Filming for ‘secret’ Hollywood blockbuster takes place in Highgate
Highgate Cemetary - Credit: Archant
Filming for an upcoming Hollywood blockbuster has taken place in Highgate.
Highgate Cemetery was closed for filming for over a fortnight in October - Credit: Archant
Shooting for the film, believed to be Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them 2, took place over the last fortnight with the filming shrouded in secret.
Roads in the immediate area next to Highgate Cemetery took diverted traffic away from Swains Lane which has now reopened after a temporary closure.
On the set at Highgate Cemetery, signs with “Voltaire” were up, which many believe to be associated with the Heyday Films production, which is the sequel to the 2016 film.
It is believed that filming took place in the West Cemetery, which is usually only open by guided tour only. Tours around the cemetery have been cancelled on weekdays since October 10.
West Cemetery tours are set to begin again this Saturday.
People who had seen the set were concerned, that during filming false name plaques had been fixed on top of existing name plaques on tombs in the famous Egyptian Avenue’s central circle. It is believed that the plaques had been fixed on with natural products.
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Highgate Cemetery were unable to comment on whether this had taken place. However a spokesman said: “It is often unclear who tombs belong to. People buy a leasehold on the land, and it passes down to their executor, rather than their children.
“If plots are purchased as long ago as before the 20th Century, then often we are unable to trace the owners, if they still have any.
“As cemetery owners, we only have an obligation to maintain the grounds around the tombs.”
A marquee for the film crew had also been erected in Waterlow Park.
Swains Lane, which runs through the cemetery, was closed during filming, although it has now reopened.
Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston and Johnny Depp starred in the previous film. They will reprise their roles, as part of a five film franchise.
It is currently set for release on November 16 2018.
The films are based from a 2001 book, by J.K. Rowling.
Both Highgate Cemetery and Camden Council refused to confirm whether that was the film being shot there.
It is believed Highgate Cemetery have signed a confidentiality clause about the filming.
