Filming kicks off this month in Wales…
Elijah Wood will lead a British cast in the independent feature, ‘Set Fire To The Stars’ co-written and directed by ‘Downton Abbey’ director, Andy Goddard.
Based on true events, the Fifties period feature will tell the story of the turbulent and moving relationship between aspiring poet, John Malcolm Brinnin and his hero, the hellraising Welsh poet Dylan Thomas.
Wood will play Brinnin and Welsh actor Celyn Jones, who co-wrote the script with Goddard, will play Dylan Thomas.
Set in Fifties America, the film will actually shoot on location in and around Dylan Thomas’s spiritual home of Swansea, Wales, from the end of January.
Jones will be the latest in an illustrious line of actors to play the Welsh poet including Alec Guinness, Matthew Rhys and Tom Hollander.
Speaking of Wood’s attachment as Brinnin, Jones he commented: “We are very excited to have Elijah in this role. He was the only actor in our minds whilst writing the script and to have him on board with his talent, screen presence and international appeal has elevated the entire project. It’s also exciting to be making this film on Welsh soil for the rest of the world to enjoy.”
Adding to the onscreen talent is Kelly Reilly (‘Flight,’ ‘Sherlock Holmes’) who will play Dylan’s wife, Caitlin. Also cast are Shirley Henderson (‘Harry Potter,’ ‘Bridget Jones’) and Steven Mackintosh (‘Kick Ass 2,’ ‘Underworld,’ ‘Lock, Stock…’).