SWANSEA Airport is abuzz with excitement this week as the filming of the action thriller series “Paris Has Fallen” is underway. Starring renowned French actor and director Mathieu Kassovitz, this television spin-off of the highly acclaimed “Has Fallen” film franchise is set to captivate audiences with its intense storyline and gripping performances.
“Paris Has Fallen” is a collaboration between French film production company StudioCanal, Urban Myth Films, known for producing “War of the Worlds,” and the two companies behind the successful film franchise, Millennium Media and G-BASE, owned by Gerard Butler and Alan Siegel.
According to entertainment news site Deadline, the series has been penned by the creator of the BAFTA-winning show “Misfits,” Howard Overman, and is being directed by Oded Ruskin, known for his work on “No Man’s Land.” Filming for the series will take place in various locations, including south Wales, London, and Paris, over the next few months. The production team aims to pitch the series to a wide range of UK and US channels in the coming weeks. Furthermore, deals with television networks in France, Germany, and other European countries have already been secured.
“Paris Has Fallen” follows the story of Vincent, portrayed by Mathieu Kassovitz, who serves as a protection officer for a French Minister. Vincent finds himself facing a terrorist group led by the villainous Jacob. Working alongside MI6 operative Zara, played by an unannounced cast member, Vincent strives to ensure the safety of the politician. However, they soon uncover a larger conspiracy, suspecting a fellow security service colleague of leaking information to Jacob, who always seems to be one step ahead in his mission to bring down Paris.
Mathieu Kassovitz, 56, is best known for his role as Nino Quincampoix in the film “Amélie” (2001) and for his critically acclaimed work as the writer and director of “La Haine” (1995). He received numerous accolades, including the César Awards for Best Film and Best Editing. Kassovitz is set to lead the “Paris Has Fallen” franchise, but details regarding the rest of the cast have not yet been revealed.
While Gerard Butler, who famously portrays U.S. Secret Service agent Mike Banning in the “Has Fallen” films, is not officially attached to the television series, rumors suggest he may make a cameo appearance. The films also featured Morgan Freeman and Aaron Eckhart, but it remains uncertain whether they will appear in the series.
The specific scenes being filmed at Swansea Airport have not been disclosed to the public. However, airport authorities have confirmed the presence of French flags “flying over the airport” as filming takes place over the next four days.
Swansea Airport Ltd’s director, Roy Thomas, expressed his optimism about the airport’s future and addressed concerns about its license. He stated, “I am totally positive about the airport moving forward,” adding that the airport café is expected to reopen in July, with further development and expansion plans in the pipeline. During the filming period, the airport will remain closed to all other operations, including private helicopters, small aircraft, and skydiving trips.
As the production of “Paris Has Fallen” unfolds at Swansea Airport, excitement builds among fans of the franchise and enthusiasts of thrilling action dramas. With Mathieu Kassovitz at the helm, audiences can anticipate a gripping series that will keep them on the edge of their seats, just as the “Has Fallen” films did in the past.
