The Journey (2016 film)

The Journey is a 2017 British drama film directed by Nick Hamm and written by Colin Bateman. The film tells the true story of how political enemies, Ian Paisley and Martin McGuinness, formed an unlikely friendship and changed the course of history. It stars Timothy Spall, Colm Meaney, Freddie Highmore, John Hurt, Toby Stephens, and Ian Beattie. The film is an official selection of the 2016 Toronto International Film Festival and premiered at the 73rd Venice International Film Festival on 7 September 2016. On 16 September 2016, IFC Films acquired North American rights to the political drama, which will have a theatrical release in mid-2017.

On 13 May 2015, it was reported that a film focusing on Ian Paisley and Martin McGuinness was in pre-production, with Liam Neeson and Kenneth Branagh attached to star. However, Timothy Spall was later reported to be in talks for the role of Paisley on 1 July 2015. In late August 2015, Colm Meaney joined Spall in the cast, portraying the role of McGuinness. On 10 September 2015, John Hurt, Freddie Highmore, and Toby Stephens were reported to have joined the cast of the film.

Principal photography began in Belfast, Northern Ireland on 30 September 2015. The first image of Spall and Meaney on set and in character was released on 5 October 2015.