Wanted, the Hollywood picture based on the comic books of leading Scottish writer Mark Millar, received its UK premiere in Glasgow last night.
Wanted, the Hollywood picture based on the comic books of leading Scottish writer Mark Millar, received its UK premiere in Glasgow last night.
The film, which stars Scots actor James McAvoy as well as Angelina Jolie and Morgan Freeman, is a special-effects-laden action movie that has received warm reviews and comparisons to The Matrix.
Directed by Timur Bekmambetov, the movie is based on the comics written by Millar, from Coatbridge, one of the most successful comic-book writers in the industry, who recently admitted his career was originally inspired by Glen Michael's Cartoon Cavalcade.
In the film, an office worker called Wesley, played by McAvoy, finds out he is heir to the role of an assassin in a secret undercover league of killers. The movie was largely shot in Chicago and the Czech Republic and opens in cinemas nationwide from June 27.
Around 240 guests attended last night's premiere in the Cineworld complex in Glasgow city centre. In a question-and-answer session after the movie, Millar hinted that Wanted II could follow if the original turned out to be a summer blockbuster.
He said: "I watched the Los Angeles premiere with a bunch of strangers the other night. But it was great to be in Glasgow for the UK premiere with my family and friends, and also James McAvoy's.
"Wanted began life as a scribbled idea in Queen Street station and to have it premiered in a cinema just 300 yards away was so exciting."
Yesterday it was also announced that the Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) is to receive money from the Scottish Government's new Expo Fund for festivals. The EIFF, currently being staged for the first time in June, is to receive £60,000 from the fund, to promote itself as a "hub for networking and showcasing Scottish film-makers internationally and to bring talent agents from the United States to Scotland".
Linda Fabiani, the Culture Minister, said: "This is good news for film in Scotland as we look to profile our talent on an international stage. I am delighted to support the EIFF in its 62nd year - the festival is always a fantastic platform to show the diversity and expertise that exists within our film industry."
The funding for EIFF marks the fifth project supported with the Scottish Government's Edinburgh Festivals Expo Fund, which was launched on March 27.
It was established to support new productions, events, and initiatives involving Scottish participants taking part in any of the Edinburgh festivals.
