 | ||
Produced by Akiva GoldsmanJoby HaroldTory TunnellSteve Clark-HallGuy RitchieLionel Wigram Screenplay by Joby HaroldGuy RitchieLionel Wigram Story by David DobkinJoby Harold Starring Charlie HunnamÀstrid Bergès-FrisbeyDjimon HounsouAidan GillenJude LawEric Bana Similar Excalibur (film), Sherlock Holmes (2009 film), Arthur and Merlin | ||
King Arthur: Legend of the Sword is an upcoming 2017 Australian-American epic adventure drama film directed by Guy Ritchie and written by Joby Harold. The film stars Charlie Hunnam as King Arthur. It is scheduled to be released on May 12, 2017, in 3-D and conventional formats.
Contents
Plot summary
The young Arthur runs the back streets of Londinium with his crew, not knowing his royal lineage until he draws the sword Excalibur from the stone. Instantly confronted by the sword’s influence, Arthur is forced to decide where to become involved with his power. Throwing in with the Resistance and an enigmatic young woman named Guinevere, he must learn to master the sword, face down his demons and unite the people to defeat the tyrant Vortigern — who murdered his parents and stole his crown — and become king.
Cast
Production
In January 2014, Warner Bros.set Guy Ritchie to direct a new multi-film version of the King Arthur legend. The first film titled Knights of the Roundtable: King Arthur, with Lionel Wigram as producer and Joby Harold as screenwriter. It is the first installment of a planned six film series.
Casting
Idris Elba was in talks to play a Merlin-esque figure who trains and mentors Arthur. When Elba did not sign on to the film, the director continued to look for an actor to play the role. Charlie Hunnam, Ritchie's choice for the role, will play King Arthur. Elizabeth Olsen was in talks for the female lead. However, on September 18, it was Àstrid Bergès-Frisbey who was cast to play Guinevere. On November 14, Jude Law was in talks to play the lead villain role in the film. On February 11, 2015, Eric Bana was added to the cast to play Uther, the father of King Arthur. Mikael Persbrandt joined the film on March 6, 2015, to play a villainous role.
Filming
Filming in Windsor Great Park was underway in February 2015, then later in North Wales from March 2, 2015. Later on March 10, 2015, Ritchie tweeted a photo and confirmed the first day of shooting. In April 2015, filming took place in Snowdonia, where locations used were Tryfan, Nant Gwynant near Beddgelert and Capel Curig. Early in July filming continued in the Shieldaig, Loch Torridon and Applecross areas of Wester Ross in the Scottish Highlands. One day of filming also took place at The Quiraing on the Isle of Skye. Filming also took place at Warner Bros. Studios, Leavesden.
Release
The film was set for a July 22, 2016, release, but on December 21, 2015, Warner Bros. moved the date from July 22, 2016, to February 17, 2017, alongside Maze Runner: The Death Cure. On January 21, 2016, Warner Bros. announced it would be pushed back from February 17, 2017, to March 24, 2017. The title was changed to King Arthur: Legend of the Sword in July 2016.
The trailer was released on July 23, 2016, during the 2016 San Diego Comic-Con and was attached to screenings of Mechanic: Resurrection, Shut In, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, and Don't Breathe.
In December 2016, the release was pushed back from March 24, 2017, to May 12, 2017. It was originally planned for an IMAX release, as evident in the Comic-Con trailer, but was cancelled due to it being postponed and will only receive non-IMAX presentations.
The first extended TV spot was released on January 22, 2017, and was shown on the 2017 NFC Championship Game on Fox Broadcasting Company between the Atlanta Falcons and the Green Bay Packers and the 2017 AFC Championship Game on CBS between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots.
A second trailer was released on February 20, 2017.