Bookies are tipping Michael Flatley's spy thriller Blackbird for an Oscar after he won Best Actor at the Monaco Film Festival.
The official trailer and poster have been launched for the Lord of the Dance star’s spy-thriller Blackbird - which is set to be released in Irish cinemas on September 2.
Blackbird is the directorial debut feature film from the Lord of the Dance star, in which he also plays Victor Blackley, an ex-MI6 operative who is pulled back into the world he left when an agent connected to his past turns up to his place of business in Barbados.
The film had its world premiere at the Monaco Film Festival where Flatley picked up the Best Actor award for his role.
And now bookies, Ladbrokes have slashed the odds on Flatley winning an Oscar for his role in spy-thriller Blackbird to 50/1 from 100/1 after he won Best Actor at the Monaco Film Festival.
There has been renewed interest in the market following the release of Blackbird’s trailer and some punters think the dancing supremo will win big at the Oscars.
Nicola McGeady, of Ladbrokes, said: “Michael Flatley’s film will definitely divide opinion, but with critics already praising the spy-thriller in Monaco last year, some punters think an Oscar isn’t totally out of the question.”
The thriller also stars Eric Roberts (The Dark Knight, The Expendables), Patrick Bergin (Sleeping With The Enemy, Patriot Games), Nicole Evans (Captain America) and Ian Beattie (Game of Thrones).
Flatley said: "I'm thrilled to be releasing Blackbird in cinemas across Ireland. The pandemic has brought about many unprecedented production delays, but we’re finally there.
"As well as filming on location in Barbados and the UK, we filmed many scenes in Ireland, so premiering here was always the first choice. There’s nothing more breath-taking than the Irish landscape."
Speaking of his personal connection to the project, Flatley continued: "I was surrounded on set by great talent in Eric Roberts, Ian Beattie, Patrick Bergin, Nicole Evans and Mary Louise Kelly.
"Sinéad O'Connor, who recorded the most beautiful track for the outro, is truly one of Ireland’s treasures. Thanks to all the cast and crew for their commitment to the project, and to all of our partners bringing the film to cinema audiences.
"We’ve all put a lot into this project, and for me it’s very personal. This was a new endeavour for me professionally and something I’ve always wanted to do. My mother, when she was alive, always encouraged me to pursue this dream.
"Sadly, she will never get to see it, but I know she is watching over me. I’ve had great support from the industry, especially in Ireland, and winning Best Actor at the Monaco Film Festival was very rewarding."
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