Terence Stamp seen in first-look images from Priscilla, Queen of the Desert sequel as niece breaks silence on film
Stamp's niece, Amie Stoppard, posted the photos to Instagram, penning a heartfelt caption in memory of her late uncle
By Callum Wells
Newly-released images give fans a glimpse of Terence Stamp in The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert sequel for the first time.
It was revealed yesterday (29 September) that the late actor – who played transgender nightclub performer Bernadette in the 1994 classic – had secretly filmed scenes for a follow-up before his death in August, at the age of 87.
Producers have now shared photos of Stamp in his dressing room chair, being glammed up with hair and make-up for the role.
“I’m deeply moved to share that Priscilla, Queen of the Desert has a sequel on the way” – Amie Stoppard confirming her uncle’s posthumous project
His niece, Amie Stoppard, also posted the snaps to Instagram, penning a heartfelt caption in memory of her late uncle.
She wrote, “‘That’s just what this country needs — a cock in a frock on a rock!’ I’m deeply moved to share that Priscilla, Queen of the Desert has a sequel on the way. HOPEFULLY!!! Let’s make it happen!
“This carries such personal meaning for me. My wonderful late uncle, Terence Stamp, poured his heart into this project before he passed. He worked with passion and determination to bring Bernadette’s spirit back to life, and this film became his swansong.
“Though he is no longer here to see it completed, the sequel carries his talent and love within it. It stands not only as a testament to his extraordinary career, but also as part of his enduring legacy in how Priscilla broke new ground and boundaries for the LGBTQ+ community — a story that was brought visibility, courage, and humanity to the big screen in ways that were ahead of their time.
Using the working title Priscilla Queen of the Desert 2
“Forever proud of you, Uncle Terry. Your light and your legacy live on.”
Director Stephan Elliot previously confirmed to Deadline that a project was underway, using the working title Priscilla Queen of the Desert 2, and that Stamp “absolutely refused” to sign up if the follow-up was just a rehash of the first film.
Elliot told the publication that finding the right story took decades. Once he had a script the principal cast, including Stamp, Hugo Weaving and Guy Pearce, were on board, only for the Covid pandemic to halt things.
Stamp was practical about the realities of ageing – he knew he “wasn’t getting any younger” – but was clear he would not accept being replaced by synthetic means. He was adamant he wasn’t going to be replaced by AI or a “digital clone” of himself.
“I’m still trying to work it out, but the tech is there” – director Stephan Elliot on using “CGI face replacement”
To respect that stance, Elliot said he secured “the blessing of him and his family, Guy, Hugo and the financiers” and “decided to pre-shoot all the Bernadette scenes”. Those sequences, Elliot says, are already filmed.
When production resumes, Elliot plans to complete Stamp’s part using “CGI face replacement” technology. “I’m still trying to work it out, but the tech is there,” he said. “We’d have to get a stand-in actor and Terence would be put onto that actor. I’m going to have to have an actor playing Terence Stamp. I mean, it is scary.”
Elliot described the new film as “very unusual” — a story that centres on “old age”. “It’s very touching,” he added. “I wrote a lot of what I went through with Terence over the last couple of years. I wrote into the script of what it’s like to get old and to be either gay, trans – I mean, it’s a subject that’s never been explored.”
The original Priscilla followed a transgender woman and two drag performers as they toured the Australian outback in a battered bus called Priscilla, winning praise from critics and audiences alike. This sequel — with Bernadette already partly in the can — now faces the task of honouring Stamp’s final work while finishing the story the cast and creatives fought for.