Fantastic Four Take Over London Eye

Stars of Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer will complete a dizzying 30 revolutions on the British Airways London Eye for the international launch of the film, in the most extensive takeover ever of the iconic London landmark.

From Monday until Wednesday (11^th-13^th June) Hollywood actors Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, Michael Chiklis, Chris Evans, and director Tim Story will conduct interviews promoting the upcoming summer blockbuster 450ft above the River Thames from the capsules of the London Eye, the world’s tallest observation wheel.

Following its prominent role in a major action set piece from the film, the London Eye was chosen to host this groundbreaking event. Its appearance in the film will be depicted by a giant, gleaming 100ft recreation of comic book character the Silver Surfer attached to the centre of the wheel, visible from the Houses of Parliament all the way to Cleopatra’s Needle and beyond from Tuesday morning (12^th June). This is the very first time such a construction has ever been permitted, and will be the last time something of this nature is staged at the landmark.

Elizabeth Kesses, Marketing Director of Twentieth Century Fox UK said: “From the moment we read the script we felt this would be an irresistible one-in-a-lifetime event to launch the film. The cast and crew have all risen to the occasion and are really looking forward to the experience. We’re very thankful the British Airways London Eye has been so accommodating in this huge undertaking.”

Each interview will last a full rotation of the wheel, which takes 30 minutes, with approximately 300 interviews being held over the three day period. The huge effigy of the eponymous intergalactic herald the Silver Surfer adorning the central axis of the Eye is made from PVC and weighs over two tonnes, the statue will be safely attached via 32 steel brackets. A six day construction and lifting operation under cover of darkness will have brought the character to life over the London skyline; a feat organisers say may never be repeated. The spectacle plays on a scene in which the Silver Surfer attacks London, sending the London Eye crashing toward the River Thames and leaving the four heroes to use their combined powers to prevent a catastrophe.

Liz Edwards, PR Manager at the British Airways London Eye commented: "The London Eye is delighted to have worked on such a fantasticproject since the beginning. With a process coveringstoryboard meetings, filming and now the worldwide press junketit not only allowsthe London Eye to remain as a the number one filming location but has createdhuge amounts of excitement within the London Eye teamsince last year."