British actor John Rhys-Davies, best known for his roles as Gimli in The Lord of the Rings and Sallah in the Indiana Jones series, is set to continue filming a new fantasy movie in South Bohemia next spring. The film, Heart of Aldoria (Srdce Aldorie), is a Czech production with international distribution and will be shot in English.
Rhys-Davies briefly visited Písek in September, where he participated in several filming days at Krčma u Jakuba. These scenes were designed to present the project to potential investors and secure additional funding. Czech producers Robert Cejnar and Jeremy Tichý are leading the project, working with a mix of local and international cast and crew.
Filming with Rhys-Davies is expected to continue across the Czech Republic next spring, with South Bohemia serving as the primary location. Heart of Aldoria is aiming for a theatrical release in early 2027.
A story of magic and adventure
Heart of Aldoria centers on the search for a magical artifact with potentially dangerous powers. Theron, the wizard played by Rhys-Davies, tasks three mercenaries under his service to find the artifact before it falls into the hands of the antagonist Lysandra, a dark sorceress. The story also features Nytharia, a warrior of dragon blood seeking vengeance against Nark, a fighter loyal to Lysandra.
Director Lukáš Vokoun emphasized that the screenplay is an original work, not based on any preexisting books or franchises. “It’s a narrative built around the classic struggle of power and morality, blending adventure, magic, and personal vendettas,” Vokoun said. The three mercenaries serve as the central characters, with the narrative exploring themes of loyalty, betrayal, and heroism.
The decision to cast Rhys-Davies as the wizard Theron was deliberate. “Most of us grew up watching The Lord of the Rings and Gimli shaped our imaginations,” said Cejnar. “Sending him the script initially seemed audacious, but he eventually responded positively.”
Filming in South Bohemia
The South Bohemian Film Office and regional tourism authorities have supported the production by providing contacts, location assistance, and logistical aid.
“We initially met with the production team in spring to arrange a few September shoots. We offered additional South Bohemian locations and coordinated a visit to the Open-air Museum Trocnov,” explained Petr Soukup, director of the South Bohemian Tourism Center.
The regional government annually provides audiovisual grants, which can cover expenses such as accommodation, catering, location rental, transport, and services from local creatives. These grants directly contribute to the local economy.
Last year, filmmakers spent approximately CZK 50 million in the region, Hana Kabashi, manager of the South Bohemian Film Office, noted. With continued filming on Heart of Aldoria planned for 2026, the project is expected to provide further economic and cultural benefits for the region.
Lead photo: John Rhys-Davies attends Hallmark Channel’s 28th Annual Movieguide Awards in 2020 by Michael Mattes courtesy Depositphotos.com
