London Filming Hits: Jack Ryan, Sheep Detectives, Citadel, Legends – May 2026

Key Points

• Jack Ryan: Ghost War launches on Prime Video on 20 May 2026, starring John Krasinski as Jack Ryan, who is thrust back into espionage amid a deadly conspiracy; scenes filmed throughout London, including studio base at The Story Works in Mortlake, south-west London.
• The Sheep Detectives, a witty mystery starring Hugh Jackman with an ensemble cast including sheep voices by Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Bryan Cranston, and others, opened for select previews over the bank holiday weekend and goes on wide release on 8 May 2026; shot in London.
• The second series of Citadel recently launched on Amazon Prime, starring Richard Madden and Priyanka Chopra Jonas as elite operatives; filmed in multiple London locations including Kensington Gardens and the Royal Albert Hall.
• Upcoming comedy crime caper Legends, featuring British talent Steve Coogan, Tom Burke, Hayley Squires, and Charlotte Ritchie, filmed in Muswell Hill and Dagenham, with production spanning 17 weeks mainly in London locations for Netflix.
• An interesting mix of London-shot films and TV programmes available to watch in May 2026 highlights the capital’s vibrant screen industry.[query provided]

London (The Londoner News) May 6, 2026 – Film and television fans in the capital can enjoy a diverse array of London-filmed productions hitting screens this May, from high-stakes spy thrillers to whimsical mysteries and crime capers. Key releases include the espionage-laden Jack Ryan: Ghost War on Prime Video, the sheep-led detective comedy The Sheep Detectives in cinemas, the second series of Citadel on Amazon Prime, and the forthcoming Netflix series Legends, all showcasing the city’s iconic locations.[query provided]

What Is Jack Ryan: Ghost War About and When Does It Launch?

Jack Ryan: Ghost War launches on Prime Video on 20 May 2026. In this latest instalment, Jack Ryan, played by John Krasinski, is reluctantly thrust back into the world of espionage when an international covert mission unravels a deadly conspiracy, as detailed in the original announcement.[query provided]

As reported in The Knowledge Online, John Krasinski films the Jack Ryan feature at a studio in south-west London, with a base at The Story Works in Mortlake and shoots largely on location in the capital and environs.

Andrew Bernstein directs this extension of Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan series from Amazon MGM Studios, Skydance, and Paramount Television, following four prior series. Filming dates span January to May 2025, including locations in London, Dubai, and New York City.

The production utilised The Story Works, a studio on a 22-acre riverside brewery site founded by producers Simon Vaughan, Damian Keogh, Kwame Kwei-Armah, Jonathan Norman, and FIFTH SEASON. Damian Keogh stated:

“As producers we have spent the last two years road testing this unique, romantic, historic site and it has been rewarding for all involved. Cast and crew… have been able to live balanced lives whilst delivering their very best work.”

This release underscores London’s appeal for blockbuster action, with scenes captured throughout the capital to enhance the thriller’s tension.

When Is The Sheep Detectives Released and Who Stars in It?

The Sheep Detectives opened for select previews over the bank holiday weekend and goes on wide release on 8 May 2026. This witty mystery stars Hugh Jackman as George, a shepherd who reads detective novels to his sheep, assuming they cannot understand—until a farm incident prompts the flock to investigate.[query provided]

Directed by Kyle Balda and written by Craig Mazin, the film adapts Leonie Swann’s 2005 novel Three Bags Full. The ensemble cast includes Nicholas Braun, Nicholas Galitzine, Molly Gordon, Hong Chau, and Emma Thompson, with voices for the sheep by Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Bryan Cranston, Chris O’Dowd, Regina Hall, Patrick Stewart, Bella Ramsey, and Brett Goldstein. Sony Pictures describes it as “a witty, new breed of mystery” where the sheep prove brilliant crime-solvers while probing human suspects.

The production filmed scenes in London, contributing to the capital’s reputation for versatile shoots blending humour and intrigue. Wikipedia confirms the 2026 release aligns with May screenings.

Where Was Citadel Series 2 Filmed in London?

The second series of Citadel has recently launched on Amazon Prime. Starring Richard Madden and Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Citadel is a heart-racing spy thriller following elite operatives of a legendary agency torn apart by a shadowy network.

The production filmed in multiple London locations, including Kensington Gardens—where characters Kane and Sinh had a tense encounter—and the Royal Albert Hall.

Trainline’s guide notes closest stations as South Kensington and Lancaster Gate for easy access to these spots, alongside Hyde Park and Tate Modern.

Additional filming occurred at sites like Mountbatten House in Basingstoke and Harlaxton Manor, but London remains central. An Instagram post identifies Wrest Park in Silsoe for season 2 shoots, though primarily London-focused. This global series highlights the city’s grandeur for spy narratives.

Who Stars in the Upcoming Legends and Where Was It Filmed?

Legends, an upcoming comedy crime caper, features a cast jam-packed with British talent such as Steve Coogan, Tom Burke, and Hayley Squires.[query provided] As reported by The Knowledge Online, production commences on Netflix’s six-part series with Steve Coogan and Charlotte Ritchie leading, joined by Tom Burke, Hayley Squires, and Aml Ameen.

Filming took place over 17 weeks in largely London locations, specifically Muswell Hill and Dagenham.[query provided] Written by Neil Forsyth and set in the early 1990s, it depicts Her Majesty’s Customs and Excise’s top-secret operation against drug smuggling, with undercover agents known as Legends navigating the criminal underworld.

Brady Hood directs episodes 1-4, Julian Holmes episodes 5-6. Executive producers include Ben Farrell and Forsyth for Tannadice Pictures, Richard Bradley for Lion Television, and Charlie Leech as series producer. Production Intelligence subscribers accessed shoot dates since August 2024.

Why Is London a Hub for These May 2026 Releases?

London’s screen industry thrives with these May releases, blending espionage, comedy, and crime genres. The capital’s diverse locations—from studios like The Story Works to landmarks like Kensington Gardens—enable authentic storytelling.

As per VisitLondon.com, May 2026 buzzes with events like bank holidays on 4 and 25 May, complementing film viewings amid theatre and festivals. The Knowledge Online reports ongoing productions like Legends affirming London’s pull for Netflix and Prime Video.

These titles boost local economy and tourism, with fans visiting filming spots via public transport. Shortlist.com lists May cinema events like Queer East Festival, enhancing the month’s vibrancy.

How Do These Productions Boost London’s Film Scene?

The mix reflects London’s versatility, from Jack Ryan’s action at Mortlake to Sheep Detectives’ quirky farm sets. Citadel leverages cultural icons, Legends gritty 90s underworld.

Industry insiders note studios like The Story Works offer flexible spaces post-projects like A Thousand Blows. With releases timed for bank holidays, accessibility peaks.

What Other Events Pair with These Screenings?

May features RHS Chelsea Flower Show, London Craft Week, and theatre like Wicked and Cabaret. Film festivals at BFI IMAX and Barbican add variety. Viewers can pair viewings with Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.

This lineup cements May 2026 as a golden month for London screen enthusiasts, neutral observers note across sources.