Aneurin Barnard has written his own script for real-life drama, intervening in a street robbery in Annecy, France with all the speed and precision of a rugby tackle. The actor, known for his roles in Dunkirk and Peaky Blinders, was due to promote his new film at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival just an hour before the incident.
Director Duncan Jones took to social media to reveal the details of Barnard's heroics, describing how he chased down the alleged robber, held them until police arrived and then returned the handbag to its shaken owner. 'He calmly proceeded to the film panel afterwards,' added Jones, 'where he shared some stories from the production as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened.'
The incident occurred in the city centre, not on the festival grounds, and is being hailed as a moment of real-life heroism from a British talent who's made his mark on the international stage. Barnard, originally from Ogmore Vale in Bridgend county, Wales, plays the title role in 'Rogue Trooper', an animated science fiction feature from Rebellion and Liberty Films based on a popular UK sci-fi comic series.
Directed and written by Duncan Jones, the film boasts a notable British cast including Jack Lowden ('Slow Horses'), Reece Shearsmith ('Inside No. 9'), comedian Diane Morgan, Sean Bean ('Game of Thrones') and Asa Butterfield ('Sex Education'). 'Rogue Trooper' premiered at the Annecy festival and is set for a wider release later this year - though no streaming dates have been announced for the UK.
Barnard's actions in Annecy have sent shockwaves through social media, with many praising him as an unsung hero. His past work in critically acclaimed productions like Dunkirk and BAFTA-winning Peaky Blinders has cemented his status as a household name in British cinema and television.