What's at stake
It is a role that has trailed Russell Crowe like a long shadow for 25 years. In 2000 he stood as Maximus Decimus Meridius in Gladiator against the Roman Empire. Seven Oscar nominations, a Best Actor Oscar, one of the most successful historical epics of the new millennium.
In 2026 he returns. Not in Gladiator II, which Ridley Scott shot without him, but in «The Last Druid» — an independent production whose filming begins in summer 2026 on Gran Canaria.
The link to the island is not coincidental. The film's producer is the Gran-Canaria-born Adrián Guerra, who has been bringing international productions to the Canary Islands through his company Nostromo Pictures for over a decade.
What the film is about
«The Last Druid» tells the story of a Roman emperor who discovers a secluded druid stronghold deep in the mountains of Caledonia — present-day Scotland.
Crowe plays a pacifist Celtic elder forced to awaken the warrior within. The goal: to save his family and people from annihilation.
The story is written by William Eubank, his brother Carlyle Eubank and Philip Gawthorne. William Eubank directs — he last worked with Crowe on «Land of Bad» (2024). Before that: «Underwater» with Kristen Stewart, «Paranormal Activity: Next of Kin» for Paramount+.
Eubank's approach sits between action and history. Crowe was effectively set for the role, AGC Studios chief Stuart Ford told Deadline: «International distributors responded enthusiastically to the screenplay — to its skilful marriage of action and heart.»
Who Adrián Guerra is
Adrián Guerra, born 1984 in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, is one of Spain's most successful film producers.
With his company Nostromo Pictures, founded in 2011, he produced films such as «Red Lights» (Rodrigo Cortés, 2012), «Grand Piano» (Eugenio Mira, 2013), «Palm Trees in the Snow» (Fernando González Molina, 2015) and «The Titan» (2018) — a Netflix production with Sam Worthington that was shot for two months on Gran Canaria in 2016.
Locations back then: a private villa in Monte León, sites in Vecindario and Arinaga, the municipal pool. Early in his career Guerra also worked with Terry Gilliam on «The Man Who Killed Don Quixote». Today he runs in parallel a financing company, Océano Media, that channels funds into productions worldwide.
«The Last Druid» is his most prominent Hollywood production on his home island so far.
Why Hollywood loves Gran Canaria
The Canarian film industry has grown exponentially since 2018. 70 shoots in 2018, 154 in 2024 — a doubling in six years. Direct investment in 2024: 128 million euros. 14,000 employment contracts per year.
The central lever is fiscal. International productions in the Canaries receive a tax rebate of 54 percent on the first million euros of eligible expenditure — and 45 percent on every further euro. Cap per feature: 36 million euros.
Conditions: spend at least 1 million euros in the Canaries and meet requirements on Spanish crew, post-production or cast. On top of that comes the Zona Especial Canaria (ZEC) — film production companies can operate there at just 4 percent corporate tax, versus 25 percent in the rest of Spain.
For Hollywood productions, fiscal logic combines with landscape logic. The island's volcanic terrain, mountain passes and coasts have been sought-after sets for years. The Game of Thrones spin-off «A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms» is shooting on Gran Canaria in parallel. An older big production filmed on Fuerteventura: parts of Ridley Scott's original Gladiator.
Hollywood on Gran Canaria: tax incentive and industry growth at a glance. Graphic: CITA News.
What it means for the island economically
«The Last Druid» is more than a tourist magnet. Hollywood productions of this scale mobilise local personnel — extras, catering, logistics, sets, post-production. On large productions, 100 to 300 people are often employed per shooting day.
The SPEGC (Sociedad de Promoción Económica de Gran Canaria), which runs the Gran Canaria Film Commission, sees the sector as strategic. Filming makes up around 0.4 percent of Canarian GDP. The entire audiovisual industry is about 3 percent — with room to grow.
In November 2025, SPEGC manager Cosme García said at an industry conference: «International productions have, for a few years now, been the real engine of the audiovisual industry in Canarias.»
The tax rebate costs the Spanish state money. Supporters argue that direct spending in Spain far exceeds the fiscal losses. Critics ask who benefits in the long run: local personnel or Hollywood accountants.
What comes next
So far, only Russell Crowe is confirmed by name as an actor. Casting for further roles is under way. Start of shooting: summer 2026 — the exact month is not public.
Locations have not been announced. Plausible candidates — given the plot («secluded druid stronghold in the mountains of Caledonia») — are the mountain regions around Tejeda, Cruz de Tejeda, Roque Nublo, as well as rugged landscapes such as the Barranco de Guayadeque and the north of the island around Tamadaba.
Theatrical release is scheduled for 12 November 2026 in the United States. AGC Studios first introduced the project to international distributors at the American Film Market (AFM) 2024.
One detail not to forget: parts of the wardrobe come directly from Ridley Scott's Gladiator films. What Crowe wore 25 years ago — or at least some of it — will be filmed again on Gran Canaria, this time as a Celtic druid, not a gladiator.
Frequently asked questions
- What is «The Last Druid»?
- A Hollywood feature film starring Russell Crowe, directed by William Eubank. Plot: a Roman emperor discovers a secluded druid stronghold in Caledonia; a Celtic elder must become a warrior. Planned theatrical release: 12 November 2026.
- Where is the film being shot?
- In summer 2026 at several locations on Gran Canaria. The specific locations have not yet been made public.
- Who is behind the project?
- Producers include the Gran-Canaria-born Adrián Guerra (Nostromo Pictures), Ben Pugh (42), and Brian Kavanaugh-Jones and Fred Berger (Range Media Partners). Direction and co-screenplay: William Eubank.
- What is the connection to Gladiator?
- Russell Crowe played Maximus in Ridley Scott's Gladiator (2000), winning the Best Actor Oscar. «The Last Druid» brings him back into conflict with the Roman Empire after 25 years. Parts of the costumes come directly from the Gladiator films.
- Why does Hollywood shoot on the Canaries at all?
- The islands offer a tax rebate of up to 54 percent on eligible expenditure, volcanic landscapes, infrastructure and skilled personnel. The number of shoots has risen from 70 in 2018 to 154 in 2024.
- Which other Hollywood productions were shot on Gran Canaria?
- Among others «The Titan» (Netflix, 2018) — also produced by Adrián Guerra. In parallel with «The Last Druid», the Game of Thrones spin-off «A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms» is being shot on the island.
- What does it mean economically for the island?
- Film shoots in the Canaries brought direct investment of 128 million euros and 14,000 employment contracts in 2024. The sector accounts for about 3 percent of Canarian GDP.