Overview

• Winstone said at the Sarajevo Film Festival that after principal photography he was told to redo "all" of his Dreykov scenes for the 2021 film.
• He described the initial version he developed with director Cate Shortland as far darker, calling the character "like a pedophile" around the Black Widows.
• The actor said he asked for the role to be recast but returned due to his contract, adding he felt rejected and could not recreate his earlier performance.
• He criticized today’s industry as being about selling tickets, saying franchise dominance can crowd out "cultural" films and that social media followings now influence casting.
• Winstone’s remarks came as he received the Honorary Heart of Sarajevo, with major outlets reporting his account of extensive reshoots and a changed portrayal.