Wells is set for another big-screen moment as a major Hollywood production filmed at two of the area's best-known landmarks.

Masters of the Universe, based on the 1980s cartoon set on the planet Eternia, filmed at Wells Cathedral and Wookey Hole Caves last summer.

The film, which stars Somerset actor James Purefoy as King Randor, father of Prince Adam and He-Man, is scheduled for UK release on Wednesday, 3 June.

The Wells link comes as Screen Somerset estimates film and television productions spent £6.6m in the county in 2025/26.

Much of that spend is believed to have gone into hotels, hospitality and other local services while crews were filming.

Screen Somerset, Somerset Council's film office, said the county continues to attract major productions because of its historic locations, landscapes and proximity to Bristol's studios.

Councillor Mike Rigby, Somerset Council's lead member for economic development, planning and assets, said Somerset had "so much to offer the screen industry".

He added: "As well as the spend that comes when crews are in the county, appearing on screen can have benefits for the visitor economy.

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"You only have to look at the continued impact of Hot Fuzz in Wells to see how powerful it can be."

Wells has long had a strong screen identity thanks to Hot Fuzz, which was filmed in the city and remains a draw for fans.

Screen Somerset said it helps filmmakers find locations and supports shoots by working with council services including highways, parking and property.

Other productions recently assisted by Screen Somerset include A Good Girl's Guide to Murder, Dawn French's BBC comedy Can You Keep A Secret, Netflix series Agatha Christie's Seven Dials, prison drama Wasteman, Mother's Pride and Guy Ritchie's Young Sherlock.

Season two of A Good Girl's Guide to Murder is due for release on Netflix and the BBC on Wednesday, 27 May, with Axbridge again standing in as the fictional town of Little Kilton.

Charlotte Wood, production liaison manager for the South West region at Creative England's Filming in England, said Somerset offered "a range of impressive landscapes from Cheddar Gorge, to the historic city of Wells and stunning Exmoor coastline".

She said the county was well placed near Bristol, with filming bringing a positive economic contribution to the local area.

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