Key Points
- Production of the war film Fortitude, starring Nicolas Cage, was halted by Waltham Forest Council in East London due to concerns over visible Nazi iconography, specifically swastika-emblazoned flags planned for draping over Waltham Forest Town Hall.
- The film, directed by Simon West, depicts the true story of Operation Fortitude, a 1944 Allied deception operation during World War II involving double agents, fake armies, and misleading Nazi intelligence about D-Day.
- Filming commenced in London on 8 September 2025, featuring cast members including Matthew Goode, Ed Skrein, Alice Eve, Michael Sheen, and Ben Kingsley.
- Original plans scheduled the shoot for October 2025, but production was abruptly advanced to 15 September 2025, skipping agreed resident consultations.
- Waltham Forest Council had initially approved the project conditionally: no formal permit or fee was issued, but conditions stipulated resident consultation and that Nazi-era flags and symbols must not be publicly visible.
- Letters sent by the production team to the community explicitly stated that Nazi symbols would be highly visible, breaching the council’s conditions amid high sensitivity to far-right iconography.
- A spokesperson for Waltham Forest Council expressed being “very disappointed”, citing the abrupt schedule change and failure to honour agreed terms as reasons for refusal.
- Production relocated successfully to Greenwich, where locals were notified that any Nazi symbols were for a historically accurate film shoot; Nicolas Cage portrays Serbian double agent Duško Popov, believed to have inspired Ian Fleming’s James Bond.
- Filming later proceeded in Luton, where Cage treated the cast and crew to a Greggs lunch of pastries, sandwiches, and sausage rolls, earning praise as a “real man of the people” from a source speaking to The Sun.
- Waltham Forest Council maintains a positive relationship with the film and television industries, having hosted high-profile shoots previously, and aims to support London’s status as a filming hub.
Waltham Forest, East London (East London Times) 12 January 2026 – Production of an upcoming war film starring Oscar-winning actor Nicolas Cage was shut down by Waltham Forest Council over concerns regarding Nazi iconography. The council blocked filming at Waltham Forest Town Hall after the production team failed to adhere to agreed conditions on displaying swastika flags.
Why Was the Film Shoot Stopped at Waltham Forest Town Hall?
The shoot for Fortitude encountered a significant obstacle when Waltham Forest Council refused permission for filming at the town hall. Set dressing plans included draping flags emblazoned with the swastika over the building to depict a Nazi-era scene. Although no formal filming permit was granted and no fee was collected, the council had initially signed off on the project with strict conditions.
These conditions required consultation with residents and ensured that
“Nazi-era flags and symbols were not publicly visible”.
As reported in coverage from Metro.co.uk, the production was originally slated for October 2025 but was “abruptly” brought forward to September, leaving insufficient time for the promised consultations.
A spokesperson for Waltham Forest Council stated:
“We were very disappointed when the shoot was abruptly brought forward from October to 15th September, preventing the level of consultation previously discussed, and that letters had been sent to the community by the location team stating explicitly that Nazi symbols would be highly visible during the shoot.”
The spokesperson further explained:
“Because of these significant changes that did not honour our agreed conditions, and given the high level of sensitivity to far-right iconography, we felt we had no other choice than to refuse permission.”
What Is Operation Fortitude and the Film’s Historical Context?
Fortitude is a historical spy action-adventure film directed by Simon West, set during the Second World War. It recounts the true story of Operation Fortitude, undertaken by Allied Forces in 1944 to deceive Nazi Germany leaders and mislead Nazi intelligence about D-Day landings.
British Intelligence operatives employed unprecedented strategies, including double agents, fake armies, and military equipment, to obscure the timing and nature of the Normandy storming. Nicolas Cage, aged 62, stars as Serbian double agent Duško Popov, who is widely believed to have inspired Ian Fleming’s James Bond character.
Filming began across London on 8 September 2025, with a notable ensemble cast comprising Matthew Goode, Ed Skrein, Alice Eve, Michael Sheen, and Ben Kingsley. The production’s historical accuracy necessitated Nazi symbols, which sparked the council’s concerns in Waltham Forest.
How Did Production Respond and Relocate Successfully?
Following the Waltham Forest refusal, production proceeded without interruption elsewhere. In Greenwich, the crew obtained approval after notifying locals that any Nazi symbols displayed were integral to a historically accurate film shoot.
No issues arose there, allowing filming to continue smoothly. Production then shifted to Luton, where Nicolas Cage endeared himself to the team. A source told The Sun:
“Nicolas is a real man of the people. After seeing how popular Greggs was in the UK, he decided to get them on board to feed everyone. It went down a treat.”
The lunch featured Greggs pastries, sandwiches, and sausage rolls, boosting morale among cast and crew.
What Is Waltham Forest Council’s Stance on Film Productions?
Waltham Forest Council’s spokesperson emphasised a commitment to the industry despite this incident. The statement continued:
“The council has a longstanding and positive relationship with the film and television industries. We have been immensely proud to have hosted several high-profile shoots over the years.”
The council added:
“We will do all we can to contribute to the enormous success of the capital as a sought-after location for filming and production.”
This reflects ongoing support for London’s filming ecosystem, even as sensitivities around iconography are upheld.
Who Are the Key Figures in Fortitude?
Nicolas Cage leads as Duško Popov, the real-life double agent pivotal to Operation Fortitude. Director Simon West helms the project, known for action films blending historical elements.
Co-stars include Matthew Goode, Ed Skrein, Alice Eve, Michael Sheen, and Ben Kingsley, bringing depth to the Allied deception narrative. The ensemble underscores the film’s ambition to portray intricate WWII espionage authentically.
When and Where Did Filming Take Place?
Principal photography started on 8 September 2025 in London locations. Waltham Forest Town Hall was earmarked but blocked; Greenwich and Luton hosted subsequent shoots successfully.
The accelerated timeline from October to mid-September proved decisive in the council’s decision. Production adapted swiftly, maintaining momentum.
Why Do Nazi Symbols Remain Sensitive in Modern Britain?
The council cited “high level of sensitivity to far-right iconography” as central to their stance. In East London, diverse communities heighten vigilance against symbols evoking Nazi history.
Waltham Forest’s conditions prioritised resident comfort, especially with visible swastikas contradicting initial assurances. This incident highlights ongoing debates over historical depictions in public spaces.
What Happens Next for Fortitude?
Production continues unabated post-relocation, with no further reported disruptions. The film’s focus on Operation Fortitude positions it as a timely WWII tale amid enduring interest in D-Day deceptions.
Waltham Forest Council’s future collaborations remain open, balancing economic benefits of filming against community concerns. Nicolas Cage’s involvement ensures strong promotional draw.
