First image of Absolutely Fabulous movie released as filming begins
Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley have begun shooting in the South of France.
The comedy reunites Saunders and Lumley as the iconic Edina and Patsy – with Julia Sawalha, Jane Horrocks and June Whitfield also starring.
The project is being shot on location in the UK and the south of France for seven weeks.
“I am thrilled and excited to finally start filming,” said Saunders. “We are all taking our medication and hoping for the best.”
Fox Searchlight Pictures’ president of production Claudia Lewis added: “We’re so happy to join Jennifer, Joanna and the Absolutely Fabulous team on their latest and greatest adventures!”
Initial plot details reveal that the vodka-loving duo will be blamed for a major incident at a launch party – before becoming entangled in a media storm and relentlessly pursued by the paparazzi.
Although a number of celebrity cameos are expected to feature in the new film, it seems that Saunders also plans to cast nearly one hundred drag queens.
The news was revealed after talent scouts began the hunt for ninety-six drag queens and “draggy camp fantastic looking queers” to join the cast.
Real life celebrities said to be taking part include One Direction’s Harry Styles – who will be playing the love interest of Lumley’s hard partying character, Patsy Stone.
The new film, written by Saunders – who plays the legendary showbiz PR Edina Monsoon – is also rumoured to include guest appearances from the likes of Kate Moss and Spice Girls Victoria Beckham Emma Bunton.
“We are all there, the same old gang,” Lumley said of the cast.
“It’ll all be shot on location. It is going to be ravishingly funny! Very gorgeous… and completely fabulous!”
Earlier this year, Saunders said: “All the main characters and virtually everyone that’s ever been in the series” will be in the film.
