The director behind Ray Stevenson’s latest film has written an emotional farewell letter to the star, who passed away unexpectedly earlier this week. Scroll down to read in full.
Péter Soós was flying home from the Cannes Film Festival when he was informed of Stevenson’s death at age 58.
The director had worked with the RRR, thor, vikings and Rome historical drama actor 1242 West Entrance Gate. Stevenson replaced Kevin Spacey in the role, and scenes with him wrapped in Hungary in February. Above is a picture of Stevenson on set with Soós.
“On Monday night, on my way home by plane from Cannes, I received the news that you had left us. Only now can I find the words to speak,” Soós wrote. “I have realized the overwhelming weight of responsibility that has fallen on me with our work together on what will surely be your last feature film. I will do my best to honor this.”
Soós added that Stevenson was “adored by everyone” and that it had been an “honour” to make a film with the actor. According to the filmmaker, the couple had even started working on a 1242 prequel based on Stevenson’s character, Cardinal Cesereani.
The movie is now in late post. Veteran Hungarian director Soós was working from a script written by Áron Horváth and Joan Lane. Also starring are Michael Ironside, Eric Roberts and David Schofield.
Stevenson recently played the main antagonist in the Oscar-nominated blockbuster SS Rajamouli. RRR and is known for playing Volstagg in Marvel’s thor franchise and for television series vikings. I was going to the next movie. ischia casino, as we revealed in February. Without him, his status is unclear.
Read the letter below.
Monday night, on my way home by plane from Cannes, I received the news that you had left us. Only now can I find the words to speak.
I have realized the overwhelming weight of responsibility that has fallen on me with our work together on what will surely be your last feature film. I will do my best to honor this. I have before me an image of you on the set passionately analyzing the character of Cesareani. You loved playing him and we had even started planning a prequel movie about the Cardinal.
During the time we spent together on both sides of the camera, I got to experience how passionately you act, how passionately you live; how much you like to act and live. Wherever you went on set, in the hotel, there was laughter everywhere. In just a moment we all fell under the spell of your overwhelming vitality. You were adored by all. It was an honor to make a film with you.
Your last line in the movie was, “I’ll be with you!” I received your message. I promise you, it will be so.
Pedro
