Actor Woody Norman stars as 14-year-old King Richard II in Paul Greengrass’s historical drama “The Uprising,” which held its premiere at the DGA in West Hollywood, according to reporting by Marc Malkin for Variety. The 17-year-old British actor recounted that wearing a damaged, steel prop crown during the shoot caused daily physical pain and splitting headaches.
Behind the Scenes of the Peasants’ Revolt Drama
“The Uprising” is based on the real-life Peasants’ Revolt of 1381 in England, as reported by Variety. Andrew Garfield toplines the film as a fictional farmer identified as Ploughman, who sparks and helps lead thousands of commoners on a march to protest the king in London. For Norman, stepping into the royal role involved navigating heavy period wardrobe alongside the ill-fitting crown. Norman stated to Variety that he weighs 46 kilograms, and the robes weigh as much as he does, making it really really painful. Despite the physical strain, Norman described the experience of commanding the set as a power trip, noting that supporting actors bowed and addressed him as “Your highness” throughout daily filming.
Working Alongside Andrew Garfield and Joaquin Phoenix
Norman’s first day on set featured a pivotal fight scene with Garfield, which involved Ploughman shoving a paper scroll into the king’s mouth, according to Variety. Norman admitted to feeling initially intimidated before Garfield broke the tension by offering immediate encouragement on set.
Next Projects for Woody Norman
Following the release of “The Uprising,” Norman’s upcoming slate includes a role in the British urban horror thriller “Skag & Bone,” where he will perform alongside Malachi Kirby, Tuppence Middleton, Conrad Khan, and Kola Bokinni, as reported exclusively by Leo Barraclough for Variety.
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