Historical Heist Comedy "The Man Who Stole Portugal" Begins Filming with Ensemble Cast

Production has commenced on "The Man Who Stole Portugal," a dark comedy drawing inspiration from one of the twentieth century's most audacious financial frauds. The movie features James Nelson Joyce, Richard E. Grant, and Dominic West in starring roles, according to Variety. The narrative delves into a historical heist with comedic undertones. Thomas Napper, a director previously recognized with a BAFTA nomination for his work on "Jawbone" and known for "Widow Clicquot," is at the helm of this project. The screenplay was penned by Richard Galazka, adapting material from Murray Teigh Bloom's non-fiction account that shares the film's title. Variety reports that the film's plot centers on Artur Virgílio Alves Reis, who orchestrated a massive counterfeiting scheme in the 1920s. Reis managed to defraud the Bank of Portugal of an amount equivalent to 0.88% of the Portuguese gross domestic product at the time. This audacious act of deception led him to become one of the wealthiest individuals in Portugal within just a few months. James Nelson Joyce takes on the role of Reis, portraying the central figure of this elaborate fraud. The cast also includes Richard E. Grant, recognized for his performances in "Saltburn" and "Can You Ever Forgive Me?," and Dominic West, known for his work in "The Crown" and "The Wire." The story unfolds in Lisbon, Portugal, during 1925, where Reis, a relatively unknown figure, initiated his plan to counterfeit almost a million bank notes. His scheme involved manipulating international financiers and even the Bank of England to assist in his illicit operations. Initially facing a prison sentence for embezzlement, Reis was granted bail. This period allowed him to execute his grand counterfeiting endeavor. He presented himself as a legitimate businessman, leveraging connections and deception to print what appeared to be authorized currency. His deception brought him immense wealth, which he used to acquire luxury properties and even invest in businesses, inadvertently boosting the Portuguese economy. The film aims to capture both the dramatic tension and the darkly humorous aspects of Reis's incredible true story, offering an exploration into the nature of ambition and deceit.