet-and-greet around 9 p.m. He kept his word, much to the delight of his fans. This type of interaction echoes similar instances in the U.S. where actors engage with local communities during filming, enhancing their public image and fostering goodwill. Consider, for example, Chris Pratt’s visits to local businesses while filming in Atlanta for the “Guardians of the Galaxy” series.
“I live in the area and you could hear the wind machine and all the shooting of guns going on for the action scenes from my house. It’s something different and it’s quite exciting to have a Hollywood movie shot on your doorstep.”
– Bridget, Wicklow Resident
“There was quite a large crowd watching everything. Then, sure enough, at around 9pm, Jason came over and met with a woman with a sick child. He also chatted away to the wicklow Scout group that were also there.”
– Bridget, Wicklow Resident
“He was incredibly amiable and didn’t leave until he had signed autographs for everyone.He posed for selfies and was very down to earth. My daughter was already a fan and was on cloud nine after meeting him, and I’m a big fan now as well.”
– Bridget, Wicklow Resident
Bridget, a local resident, shared her excitement, stating, “I live in the area and you could hear the wind machine and all the shooting of guns going on for the action scenes from my house.It’s something different and it’s quite exciting to have a Hollywood movie shot on your doorstep.” She further elaborated, “There was quite a large crowd watching everything. Then, sure enough, at around 9pm, Jason came over and met with a woman with a sick child. He also chatted away to the Wicklow Scout group that were also there.”
Bridget was impressed by Statham’s approachability. “He was incredibly friendly and didn’t leave until he had signed autographs for everyone. He posed for selfies and was very down to earth.My daughter was already a fan and was on cloud nine after meeting him, and I’m a big fan now as well.” Statham’s gesture underscores the positive impact celebrities can have on communities during filming. Such interactions often translate into increased tourism and economic benefits for the local area, similar to the “set-jetting” phenomenon seen in destinations like Savannah, Georgia, after “Forrest Gump,” or Albuquerque, New Mexico, following “Breaking Bad.”
Economic Benefits of film Production
The impact of film production extends beyond mere entertainment. It can significantly boost local economies in areas like Wicklow. The film industry brings revenue through lodging, catering, transportation, and other services. in the U.S., states often offer tax incentives to attract film crews. For example, Georgia’s film tax credit has transformed the state into a major production hub, generating billions of dollars annually. This is a model that smaller communities like Wicklow could emulate to maximize the economic benefits of hosting film projects.
| Economic Driver | Example | Potential Impact on Wicklow |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | Hotel stays for cast and crew | Increased revenue for local hotels and rentals |
| Catering | Meals for the production team | Support for local restaurants and catering services |
| Transportation | Equipment and personnel transport | Business for local transportation companies |
| Local Hires | Production assistants, extras | Job creation and income for residents |
Future Implications for Wicklow and beyond
The ongoing filming in Wicklow presents a unique opportunity for the town to showcase its natural beauty and past landmarks
What are the most significant steps Wicklow County council should take to ensure that the economic benefits from this film extend in the long run?
Wicklow’s Economic Boost: An Interview with the County’s Economic Advancement Director
archyde News sits down with Fiona O’Connell to discuss the positive impact of the new Jason Statham film on the local economy.
Archyde News: Fiona, thanks for joining us. It’s exciting times here in Wicklow! Can you tell us about the initial impact the film production has had on the county?
Fiona O’Connell: Delighted to be here! The impact has been noticeable. we’ve already seen a considerable increase in hotel bookings, especially in the town of Wicklow itself and the surrounding areas. Local restaurants and catering services are experiencing a surge in business due to the influx of the cast, crew, and associated personnel. Transportation companies are also benefiting from the increased demand for their services.
Archyde News: It’s clear that the film is bringing a variety of economic benefits. What about job creation for local residents?
Fiona O’Connell: Absolutely. the production team is actively seeking local talent for various roles. We’re talking about production assistants, set builders, and extras. This provides employment opportunities and injects money directly into the local community.
Archyde News: Looking ahead, what are your projections for the long-term effects? Do you anticipate a lasting boost to tourism?
Fiona O’Connell: We’re vrey optimistic. The filming showcases Wicklow’s stunning landscapes and historical sites. Once the film is released, we anticipate a significant increase in “set-jetting” tourism, where people visit locations featured in the movie. This could lead to further investment in local businesses, creating a positive cycle that sustains the economic benefits for years to come.
Archyde News: The film industry often relies on tax incentives to attract productions. Is ther a chance Wicklow, or Ireland generally, can make use of that?
Fiona O’Connell: Ireland already has a competitive tax credit system for film production.This has made it a location of choice for many film crews. In Wicklow, we will continue to make every effort to present Wicklow as a filming location of choice. Supporting the creative economy will be a key priority in the future. The recent filming of these projects brings an economic injection into the town that is welcome but highlights the need and benefit of investing in the underlying infrastructure that facilitates film making within Wicklow.
Archyde news: It truly seems the local community is thrilled to be hosting such a high-profile film. How critically important is celebrity engagement like jason Statham’s recent meet-and-greet?
Fiona O’Connell: It is indeed invaluable. These types of interactions foster goodwill and create positive publicity. Seeing a star like Jason statham being so approachable and interacting with residents enhances the community’s excitement and positive feeling toward the production, which ultimately contributes to the project’s success and positively influences tourism prospects.
Archyde News: the film industry is in a state of constant evolution.What future strategies do you envision to maximize Wicklow’s opportunities?
Fiona O’Connell: We are building on the current success with the film with Jason Statham. We aim to develop strong relationships between community groups and the film industry in the region. Film-making is a collaborative exercise and by continuing this approach, Wicklow will be a highly-sought location in the future. We want to strengthen our infrastructure, enhance the local skilled workforce, and support small businesses that can cater to the film industry’s needs. We also want to create a enduring film ecosystem so that it is not only a great place to film but a great place for everyone to live. What are the most important steps Wicklow County Council should take to ensure that the economic benefits from this film extend in the long run? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
