Sir Ben Kingsley is picture perfect as Spanish surrealist Salvador Dalí

FIRST LOOK: Sir Ben Kingsley is picture perfect as Spanish surrealist Salvador Dalí while filming new biopic Dalí Land in windy north Wales

One could be forgiven for thinking Salvador Dalí was alive and well on Friday as Sir Ben Kingsley stepped into the surrealist painter’s shoes for a new biopic. 

The Oscar-winning actor was the spitting image of Dalí, who passed away in 1989 at the age of 84, while making his first appearance on the set of forthcoming film Dalí Land. 

Sporting the twirled mustache and shoulder length hair favoured by the eccentric Spanish artist, Sir Ben, 77, was ready for action as filming got underway on the windy Anglesey coast in Wales. 

Latest role: One could be forgiven for thinking Salvador Dalí was alive and well on Friday as Sir Ben Kingsley stepped into the surrealist painter’s shoes for a new biopic

Adding to Dalí’s distinctive look, the celebrated actor wore a pattered cape and held a cane as he took up position on the rocky coastline. 

Sir Ben was joined by a small group of production assistants and cast-members dressed in period clothing that appeared to reflect the film’s early seventies setting while shooting his first scenes.

However leading lady Suki Waterhouse, last seen filming on location in Liverpool, was not present as filming commenced on the Welsh island.   

All set: Sporting the twirled mustache and shoulder length hair favoured by the eccentric Spanish artist, Sir Ben, 77, was ready for action as filming got underway on the windy Anglesey coast in Wales

All set: Sporting the twirled mustache and shoulder length hair favoured by the eccentric Spanish artist, Sir Ben, 77, was ready for action as filming got underway on the windy Anglesey coast in Wales

All set: Sporting the twirled mustache and shoulder length hair favoured by the eccentric Spanish artist, Sir Ben, 77, was ready for action as filming got underway on the windy Anglesey coast in Wales

Steady on: Adding to Dalí's distinctive look, the celebrated actor wore a pattered cape and held a cane as he took up position on the rocky coastline

Steady on: Adding to Dalí’s distinctive look, the celebrated actor wore a pattered cape and held a cane as he took up position on the rocky coastline

Set in 1973, Dalí Land will follow the story of a young gallery assistant who helps the ageing Dalí prepare for a big show in New York.

Wile Sir Ben takes on the role of the artist in his later years, while Ezra Miller, 28, portrays the impressionist in his youth.

They star alongside Barbara Sukowa playing his wife Gala; Frank Dillane as a young art enthusiast; and Tim Roth who will be Dalí’s right hand man, Captain Moore.

Dalí Land was originally scheduled for a 2020 release. A new date has not yet been confirmed.