UK and Ireland Cement Status as Premier Film Destinations with Major Productions Underway
The United Kingdom and Ireland are cementing their status as premier destinations for high-end film and television production, with several major projects actively filming across both countries in April 2026, from Netflix's Wednesday season three in Dublin to a new Luther film with Idris Elba in London.
Background
The UK and Ireland have long been attractive locations for major film and television productions, offering world-class studios, experienced crews, diverse locations, and generous tax incentives. In recent years, both countries have invested significantly in their production infrastructure, and the results are evident in the volume and scale of projects currently in production.
Key Developments
In Ireland, the third season of the popular Netflix series Wednesday, starring Jenna Ortega, is currently in production, with Dublin and Wicklow providing the backdrop. Director Lenny Abrahamson is also filming Hillside Drive, a coming-of-age story starring Eve Hewson and Tom Burke, in the same locations. Belfast is hosting the Game of Thrones spin-off A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, continuing Northern Ireland's long association with the franchise.
In the UK, London is the backdrop for Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol, a dark adaptation of the Dickens classic starring Johnny Depp, as well as Guy Ritchie's action film Viva la Madness. The next feature-length instalment of Luther with Idris Elba is also filming in the capital. Scotland is hosting a Highlander remake, adding to the diverse range of productions taking advantage of the country's dramatic landscapes.
Why It Matters
The film and television production industry makes a significant economic contribution to the UK and Ireland, supporting thousands of jobs in both direct production roles and the wider supply chain. The presence of major international productions also raises the profile of UK and Irish locations, talent, and creative industries on the global stage, attracting further investment and tourism.
What's Next
Several of the productions currently filming are expected to complete principal photography in the coming months, with release dates anticipated in late 2026 and into 2027. The continued investment in UK and Irish production infrastructure suggests that both countries will remain attractive destinations for major productions in the years ahead. For more, see Spotlight.
