Actors in all-black with ‘fake weapons’ spotted filming new Gerard Butler-linked series in Cardiff
Filming production for what is speculated to be season two of the TV show “Paris has Fallen” was underway at Llandaff Cathedral in Cardiff. The cathedral was closed off for filming on Wednesday, April 2, with actors dressed in all-black with ‘fake weapons’ and props like ‘fake bodies’ being seen on set. Signs were posted warning residents of the use of replica weapons and fake bodies in the area. A staff member mentioned that they were filming a funeral scene as part of the production.
“Paris has Fallen” is a TV series spin-off of the popular “Has Fallen” film franchise, which includes movies like “Olympus Has Fallen” (2013), “London has Fallen” (2016) and “Angel has Fallen” (2019). Hollywood actor Gerard Butler, known for his role as agent Mike Banning in the franchise, serves as one of the executive producers of the show. The first season, launched in November 2024, was well-received, featuring a cast that included British actors Ritu Arya and Sean Harris, along with French actor Tewfik Jallab.
The series, created by BAFTA-awardee Howard Overman, follows the storyline of two agents, one French and one British, collaborating after a terrorist attack targets the French Defence Minister. French film company StudioCanal, producing the show, has announced the filming of the second season, following the success of the initial nine episodes. The show achieved positive ratings, with 6.5 stars on IMDb and 91% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Llandaff Cathedral scheduled a temporary closure for filming, spanning three days from Monday, March 31 to Wednesday, April 2, between 7am to 4pm. During this period, the cathedral services were relocated to St Padarn’s Institute’s Chapel. Normal services at the cathedral are set to resume on Thursday, April 3. The second season’s release date has not yet been disclosed, but the series is expected to continue streaming on Amazon Prime.
Maxime Saada, CEO of StudioCanal, confirmed the production of the second season earlier this year, following the widespread success of the show in various territories. “Paris has Fallen” has garnered a substantial following, making its mark on platforms like Amazon Prime in the UK and Hulu in the U.S. The series has been commended for its engaging plot and strong performances by the cast, driving the decision to proceed with a second season.
The presence of the film crew and actors in Cardiff has generated interest among locals, with the production offering a unique spectacle within the city. Fans of the franchise and viewers anticipating the second season’s release are eagerly following updates on the filming process. The allure of seeing behind-the-scenes glimpses of a popular TV series being filmed in their own city has piqued curiosity and excitement among Cardiff residents and visitors.
In conclusion, the filming of the Gerard Butler-linked series at Llandaff Cathedral marks a significant moment for Cardiff’s entertainment industry, showcasing the city as a desirable location for international film and television productions. With the success of the first season paving the way for the second instalment, the anticipation surrounding the show’s return continues to grow, promising thrilling entertainment for fans of action-packed television dramas.