Director: David Ayer
Starring: Jason Statham, Josh Hutcherson, Jeremy Irons, Emmy Raver-Lampman
Production Company: Cedar Park Studios, Miramax
Kent Locations Used: Castle Farm & Lower Austin Lodge, Kingsferry Bridge
The Beekeeper (2024) follows Adam Clay, a former operative of a secret organisation known as The Beekeepers. After his friend falls victim to scamming by a phishing company, he sets out to exact revenge.
Directed by David Ayer (Suicide Squad, End of Watch), the film stars Jason Statham (Crank, Redemption (2013)) as Adam Clay, Josh Hutcherson (The Hunger Games, Bridge to Terabithia) as Derek Danforth, Jeremy Irons (The Mission (1986), Waterland (1992)) as Wallace Westwyld and Emmy Raver-Lampman (The Umbrella Academy, Central Park) as Agent Verona Parker.
Production visited Kent to film at Castle Farm & Lower Austin Lodge, which doubles for Mrs Parker’s (Phylicia Rashad) cottage and land where Adam Clay keeps his bees. Filming also took place on the Kingsferry Bridge, for the confrontation scene between Adam Clay and Mickey Garnett (David Witts) which ends in Garnett being tied t a truck and thrown into the Swale Estuary below.
Set in a picturesque, unspoilt farmyard nestled into a valley of trees and arable fields sits Lower Austin Lodge, a Grade II listed 16th Century farmhouse complete with original features and a modern renovated interior. A popular filming location, it is part of the Castle Farm estate – set within 1,200 acres of land with varied landscapes, it includes lavender fields, hop gardens, apple orchards, bluebell woodlands and meadows. It is particularly popular for photoshoots and music videos but has also played host to Road Games (2016).
The Kingsferry Bridge is a combined road and railway bridge that links the Isle of Sheppey to mainland Kent. The bridge isn’t as busy as it once was since the new Sheppey Crossing was built next to it, and therefore can potentially be closed for filming. Too Close (2021), Kiss Me First (2018) and Silent Witness Series 26 (2023) feature the Kingsferry Bridge.
The Beekeeper (2024) was released in UK cinemas on Friday 12th January 2024 and is now available to stream on NowTV and Amazon Prime.
For more information about Kent’s Filming History please visit our Movie Map.
