More ‘SPECTRE’ action in the heart of London

Following the action shoot on the Thames last weekend, the ‘SPECTRE’ film crew headed back to the heart of London to continue filming. The usual big setup attracted attention from fans and onlookers as Ralph Fiennes, Naomie Harris and Ben Wishaw jump into action. ‘Eye on Bond‘ has the insights on what went on.

Preparations began early on Friday for a scene involving Bond´s superior “M” (played by Ralph Fiennes) exiting Rules, the oldest restaurant in London. The elegant restaurant and cocktail bar situated in 35 Maiden Lane, Covent Garden, was opened by Thomas Rule in 1798 and has since been carefully preserved over the years. The interior is nothing less than exquisite, not to mention the service. Rules specialises on game meat and is the only restaurant in the United Kingdom to have Paul Coppen’s Belted Galloway beef on the menu. Throughout its long history, Rules has been frequented by writers Charles Dickens and H.G. Wells as well as actors Buster Keaton, Clark Gable, Charlie Chaplin and Laurence Olivier.

Rules Restaurant Interior © rules.co.uk Ralph Fiennes exiting the restaurant © Porterhouse London / Twitter

The scene in the narrow street outside Rules was lit up by a lighting rig. Pictures that popped up on Twitter and Instagram showed director Sam Mendes and Director of Photography Hoyte van Hoytema filming a scene with actor Ralph Fiennes walking out of the restaurant in artificial rain. Naomie Harris (“Moneypenny”) and Ben Wishaw (“Q”) have also been seen arriving on set. As of yet, it is unclear what the scene is about but it´s probably a very short one.

While the whole of Europe was in front of the television being mesmerized by the live broadcast of the 60th Eurovision Song Contest from Vienna, Austria, the ‘SPECTRE’ crew relocated to famous Westminster Bridge. Once night had fallen and the set had been prepared and sealed off, blue emergency lights of police cars began flashing on the street right beside Elizabeth Tower. On the bridge ahead: FIRE & SMOKE! Shortly after 3.00am, the special effects team fueled the flames and smoke began to swirl. Suddenly, the massive Big Ben bell strikes – in the middle of the night! A heavily armed anti-terrorist unit carefully proceeds onto the bridge, taking positions. Behind the police line, a black Range Rover pushes through the smoke and stops right in front of the bridge. Out jumps Ralph Fiennes, lifting the crime scene tape and hurrying onto the bridge. Behind him follow Moneypenny, Q and Tanner.

© FameFlynet.co.uk

Sources on site in London report that further filming is expected to happen later tonight and possibly during the night of 25th/26th May. Good to see that London will once again be heavily featured in a James Bond film. So far, five locations in the city have been used for filming. Stay with us, to get more updates as the filming progresses.