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Netflix premieres first trailer for Sutton Hoo film The Dig
The first trailer for The Dig, filmed in Suffolk, has been released. The film is released in January Picture: LARRY HORRICKS/NETFLIX - Credit: Larry Horricks/Netflix
The first trailer for Netflix blockbuster movie The Dig, a drama based on the discovery of the Sutton Hoo burial site in Suffolk, has been released.
Based on a true story, the film chronicles the tale of archeologist and excavator Basil Brown - played by Ipswich-born actor Ralph Fiennes - and the 1939 discovery of the remains of a 7th century Saxon burial ship on land near Woodbridge.
In the centre of the ship, which had been used as a grave, excavators found a huge cache of historical treasures - including swords, shields, bowls and cutlery.
Arguably the most iconic discovery at Sutton Hoo, the helmet, has become a symbol of the Anglo-Saxon period.
A curator from the British Museum described the haul as “one of the most important archaeological discoveries of all time”.
The drama retells the story of the discovery of the Saxon treasure at Sutton Hoo Picture: LARRY HORRICKS/NETFLIX - Credit: LARRY HORRICKS/NETFLIX © 2021Â
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The East Anglian Daily Times broke the world exclusive about the discovery of the treasures at Sutton Hoo in July 1939, and our newspapers have been faithfully recreated for the film.
Filmmakers asked to use replica copies of our original report and newspaper - featuring the headline “Great archeological find in Suffolk” from the Saturday, July 29 edition - in the movie.
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EADT journalist Alfred Bowden beat the national newspapers to the story, who had to report on the find over the following days.
Reports emerged in summer of last year that Netflix had acquired the rights from BBC Films to produce a period drama based on the initial discovery of the ship.
Carey Mulligan as Edith Pretty and Ralph Fiennes as Basil Brown in The Dig Picture: LARRY HORRICKS/NETFLIX - Credit: Larry Horricks/Netflix
Australian filmmaker Simon Stone was recruited to direct the picture, which itself is based on the historical novel of the same name by English journalist John Preston.
The film will focus on the partnership between Edith Pretty, who owned the land at Sutton Hoo, and archaeologist Mr Brown, who was born in Bucklesham, as they uncovered Suffolk’s greatest find.
Filming of the movie, which also stars Hollywood actresses Carey Mulligan as Mrs Pretty and Lily James as archeologist Peggy Preston, took place in Suffolk last year, including at Shingle Street, near Hollesley.
The Dig is due for a initial limited release on January 15 next before it arrives on streaming service Netflix on January 29. MORE: Netflix crews spotted filming major new movie in Suffolk
East Anglian Daily Times journalist Alfred Bowden broke the story back in 1939 Picture: ARCHANT LIBRARY - Credit: Archant
The East Anglia Daily Times' report of the discovery on Saturday, July 29, 1939 Picture: ARCHANT LIBRARY - Credit: Archant
