Film and TV crews pumped more than £4 million into Somerset last year – and it's showing. With The Salt Path hitting cinemas this week and Wells Cathedral bracing for a mystery shoot, Somerset is fast becoming the West Country's answer to Hollywood.

Figures released by Screen Somerset, the county's film office, reveal that productions spent £4.2m locally in 2024/25 – and that's not counting the boost in tourism. The biggest splash? Raynor Winn's The Salt Path, filmed at dramatic coastal locations including Minehead, Porlock Weir and Bossington Hill.

But the real drama is now playing out in Wells, where parts of the Cathedral are being shut off for weeks while filming gets underway for an unnamed production. The official line? No comment. The online chatter? A new Masters of the Universe movie could be in the works.

Starting Tuesday 20 May, the Cathedral's Chapter House and famous staircase will be closed to the public, with full lockdown on Wednesday 4 June. And while the Cathedral is keeping quiet, eagle-eyed fans have spotted casting calls for a "high-profile fantasy feature film" shooting in Somerset and London – and looking for bodybuilders. He-Man, anyone?

Cllr Mike Rigby, Somerset Council's lead member for economic development, said filming is a win for the whole county. "I've seen first-hand the spend that film production brings," he said. "There's real potential to use filming to attract more visitors and generate positive spin-offs for local skills and jobs."

Screen Somerset, backed by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, helps productions find locations and navigate local logistics. It worked closely with The Salt Path team last spring, and is now pushing to capitalise on "screen tourism" with Visit Somerset and Visit Exmoor.

Charlotte Wood from Creative England said the county's stunning backdrops are a big part of the draw. "The release of The Salt Path is testament to the fantastic array of locations available in Somerset," she said.

John Turner, boss at Visit Somerset, said the global film industry is finally catching on. "From the timeless beauty of Wells to our wild coastline and historic houses – Somerset offers a cinematic canvas like no other," he said.

With more cameras rolling, extras being cast and secret scripts under wraps, Somerset's starring role on the big screen looks set to continue.