After a “perilous” seven-year journey to screen, Carrie Fisher’s final film Wonderwell will see a limited cinematic release via AMC in the USA from June 23rd, 2023, followed by a digital release.
The Star Wars icon, who passed away in late 2016 just six weeks after wrapping on the fantasy movie, leads cast alongside singer and actress Rita Ora (Fifty Shades of Grey), Nell Tiger Free (Servant), Sebastian Croft (Heartstopper) and newcomer Kiera Milward.
Vertical has acquired North America and UK/Ire rights to Vlad Marsavin’s under-the-radar directorial debut and is lining up a limited theatrical run via AMC in the U.S. from June 23, 2023, followed by a digital release.
“The journey we have taken as filmmakers with this movie, has been as perilous as that of the movie itself,” explained director Marsavin about the delayed release. “From filming to screen it has taken us seven years. The visual effects on a movie of this magnitude takes time, but we were challenged with Covid lockdowns and of course the passing of our wonderful Carrie Fisher. Now is the perfect time to share her magical on screen moments as Hazel.”
According to Marsavin, the film got bogged down in visual effects challenges after shoot, which in turn grew the budget and accounted for the delay.
The filmmaker told us this week that the movie will include a dedication to Fisher, whose death in December 2016 came as a “huge shock” to him and the team. The actress passed away four days after experiencing a medical emergency during a flight from London to LA.
Marsavin told us: “Carrie was full of energy during filming and even celebrated her 60th birthday with us in Italy where we shot the movie. After a night shoot, which went on until 2am, she invited the whole team to celebrate with her and the party ended up being shut down by the police because it was deemed a little too loud. Her passing was very emotional for the whole team.”
Fisher’s Wonderwell co-star Ora said today: “Working alongside Carrie Fisher was one of those experiences that you never forget. I can’t wait for the world to see this intriguing and magical world of Wonderwell.”
We look forward to seeing the film very soon.
