The budget makes it the biggest film project in Finland. Former NuImage/Millenium Films Michael P. Flannigan is reported to have moved to Lithuania to work on the film

"The project started in the early 2000's, when the Champion of Liberty association and Solar Films decided to co-operate on the project. After that, the planned premiere was shifted several times. Also the plans to produce an international co-production with foreign actors had to be dropped," Solar Films (http://www.solarfilms.com/) producer Markus Selin said.

The shooting is due to start in January in Lithuania and also will probably go to other locations, including Poland, Russia, and Finland.

The leading role will be played by the 32-year-old actor Mikko Nousiainen. Mannerheim, a Finish baron, was commander-in-chief of Finnish defense forces during WWII and the sixth President of Finland.

The premiere of the film is scheduled for October 30, 2009.