Charlie Hunnam starts work on King Arthur movie in the U.K.

BURBANK, Calif., March 11 (UPI) -- Director Guy Ritchie has begun principal photography on his as-yet-untitled King Arthur epic at Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden, England.

The fantasy action-adventure will star Charlie Hunnam as the mythical monarch. Scenes from the production will also be shot on location in Wales and Scotland.

"The bold new story introduces a streetwise young Arthur who runs the back alleys of Londonium with his gang, unaware of the life he was born for until he grasps hold of the sword Excalibur -- and with it, his future," a synopsis from the studio said. "Instantly challenged by the power of Excalibur, Arthur is forced to make some hard choices. Throwing in with the Resistance and a mysterious young woman named Guinevere, he must learn to master the sword, face down his demons and unite the people to defeat the tyrant Vortigern, who stole his crown and murdered his parents, and become King."

Starring with Hunnam is Astrid Bergès-Frisbey as Guinevere, Djimon Hounsou as Resistance leader Bedivere, Aidan Gillen as Goosefat Bill, Jude Law as Vortigern and Eric Bana as Arthur's father, King Uther Pendragon. The movie is set for release July 22, 2016.

Ritchie is directing from a screenplay by Joby Harold. Ritchie's film credits include Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Snatch and Sherlock Holmes.