In their latest project, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare (2024), Henry Cavill and Alan Ritchson step into the world of covert WWII operations, portraying unsung heroes in a story inspired by real-life events. Directed by Guy Ritchie, this film isn’t just another war epic — it’s a tribute to unconventional warfare, camaraderie, and a shared passion for raw, grounded filmmaking. In a recent interview, Cavill and Ritchson opened up about what drew them to the project, working with Ritchie, and the magic of filming at sea.

Henry Cavill: “I Wanted My Creative Juices Flowing Again”
For Henry Cavill, this film marked a return to the kind of cinematic work that reignites an actor’s love for the craft.

“I wanted to reinvigorate my love for filmmaking,” Cavill shared. “I wanted to get back into a job that would be the most enjoyable — and really sort of get my creative juices flowing again.”
Cavill has previously collaborated with Guy Ritchie on The Man from U.N.C.L.E., a performance he considers one of his most enjoyable — and possibly best — to date. So, when he heard Ritchie was working on another stylish, action-driven period piece, it was a no-brainer.

“The opportunity to work with Guy again, and on a story like this… I jumped in with both feet, very eagerly and very happily.”

Alan Ritchson: A Dream Role That Started with a BBQ
Alan Ritchson, best known for his powerful presence in Amazon’s Reacher, recounted how his casting for The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare came about in the most unexpected way.

“I was filming Reacher when my team called and said Guy Ritchie had a film he wanted me to look at. I read the script over the weekend — and it was the kind of movie actors dream of doing.”
At the time, no specific character had been attached to Ritchson. He loved the story, particularly one “badass” character — who, as it turns out, would become his eventual role. But the real twist came during his first Zoom call with Guy Ritchie.

“Usually there’s a bit of small talk, and then you get into the vision for the character… but not with Guy. He just goes, ‘You look like a barbecue guy. Do you like barbecue?’ I said, ‘Sure.’ And then he says, ‘Wanna do the movie?’ I said, ‘Absolutely.’ That was it. No long pitch. Just Guy being Guy.”
Ritchson was stunned by how informal — and fast — the offer came together. “I told my team, ‘I think I just got the part, but I’m not entirely sure.’ It felt too easy — but it was real.”

Shooting on the High Seas: “This Doesn’t Happen in TV”
One of the most memorable aspects of production for both actors was filming on actual water — a rarity in an era dominated by green screens and digital effects.

“Being out at sea again was extraordinary,” Cavill said. “In this day and age, you usually expect to be on a green screen stage — maybe on a gimbal at best. But we were truly out there on the ocean, off the beautiful coastline of Turkey.”
That authenticity, he noted, helped the actors immerse themselves in the story and gave the film a unique texture.

“There’s something about being on the water… it sells the world. It creates a bond between cast and crew, because you’re not disappearing into your trailers. You’re all on the boat, all day long, rain or shine.”
Ritchson echoed that sentiment, recalling a surreal moment with Cavill while pulling up to a set ship.

“I looked at Henry and said, ‘This doesn’t happen. Only movies like this bring you to places like this.’ Behind us were the mountains of Turkey, in front of us, turquoise waters, and an old pirate ship. TV doesn’t give you this. Very few jobs do. I told him, ‘This is a dream.’ And he agreed.”

A Celebration of Grit, Brotherhood, and Cinematic Adventure
The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare tells the story of a secret British unit formed during WWII to carry out unorthodox missions behind enemy lines. The film blends action, wit, and emotional weight — all hallmarks of Guy Ritchie’s signature style.

Together, Cavill and Ritchson bring a rare chemistry to the screen: a balance of stoic strength and rugged charisma, ideal for a story that blurs the lines between war and espionage, strategy and chaos, honor and ruthlessness.

“It’s just so cool to be part of something like this,” Ritchson said. “This film brings together everything you love about movies — scale, story, character, and real adventure.”

Conclusion: A New Kind of War Film
With its stylish direction, powerhouse cast, and commitment to authenticity, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare is poised to stand out as one of 2024’s most unique cinematic experiences. For Cavill and Ritchson, it wasn’t just another job — it was a journey back to the heart of why they fell in love with storytelling in the first place.

“This is the kind of film that reminds you why we do what we do.” – Henry Cavill

Have you seen The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare yet? What did you think of Cavill and Ritchson’s performances? Let us know in the comments — and share this behind-the-scenes insight with your fellow film lovers.