New Excalibur film aims to reclaim Welsh roots of Arthurian legend

A new £13 million fantasy film rooted in Welsh mythology is set to be filmed in Wales, with backers aiming to link the production to tourism, skills and long-term economic growth.

The project will centre on mid Wales, where Mid Wales Tourism is partnering with Secret Planet on Excalibur, now in pre-production.

Secret Planet, which is leading the project, is a Wales-linked creative company working across film, digital media and immersive storytelling. The company has brought together a production team spanning film, television and the wider creative industries, with a focus on combining cultural authenticity with commercial ambition.

The film draws on early Welsh sources of the Arthurian legend — including the Mabinogion, the Welsh Triads and medieval poetry — rather than later Anglicised versions of the story.

Producers say the aim is to present a version rooted in what they describe as the “original, strange and magical” traditions of Wales.

Alongside the film itself, the project includes a wider programme linking storytelling, tourism and local communities. Businesses across mid Wales are expected to connect their offerings to locations and themes featured in the production, while residents are being invited to take part.

Plans include a national stage combat training programme led by fight director Kenan Ali, offering participants the opportunity to develop professional skills and appear on screen.

Schools are also being engaged to explore Welsh mythology as a living cultural tradition tied to place and identity.

Zoe Hawkins, the chief executive of Mid Wales Tourism, said: “This is exactly the kind of collaborative, place-based initiative that reflects what mid Wales is all about.

“We are proud to represent more than 600 tourism businesses and we can clearly see the value in using our mythology to connect visitors more deeply with our landscapes, language and communities.”

The production is being led by writer and director Dan Freeman, described as an award-winning filmmaker and BBC scriptwriting tutor. The wider team includes executive producer Neil Patrick, producers George Dixon and Michael Riley, and Welsh language consultants Aneirin Karadog and Eurig Salisbury.

Industry figures involved in the project have previously worked on productions including Luther, Black Mirror and Top Boy, as well as major film franchises such as Harry Potter.

Backers say the initiative is intended to position Wales as a global destination for fantasy storytelling, drawing comparisons with the impact of The Lord of the Rings on tourism in New Zealand.

They argue that Wales, with its mythological heritage and proximity to key markets, could generate significant economic benefits if successfully marketed as a “homeland of fantasy”.

Cyfan-Greu

A key element of the project is a production model known as “Cyfan-Greu”, which aims to generate revenue streams and audience engagement ahead of filming. Backers say the approach reduces financial risk while creating early economic activity and could be replicated for future productions in Wales.

The partnership also includes plans for a “Mythical Wales” visitor programme, linking locations across the country to associated legends, with the aim of strengthening the tourism offer while supporting local businesses.

Further details about the project, including opportunities for participation and training, are expected to be released in the coming months.