From Belfast Studios to Dublin Locations, British and Irish Talent Is at the Heart of the World's Biggest Screen Productions
The United Kingdom and Ireland are cementing their status as the world's premier destinations for film and television production in 2026, with a remarkable slate of major projects currently shooting — from the fifth series of Netflix's Bridgerton in London to Sam Mendes' ambitious four-film Beatles project, and the third series of Wednesday filming across Ireland.
The Netflix and Streaming Giants
Netflix alone has multiple major productions underway across the islands. Bridgerton's fifth series continues filming in London, while the third season of Wednesday — the Addams Family spin-off starring Jenna Ortega — is shooting across Ireland, bringing significant investment and employment to the Irish screen industry. Amazon Prime Video is also heavily invested in UK production, with Tomb Raider — a series adaptation created by Phoebe Waller-Bridge and starring Sophie Turner — filming in London.
Apple TV+ is maintaining its strong UK presence with the filming of the seventh and eighth series of the acclaimed spy thriller Slow Horses, starring Gary Oldman, alongside the fourth series of global hit Ted Lasso. The BBC is producing The Split Up, a new drama series filming in Manchester.
Belfast at the Centre
Northern Ireland continues to punch well above its weight in global screen production. The second series of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms — the Game of Thrones spin-off — is in production at Belfast Studios for HBO, underlining the city's enduring appeal as a world-class production hub. The Belfast Studios facility has become one of the most sought-after production locations in Europe.
Sam Mendes and the Beatles
Perhaps the most ambitious project currently underway is director Sam Mendes' four-film Beatles series for Sony, with each film told from the perspective of a different band member. Filming is ongoing in London and Liverpool, bringing together some of the biggest names in British cinema for what is expected to be one of the most significant cultural events in recent film history.
Ireland's Growing Screen Industry
Ireland is also a major hub for international production. Director Lenny Abrahamson is shooting Hillside Drive, a coming-of-age story set in Dublin's Jewish community, while John Crowley is directing Walk the Blue Fields — a Netflix film starring Andrew Scott and Emily Blunt — in Dublin and Wicklow. The Riders, starring Brad Pitt, began filming in various Irish locations before moving to Greece. Other notable UK productions include a live-action How to Train Your Dragon sequel at Sky Studios Elstree, Guy Ritchie's Viva La Madness starring Jason Statham, and Highlander, directed by Chad Stahelski and starring Henry Cavill, filming in London and Scotland. Full Screen Daily production guide.
