Casting Call Announced for Historical Film “The Last Queen”
Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: The production team behind the highly anticipated film “Hoàng Hậu Cuối Cùng” (The Last Queen) has issued a casting call for actors and actresses to portray the life of Queen Nam Phương, the last queen consort of Vietnam. The film aims to capture the essence of Queen Nam Phương (1913-1963), born Marie-Thérèse Nguyễn Hữu Thị Lan, who was the first and primary wife of King Bảo Đại, the last king of Vietnam.
Queen Nam Phương was renowned for her stunning beauty and her intellect, having received a Western education and fluency in French. The film crew is searching for a lead actress who embodies these qualities. In addition, the director seeks an actor to play the equally significant role of King Bảo Đại. The ideal candidate must portray the king’s affection and generosity and be fluent in French.
“Actors and actresses do not necessarily have to be famous names. We will prioritize those who fit the role and meet the script requirements,” director Bảo Nhân stated.
In addition to casting the main characters, the production team will also be selecting actors for other key roles, including Crown Prince Bảo Long, concubine Mộng Điệp, and the King’s lovers Phi Ánh and Lý Lệ Hà. The film will delve into the Queen’s life in the royal palace over a period of more than ten years, depicting her experiences from joy to sorrow with King Bảo Đại, until the royal family left the Imperial City for a quieter life abroad.
The script draws inspiration from the novel “Tình sử Nam Phương hoàng hậu” (Queen Nam Phương’s Love Story) by writer Trần Thị Hảo and a historical book by Lê Lan Khanh. Directors Bảo Nhân and Namcito have dedicated five years to researching and gathering details to bring this story to the big screen.
The production is supported by the Thừa Thiên Huế People’s Committee, granting access to the Complex of Huế Monuments, including the Kiến Trung Palace, where King Bảo Đại, Queen Nam Phương, and their children lived.
After an initial online casting selection, chosen candidates will be invited to a live call with the director. Successful applicants will immediately begin rehearsals and royal etiquette courses.
Filming is set to begin in 2025, with locations including Huế, Đà Lạt, Buôn Ma Thuột, Ho Chi Minh City, and Chabrignac (France), where the queen resided until her passing in 1963. The film is expected to be released in 2026.
