The largest ever film production in Croatian history is set to be filmed in Dubrovnik in 2017 “Robin Hood: Origins.” Produced by Leonardo DiCaprio and starring a handful of Oscar winners the production of the blockbuster is expected to be filmed in January and February next year, according to an announcement made today by the Mayor of Dubrovnik, Andro Vlahusic. The mayor stated that “four or five Oscar winners will act in the film,” which will be produced by Lionsgate Films.

DiCaprio is the executive producer and Oscar winner Jamie Foxx, according to reports, will play Little John. Robin Hood will be played by Welsh actor Taron Egerton, famous for his role in Kingsman: The Secret Service and Maid Marion will be played by Irish actress Eve Hewson, who is the daughter of Bono from U2. Robin Hood: Origins will be directed by Otto Bathurst.

After the hit serial Game of Thrones, the latest episode of the Star Wars franchise, and the Bollywood blockbuster Fan, Dubrovnik will once again be in the limelight in this star-studded action movie. The City of Dubrovnik commented that they are already in talks with Lionsgate Films and that Robin Hood: Origins will surpass all previous productions in Dubrovnik, with tens of millions of dollars expected to be spent on this lavish production. The representatives of Lionsgate Films apparently commented that Dubrovnik is “the most desirable outdoor film location in the world.”

Robin Hood: Origins follows the return of Robin Hood fighting in the Crusades and finding that Sherwood Forest is rife with corruption. Robin Hood then forms a band of outlaws and sets about riding the forest of evil, a classic Robin Hood tale but with a twist.

As Dubrovnik is not blessed with typical English forestry we can only assume that the historic Old City will act as Nottingham Castle. However as Nottingham is miles away from the sea the speculation as to what role Dubrovnik will finally play can only be speculated. One thing is for certain the proposed film will have a knock-on effect to the city’s tourism industry. And if that effect is anything close to the Game of Thrones then Dubrovnik could soon find itself as a “must see” movie destination.

Oscar winner Jamie Foxx to play Little John in Dubrovnik