The movie, titled The Favourite, was directed by acclaimed Greek filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos, known for his previous work on The Lobster.
Billed as “an acerbic tale of royal intrigue, passion, envy and betrayal”, The Favourite was filmed on location at Hatfield House the previous year.
The film was set to be released in UK cinemas on January 1, 2019, following its American premiere in November.
A teaser trailer for the film was released earlier that month, showcasing Hatfield House in a prominent role.
At the time, sharing the trailer on social media, Hatfield House tweeted: “We are excited to share the new trailer for The Favourite, featuring the House, Gardens and grounds of Hatfield House! #thefavourite #wearefamous.”
The trailer highlighted key scenes, including the approach to the South Front of Hatfield House and the estate’s East Garden, where a ‘shooting’ scene involving Rachel Weisz and Emma Stone was filmed.
Interior scenes were shot in the magnificent Marble Hall, the Long Gallery, and the King James Drawing Room at the Hertfordshire stately home.
Additionally, some scenes were filmed at Hampton Court Palace and in Oxford.
A statement on Hatfield House’s website confirmed that approximately 85 per cent of the movie was filmed on location at the estate.
The Favourite starred Olivia Colman, known for her role in Broadchurch, as Queen Anne.
Emma Stone, who won a Best Actress Oscar for La La Land, and Rachel Weisz, married to James Bond actor Daniel Craig, played cousins in the film.
Set in the early 18th century, the film depicted a time when England was at war with France.
The film’s cast also included Nicholas Hoult, known for his roles in the X-Men movies and Mad Max: Fury Road, Joe Alwyn, and Sherlock’s Mark Gatiss.
[From the Welwyn Hatfield Times of July 30, 2018]
