Overview

• Stamp, who died in August at 87, had pre-shot all of Bernadette’s material in full costume, makeup and voice work.
• Elliott plans to integrate that footage by mapping Stamp’s face onto a stand-in, a method he says is technically feasible but still being worked out.
• The pre-shoot proceeded with the approval of Stamp, his family, co-stars Hugo Weaving and Guy Pearce, and the film’s financiers.
• Overall production has been paused as Elliott mourns and evaluates the schedule, financing needs, and creative approach for completion.
• The long-gestating sequel was developed after years of resistance to a repeat of the original, with a new story exploring aging and queer identities.