Production has officially begun in London on Fortitude, a World War II espionage thriller directed by Simon West, known for his work on Con Air. The film reunites Nicolas Cage with a WWII setting, exploring covert operations and deception tactics used by British Intelligence against Nazi Germany.
The story focuses on officers Dudley Clarke and Thomas Argyll “Tar” Robertson, who led intricate wartime deceptions involving fake armies, tanks, aircraft, and double agents designed to confuse Nazi Intelligence. This compelling narrative is inspired by real events and portrays an extraordinary chapter of British espionage during the war.
Creative Minds and Cast Behind ‘Fortitude’
The screenplay was written by Simon Afram, who is also producing alongside Georgette Turner, Reza Roohi, and Edward Kahl. Executive producers include Bianca Goodloe and David Scaramanga, while Rich Mento handles casting. The distinguished ensemble cast features Matthew Goode, Ed Skrein, Jordi Mollà, Alice Eve, Michael Sheen, Art Malik, Lukas Haas, Adrian Topol, Emilio Sakraya, Paul Anderson, Ben Kingsley, and Nicolas Cage himself.
We are excited to bring together such a remarkable ensemble. Their chemistry and depth, paired with West’s direction, elevate this story into something truly gripping and unforgettable,
said producer Simon Afram.
The Real-Life Espionage Behind the Story
Fortitude dramatizes the inventive efforts of British Intelligence to mislead Nazi forces through elaborate deception strategies. Central to the story is Dusko Popov, a Yugoslavian playboy and double agent whose daring exploits likely inspired Ian Fleming’s creation of James Bond. To ensure historical accuracy, the production is consulting with historian Joshua Levine, known for his contributions to Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk.
Nicolas Cage’s Return to War Films
For Nicolas Cage, Fortitude marks a return to war-based cinema after several notable roles in similar genres. Cage previously starred in John Woo’s 2002 film Windtalkers, which tells the story of Navajo code talkers during the Pacific theater, and played complex wartime characters in Lord of War (2005) and USS Indianapolis: Men of Courage (2016). This new project shifts Cage’s focus from frontline combat to the shadowy world of intelligence operations during WWII.
Currently filming in London, Fortitude promises to offer an intense depiction of wartime espionage, highlighting the psychological battles waged behind enemy lines. With a talented director and a stellar cast, this movie aims to capture a tense and uncertain period in history with gripping intensity.
