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Heath Ledger's final film on hold

Heath Ledger

Story by Jack Foley

PRODUCTION of the final film in Heath Ledger’s career, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus by Terry Gilliam, has been suspended in light of the actor’s death.

A statement issued by the makers of the film said that “Terry and the producers will be assessing how best to proceed”.

The actor, who was found dead in his Manhattan apartment on Tuesday (January 22, 2008), had only recently completed filming in London and the $30m production had moved to Vancouver, Canada, for interior and bluescreen scenes.

According to the BBC, Greg Chambers, business manager for craft union ACFC West, told the Vancouver Sun newspaper that production on the film is “currently listed as a force majeure” – a clause that allows producers to end contracts in extraordinary circumstances.

He added that some 100 crew members had been laid off as a result.

The producers have added their own tribute to the memory of the 28-year-old, describing Ledger as “a great actor, a great friend and a great spirit.”

“We are still in a state of deep shock, saddened and numb with grief,” the statement continued.

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus would have marked Ledger’s second collaboration with director Gilliam after The Brothers Grimm, in which he co-starred with Matt Damon.

The Australian star’s other recent role – that of The Joker in Batman sequel The Dark Knight – had been completed and the film is now in post-production.

It is not yet known whether distributor Warner Bros intends to ammend its marketing campaign or change any release dates. But the studio put out a statement earlier in the week, saying: “The studio is stunned and devastated by this tragic news. The entertainment community has lost an enormous talent.

“Heath was a brilliant actor and an exceptional person. Our hearts go out to his family and friends.”