Sam Mendes’ upcoming film Empire of Light is confirmed to have its European premiere at the London Film Festival. The film is the first time the Skyfall director is making his debut as a writer. The story is a romance that develops around old cinema and along the coast of England in the 1980s. Pippa Harris, who previously worked with the director in 1917 is also co-producing the film with the director under the banner of Neal Street Productions.

The makers of the film had just released the first look image from the film. It was noted for its vibrant colour palette and immersive lighting. The film stars Olivia Colman, Micheal Ward, Tom Brooke, Tanya Moodie, Hannah Onslow, Crystal Clarke, Toby Jones, and Colin Firth. The film is also premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival. 

Empire of the Light is expected to have a worldwide theatrical release on 9 December. Cinematographer Roger Deakins is joining hands with director Sam Mendes, with whom he last collaborated on the 2019 film 1917, for which we won the Academy Award. 

Sam Mendes is also writing a comedy series based on the making of superhero films titled Franchise.