“The open-air museum in Bad Windsheim has often served as a filming location,” explains spokesperson Christine Berger. “But we’ve never had a production of this caliber here before.” No wonder, as genuine Hollywood stars are currently gathered in Franconia along with the film crew to produce the medieval epic “The Uprising” (formerly titled “The Rage”). Producer, writer, and director Paul Greengrass is shooting with leading actors such as Andrew Garfield (Spider-Man: No Way Home), Thomasin McKenzie (The Hobbit, Leave No Trace), Tom Hollander (Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation, Bohemian Rhapsody), Stephen Dillane (Game of Thrones), and many others. Berger adds that the open-air museum remains open to visitors throughout the production, with only limited sections cordoned off for the crew and filming.
The film is about the English Peasants’ Revolt of 1381. A simple farmer, played by Andrew Garfield, rises up against the tyrannical rule of then 14-year-old King Richard II. The epic explores themes of suffering, plague, and the struggle for justice.
Not only does the open-air museum apparently provide the perfect backdrop since October, but filming is also taking place in Nuremberg’s sacred buildings, the churches of "Sebalduskirche" and "St. Egidien", as reported by nn.de. The surroundings of the historic fortress "Lichtenau" near Ansbach are also set to be used for some scenes. This medieval water castle was first mentioned in the 13th century.
To ensure a smooth process as much as possible, the exact shooting days and schedule are being kept under wraps. The production in Franconia is expected to continue until November 20. Previously, a casting agency called for extras to apply. A total of 5,000 extras are needed, reportedly to portray, among others, nuns, monks, and peasants.