A science-fiction film starring Sir Ben Kingsley and Gillian Anderson is set to be filmed in the island.
Our Robot Overlords is the next Pinewood production and is scheduled to be shot in the Isle of Man in July.
Castletown Square looks set to be one of the locations for this futuristic thriller, directed by Jon Wright.
In the story, Earth is occupied by robots that confine human survivors to their homes, but the story centres on a woman and children who break out in search of a missing father.
The film’s location manager wrote to Castletown Commissioners: ‘I have been scouting the island with the crew and the director is very keen to film scenes in and around Castletown Square. It would be part of the search for Sean’s dad, and would require some dressing in advance of filming.’
Castletown Commissioners gave its full support to the film when they discussed it on May 7 and welcomed it taking place in the town.
A technical recce/pre-filming visit to the location was to take place this month after which a meeting will be arranged to discuss intentions, prior to businesses and homes in the affected area receiving notice.
Manx National Heritage has been asked to allow the grass around the castle to grow for filming purposes.
Filming will be avoided during the Southern 100 taking place July 9-12 when staging will be up in the square.
The film reportedly has a budget of $21 million and is expected to be released summer 2014.
American actress Gillian Anderson achieved international recognition for her role as Special Agent Dana Scully on the television series The X-Files. In 2011, she played Miss Havisham in the award-winning BBC adaptation of Great Expectations.
English actor Sir Ben Kingsley is known for starring as Mohandas Gandhi in the film Gandhi in 1982. He is also known for his performances in the films Schindler’s List, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, Hugo and most recently Iron Man 3.
Kingsley was named a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2000, and was knighted by the Queen in 2002.
