Screen International reports that in the face of rumours of trouble on the set, it has been announced that director Vincent Ward’s "River Queen" has been delayed due to the illness of UK actress Samantha Morton, but that she remains committed to the project and the delays are covered by insurance.
In an official statement, The Film Consortium said "She has been treated in hospital for severe influenza and secondary bacterial complications and is now out of hospital, but the doctor recommends a minimum two to four week period of recuperation.
Up to this point, filming has been subject to ongoing day-by-day assessment and re-scheduling, shooting scenes not involving Ms Morton, in preparation for her imminent recovery. However, as she is now required for all of the remaining scenes, the producers have delayed the filming until it is able to proceed".
Kiefer Sutherland left New Zealand last week to return for the filming of US series 24 but has agreed to return for his remaining scenes. Shooting will continue around NZ's Whanganui River region. More details on all the confusion over the cancellation can be found at The NZ Herald.
Thanks to 'Whipps It Good' & 'Alex'.
