Catherine Zeta-Jones has joined Sir Anthony Hopkins in starring in a new film adaptation of a Dylan Thomas short story. The movie, titled A Visit To Grandpa’s, follows a young boy who spends a summer on a Welsh farm with his eccentric grandfather, leading to unexpected adventures.
Catherine Zeta-Jones to star alongside Sir Anthony Hopkins in Dylan Thomas movie
New pictures released show Catherine Zeta-Jones as a character whose name has not yet been revealed. She stars alongside Sir Anthony Hopkins and Aneurin Barnard in the film, which began production in Wales recently. Hundreds of people gathered in Dolgellau, Gwynedd, to watch the filming earlier this month. Sir Anthony Hopkins also recited a Dylan Thomas poem, which appears to be a tribute to the project.
About the film and Dylan Thomas
A Visit To Grandpa’s is based on a short story first published in 1938. It tells the tale of a young boy who expects a dull summer visit to his grandfather’s farm in Carmarthenshire but instead finds himself captivated by the experience. The villagers grow concerned when the grandfather travels to Llanstephan “with his waistcoat on,” adding to the story’s intrigue.
The short story is part of Dylan Thomas’ well-known collection, Portrait of the Artist as a Young Dog, published in 1940. Dylan Thomas is one of Wales’ most celebrated writers and poets, born in Swansea in 1914. His notable works include Under Milk Wood and the poem Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night.
Production and creative team
The film’s script was written by Ken Aguado, and the director, DJ Caruso, described the project as “one of the great honours of my directorial life” to bring Thomas’ story to the screen alongside Sir Anthony Hopkins. Hopkins expressed his connection to the story, saying it allows him to return to his Welsh roots while exploring Thomas’ remarkable vision and prose.
Dylan Thomas’ influence extends beyond literature. Singer-songwriter Bob Dylan took his stage name from the poet, and former US president Jimmy Carter was a lifelong admirer of his work. More recently, Taylor Swift referenced Thomas in her 2024 album, The Tortured Poets Department.