Malta Stars in British Crime Thriller ‘The Assassin’
Malta’s Streets to Star in British Crime Thriller ‘The Assassin’
Imagine this: a sleek black sedan, windows tinted, cruising down Republic Street. It’s not just another day in Valletta. This car is on a mission, and it’s not alone. Welcome to the set of ‘The Assassin’, the latest British crime thriller to grace Malta’s cobblestone streets.
From London to La Vallette
‘The Assassin’ is the brainchild of acclaimed British filmmaker, Tom Harper. After scouting locations across Europe, Harper chose Malta for its unique blend of history and modernity. “Malta’s architecture and culture provide the perfect backdrop for our story,” Harper told Hot Malta. The film is set in London, but Malta’s historic streets and contemporary cityscapes will stand in for the British capital.
Malta’s film industry has seen a boom in recent years, with productions like ‘Game of Thrones’ and ‘By the Sea’ bringing international attention to our shores. ‘The Assassin’ is the latest addition to this list, and it’s set to showcase Malta’s versatility as a filming location.
Malta’s Stars: Our Streets and Buildings
While ‘The Assassin’ boasts an impressive cast, including Tom Hiddleston and Jessica Chastain, it’s Malta’s locations that are stealing the spotlight. The crew has been spotted filming in Valletta’s historic streets, with Republic Street and St. George’s Square among the favourites. The Grandmaster’s Palace and the Upper Barrakka Gardens have also made appearances on the film’s call sheet.
But it’s not just Valletta getting in on the action. The Three Cities – Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua – have been transformed into 19th-century London, with period-specific sets and props adding to the illusion. Locals have been buzzing with excitement, snapping photos of the vintage cars and horse-drawn carriages that have been a common sight on the streets.
What’s Next for ‘The Assassin’ and Malta?
With filming set to wrap up later this month, ‘The Assassin’ will head into post-production, with a release date slated for late 2023. As for Malta, the island continues to cement its status as a go-to filming location. The Malta Film Commission has been instrumental in attracting international productions, offering incentives and facilitating permits.
Harper praised the commission’s support, saying, “Malta’s commitment to film has made our production run smoothly. We can’t wait to share our film with the world and showcase the beauty of Malta.”
So, keep an eye out for ‘The Assassin’ in cinemas next year. And when you see London’s streets on the big screen, remember, you’re looking at Malta’s very own.
