Elden Ring, Highlander and Beatles Films Among Major Productions Shooting in UK and Ireland
The UK and Ireland are hosting a remarkable slate of major film and television productions in 2026, including an Elden Ring adaptation directed by Alex Garland, a Highlander reimagining with Henry Cavill, and Sam Mendes' ambitious four-film Beatles event — a concentration of high-profile projects that underscores both nations' status as premier global production destinations.
Background
The UK and Ireland have long been among the world's most sought-after locations for major film and television production, offering a combination of world-class studio facilities, skilled crews, diverse landscapes, and attractive tax incentive regimes. In 2025, the UK's total production spend reached a record £6.8 billion — a 22% increase from the previous year — with inward investment from foreign productions accounting for 85% of that total. Ireland also recorded a landmark year, with production spending reaching €544 million, a 26% increase from 2024, driven by the country's competitive tax incentives and its growing reputation as a location for prestige television.
The 2026 production slate builds on this momentum, with a series of high-profile projects that will bring significant economic activity to studios, locations, and supply chains across both countries. The productions range from major studio blockbusters to prestige streaming series, reflecting the breadth of the UK and Ireland's appeal to international producers.
Key Developments
Among the most anticipated productions is the Elden Ring film adaptation, written and directed by Alex Garland. Principal photography began in April 2026, with filming locations in the UK — including Scotland and London — as well as Iceland. The production is a collaboration between A24, DNA Films, and Bandai Namco Filmworks, with a budget reported to exceed $100 million. The cast includes Kit Connor, Cailee Spaeny, Ben Whishaw, and Nick Offerman, with a worldwide release scheduled for March 2028.
The Highlander reimagining, directed by Chad Stahelski of John Wick fame, stars Henry Cavill as Connor MacLeod alongside Russell Crowe, Karen Gillan, and Dave Bautista. Filming began in early 2026 in London, with additional shooting planned for Scotland, and the film is expected to be released in 2027. Sam Mendes' Beatles project — four separate films each telling the story from the perspective of a different band member — features Harris Dickinson as John Lennon, Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney, Joseph Quinn as George Harrison, and Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr, with all four films scheduled for a simultaneous global release on 7 April 2028.
Television productions include Bridgerton series five, Wednesday series three filming in Ireland near Dublin and County Wicklow, and the continuation of Slow Horses. Wednesday's creators have praised Ireland's gothic architecture and landscapes as ideal for the series.
Why It Matters
The concentration of major productions in the UK and Ireland in 2026 is a powerful endorsement of both nations' creative and logistical capabilities. Each major production brings direct economic benefits through employment of local crew, use of studio facilities, location fees, and spending in local economies. The multiplier effect of large-scale film production is well-documented, with every pound spent on production generating additional economic activity in hospitality, transport, catering, and specialist services. The record production spend figures for both the UK and Ireland in 2025 demonstrate that this is not a temporary phenomenon but a structural shift in the global production landscape that both countries are well-positioned to capitalise on.
Local Impact
For Northern Ireland, the broader UK and Irish production boom has direct relevance. The region has established itself as a significant production location in its own right, most famously as the home of Game of Thrones, and continues to attract productions to its studios and locations. The success of the wider UK and Irish production sector strengthens the case for continued investment in Northern Ireland's screen industry infrastructure, and the skills and experience developed on major productions across the island create a talent pool that benefits local productions. Belfast's Titanic Studios and the wider Northern Ireland Screen ecosystem are well-placed to compete for a share of the growing inward investment in the sector.
What's Next
The productions currently in progress are expected to generate significant media attention as they move towards release in 2027 and 2028. Further details on UK production statistics are available from the British Film Institute, while Irish production figures are tracked by Cineuropa.
