Raging Fires in Moscow Halt Production on The Darkest Hour

Steve Barton |

Aug 8, 2010

While the rest of the world for the most part is going about its everyday business (no matter how sad, eccentric, or ludicrous as it may be), there are massive fires happening right now in Moscow, and for safety’s sake production has been suspended on the alien invasion film The Darkest Hour.

According to The Hollywood Reporter:

“The shutdown of the Summit Entertainment/New Regency production, which stars Olivia Thirlby and Emile Hirsch and is being directed by Chris Gorak, is planned for two weeks. Cast and crew were told Thursday night that filming would be suspended due to the raging forest fires that have killed more than 50 people. Smoke from the fires makes shooting outside impossible (the production was in the middle of lensing exterior scenes).

“On any production the health and safety of the actors and crew is of primary concern,” Summit tells THR in a statement. “The potential health issues and spread of fire has forced the production to be put on hold for two weeks in order to allow things to stabilize in the area.”

Force majeure clauses in contracts were invoked, although cast and crew were assured that the film, produced by Tom Jacobson and Timur Bekmambetov, would be completed as scheduled.

“We do not foresee this temporary stoppage of filming effecting the film’s wrap date as we always build contingencies into a production schedule to account for unforeseen situations,” Summit said.”

Screw the movie, just stay safe, guys! Our thoughts are with everyone dealing with this dosage of frightening reality. The Darkest Hour is due in theatres on August 5th, 2011.