Carrick Castle backdrop for film set as Hollywood stars spotted in town

The pier gets a tropical makeover. Photo by Richard Johnston

Numerous photos emerged on social media on Monday showing actors Hugh Grant, Chris Pine, and Michelle Rodriguez on location at Carrickfergus Castle.

It follows the closure of the harbour car park last week to facilitate a “creative industries event”, according to a statement from Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.

The castle interior was also closed to the public on June 28 and 29 to accommodate filming.

Filming took place at the castle this week. Photo by Richard Johnston

Photos taken by local residents and shared on Facebook show the area around the medieval landmark transformed into a film set.

Others shared video clips of scenes being filmed on Monday evening at the pier, which had been given a tropical makeover with palm trees, carts and large urns.

An impressive ‘dragon boat’ was also photographed in the harbour.

It is understood the scenes are part of the upcoming fantasy production, Dungeons and Dragons, which is scheduled for release in 2023.

Part of the set. Photo by Richard Johnston

Hugh Grant, who is rumoured to be playing the film’s antagonist, was spotted on set in the harbour car park in a long brown leather coat and blue scarf.

Michelle Rodriguez, best known for her role in the Fast and the Furious franchise, and Star Trek actor Chris Pine were also photographed at the seafront spot.

Carrickfergus harbour car park will remain fully closed during dates in June and June to accommodate the production.

“The council are currently providing free car parking in all Carrickfergus council-owned car parks for the duration of this closure,” a spokesperson for the local government authority said.

The area around Carrickfergus Castle was previously used to film scenes from the 2014 Movie, Robot Overlords, starring Sir Ben Kingsley and Gillian Anderson.