A new casting notice asking for boys aged between nine and 12 years old, who could conceivably play Prince William at age 11, in the forthcoming film which stipulates that only European passport holders can apply. “Not British-European,” warns the note, “due to new Brexit rules from 1 January 2021.”
Amy Hubbard, casting director on the film, explained that it is common practice on films for key roles to be filled by actors who share citizenship with the financiers. In order to qualify for various grants, tax breaks and to meet eligibility criteria for some film festivals and awards, productions must fulfil a number of quotas, which can include nationality. Spencer, a biopic of Diana, Princess of Wales starring Kristen Stewart and directed by Jackie’s Pablo Larraín, is due to shoot in Germany.
Larraín said it’s an anti-fairytale, saying: “When someone decides not to be the queen, and says, I’d rather go and be myself, it’s a big, big decision, a fairytale upside down. I’ve always been very surprised by that and thought it must have been very hard to do. That is the heart of the movie.”
“It’s one of the saddest stories to exist ever,” said Stewart, discussing her preparations for the role. The actor added that she was finding mastering the accent “intimidating as all hell”.
