'1242 - Gateway to the West': 5 things to know about period film starring Kevin Spacey
We haven't seen or heard of Kevin Spacey for a while now. His last film appearance was as Ron Levin in James Cox's 'Billionaire Boys Club.' The 'House of Cards' star's career plummeted after multiple individuals came forward with allegations of sexual abuse against him.
Spacey sought to deny these allegations through a video titled 'Let Me Be Frank', kickstarting a weird tradition of dropping monologue videos on Christmas Eve that would go on till 2020. The film industry, however, didn't appear to take his words seriously, opting to rely on the outcome of the legal proceedings to take a call on whether or not he had a place in the entertainment industry. Very few filmmakers associated with Spacey after this, with Franco Nero being the first to provide him a role, followed by Michael Zaiko Hall. The acclaimed actor will soon be seen in '1242 - Gateway to the West', a historical drama that will be up for grabs at the Cannes Market. So, what's the period flick all about? Read on to find out!
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When and where can you watch '1242 - Gateway to the West'?
You can catch '1242 - Gateway to the West' at the movies as the historical drama will most probably aim for a theatrical release post its sale at the Cannes Market. Principal photography is set to commence in October 2022 so we can expect the film's tentative release date to be anywhere between late 2023 to early 2024.
What is '1242 - Gateway to the West' all about?
The film's official synopsis reads, "When the Kingdom of Hungary’s army was annihilated by the Mongols at the Battle of Mohi, only the castle of Esztergom now stood in the Mongolians’ way of invading the rest of Europe. Khan Batu, the grandson of Genghis Khan, reaches the walls of Esztergom with his invincible troops. The castle’s defenders, led by Eusebius, the Canon of Esztergom, and a Spanish mercenary, Captain Simon, are preparing for the final battle. The sudden arrival of Cardinal Cesareani, the Papal Legate, coinciding with the Mongol Lunar New Year celebrations and the mystical practices of Eusebius, combine to offer the defenders a small glimmer of hope."
Who stars in '1242 - Gateway to the West'?
Kevin Spacey will be playing the role of the papal legate Cardinal Cesareani. He is known for his roles in films such as 'The Usual Suspects', 'Se7en', 'L.A. Confidential', 'American Beauty', 'Superman Returns', 'Elvis & Nixon', and 'Baby Driver.' Spacey, however, is best known for playing Frank Underwood in 'House of Cards', the first TV series to have been produced by Netflix.
Other actors who are a part of '1242 - Gateway to the West' are Eric Roberts, Christopher Lambert, Terence Stamp, Neil Stuke, and Genevieve Florence.
Creators
The period film is directed by Péter Soós on a script written by Áron Horváth and Joan Lane. Carlos Alperin, István Bodzsár, Paul Brett, Tim Smith, Peter Schatz, Norman Merry, and Csaba Iski will be donning the hats of executive producers, with Galloping Entertainment handling international sales. '1242 - Gateway to the West' is produced by Bill Chamberlain and Kornel Sipos with Bayar Banzragch and Battushig Batbold serving as co-producers.
Trailer
The trailer for '1242 - Gateway to the West' isn't out yet as the film is still in the pre-production stage.