A post-apocalyptic market scene is being constructed

A post-apocalyptic market scene is being constructed in Alton's Market Square
A post-apocalyptic market scene is being constructed in Alton’s Market Square (Daniel Gee)

A Hollywood blockbuster starring Gerard Butler will be filmed in Alton town centre next week.

A post-apocalyptic market scene has been created in Alton’s Market Square – with buildings including Alton Town Hall becoming part of the set.

The film Greenland: Migration is a survival thriller directed by Ric Roman Waugh, starring 300 and London Has Fallen actor Butler and Homeland actress Morena Baccarin.

It is the sequel to the 2020 box-office hit Greenland which grossed $52.3 million.

It is estimated to be released in late 2024 and early 2025.

Businesses including Ten Tun Tap House will be closed when filming commences on Tuesday – but are open this weekend for film buffs to grab a brew while watching the set take shape
Businesses including Ten Tun Tap House will be closed when filming commences on Tuesday – but are open this weekend for film buffs to grab a brew while watching the set take shape (Daniel Gee)

Work began on Wednesday, May 1, setting up for filming in Market Square next week, with several buildings including the Town Hall and Market Hotel given a post-apocalyptic makeover.

Businesses will remain open until Monday, May 6, when areas of Alton such as Market Street, Market Square and some of Anstey Park will close or be partially closed for filming.

Market Street will be completely closed from the junction of High Street to Lenten Street from Monday to Wednesday.

Filming is expected to begin on Tuesday and will be wrapped up on Friday, May 10.

Alton's Market Hotel is one of several buildings given a makeover for the filming
Alton’s Market Hotel is one of several buildings given a makeover for the filming (Daniel Gee)

The production company has hired several businesses including the Ten Tun Tap House to accommodate its team and actors during filming.

The film set in Anstey Park will feature trackway areas next to the football enclosure and the skatepark.

Hampshire has been home to many well-known productions over the years.

The Watercress Line has featured in many films, dramas and documentaries including Children of Men (2006) with Clive Owen, Julianne Moore and Michael Caine, the Granthams famously reside at Downton Abbey (Highclere Castle), Russell Crowe explored the depths of Alice Holt Forest (Gladiator), James Bond chased down villains at Farnborough Airport in Quantum of Solace and George Clooney got to grips with army life in The Monuments Men (Bramley Camp).