Anthony Hopkins Returns to Welsh Roots to Film Dylan Thomas Classic
Sir Anthony Hopkins is heading back to Wales to star in a film adaptation of Dylan Thomas's short story, teasing the project with a heartfelt poetry recital.
Anthony Hopkins Heads Home to Wales for Dylan Thomas Film Project
Sir Anthony Hopkins, the celebrated two-time Academy Award winner, is returning to his Welsh homeland to take on one of his most personally meaningful roles to date — starring in a film adaptation of Dylan Thomas's beloved short story, A Visit To Grandpa's.
A Poetic Homecoming
The Port Talbot-born actor recently offered fans a glimpse of his emotional return to Wales by posting a video of himself reciting verses from Fern Hill, the iconic 1945 poem by fellow Welshman Dylan Thomas. Set against a natural backdrop filled with birdsong, Hopkins delivered lines from the poem's opening two verses — a work widely celebrated for its lyrical exploration of childhood memory and the passage of time, drawing on Thomas's own experiences at his aunt's rural farm.
Captioning the video for his social media audience, the 88-year-old actor wrote: "Sunday greetings from Wales, the green and golden land of Dylan Thomas" — borrowing the evocative phrase directly from the poem itself, where Thomas uses "green and golden" to capture the joy and innocence of youth amid nature's beauty.
What the Film Is About
A Visit To Grandpa's tells the story of a young boy dispatched to spend a summer with his wonderfully eccentric grandfather on a working Welsh farm. What begins as an unexpected stay quickly unfolds into a series of surprising and memorable adventures, all set against the sweeping landscapes of rural Wales.
Speaking about the project, Hopkins expressed deep personal connection to the material. "This is a powerful and profoundly beautiful story, one that allows me to return to my Welsh roots while exploring the remarkable vision and prose of Dylan Thomas," he told Deadline.
A Dream Project for Director and Cast Alike
Filmmaker DJ Caruso, who is helming the production, described the opportunity to bring Thomas's story to the screen alongside Hopkins as "one of the great honours of my directorial life." The film, which entered production in Wales this month, has assembled a strong Welsh cast to complement its lead. Actor Aneurin Barnard, known for his role in Doctor Who, and acclaimed Welsh actress Aimee-Ffion Edwards have both joined the project, further grounding the film in authentic Welsh talent.
A Legacy Coming Full Circle
For Hopkins, whose illustrious career spans decades of landmark performances, this project carries a uniquely personal weight. Returning to the country of his birth to honour the literary legacy of one of Wales's greatest writers represents a full-circle moment — one that blends artistic ambition with cultural pride. Audiences and fans alike will be eagerly watching as production continues in the Welsh countryside.
