Film portraying the last Queen of Việt Nam has open call for cast

HÀ NỘI — The film crew of Hoàng Hậu Cuối Cùng (The Last Queen) has put out a call for actors and actresses to portray the life of the last queen consort of Việt Nam, Queen Nam Phương (1913-1963).

Queen Nam Phương, born Marie-Thérèse Nguyễn Hữu Thị Lan, was the first and primary wife of the last King Bảo Đại of Việt Nam from 1934, until her death. She also was the first and only queen consort of the Nguyễn Dynasty.

The last queen was both a stunningly beautiful Vietnamese and had the intelligence of a Western-educated lady, with the ability to speak French — these are the attributes that the film crew is looking for.

The director is also looking for someone to play the equally important role of King Bảo Đại. Criteria for the actor to take on this important role must be to show his affection and generosity, as well as the ability to speak French.

“Actors and actresses do not necessarily have to be famous names. We will prioritise the one that fits the role and meets the script requirements,” director Bảo Nhân said.

In addition to the two main characters, the film crew will also be casting many other important roles such as crown prince Bảo Long, concubine Mộng Điệp and the King’s lovers including Phi Ánh, and Lý Lệ Hà.

Queen Nam Phương (1913-1963) was the first and only queen consort of the Nguyễn Dynasty. — VNA/VNS File Photo

The film focuses on the period of over ten years that the Queen spent in the royal palace, exploring various aspects of her married life, from happiness to sorrow, with King Bảo Đại, until the day the royal family left the Imperial City to start a quiet life abroad.

The script was inspired by the novel Tình sử Nam Phương hoàng hậu (Queen Nam Pương’s Love Story) by writer Trần Thị Hảo and a history book by Lê Lan Khanh. Director Bảo Nhân and Namcito have spent five years researching and collecting details in order to bring the story to the big screen.

Filming is being supported by the Thừa Thiên Huế People’s Committee who will be providing access to the Complex of Huế Monuments. Kiến Trung Palace, where King Bảo Đại, Queen Nam Phương, and their princes and princesses lived.

After an online casting selection, selected candidates will be invited to a live call to meet with the director.

Selected actors and actresses will immediately start rehearsals, alongside royal etiquette courses.

The film, which is expected to be released in 2026, will be filmed in 2025 in Huế, Đà Lạt, Buôn Ma Thuột, HCM City and Chabrignac (France), where the queen lived before she passed away in 1963.

Candidates can apply through the link and via email at H[email protected]. The deadline for the call is August 21. — VNS