A remarkable collection of never-before-seen photographs from the set of the iconic war film Saving Private Ryan has surfaced, nearly three decades after production wrapped. The images, captured covertly by a background actor, offer a candid glimpse into the making of Steven Spielberg's 1998 Oscar-winning masterpiece and come with fresh revelations about its star-studded cast.
The Secret Snapper on Set
The time-capsule pictures were taken by Mike Drew, an extra from Dalston in east London, who worked on the film at Hatfield Aerodrome in Hertfordshire in 1997. For years, he kept his personal album private. Defying a strict no-cameras policy, Mike smuggled a small Olympus camera inside his German soldier's helmet, snapping dozens of photos of stunts, explosions, and unguarded moments between takes.
Mike, a former soldier with the Royal Green Jackets, 1st Battalion, was perfectly cast as a German soldier in the climactic bridge defence scene, where Matt Damon's Private Ryan is found. He told the Daily Mail he was confident he wouldn't be caught, as security was more focused on preventing props from being taken home. "I'm glad I had my Olympus," he said, noting promised official photo opportunities never materialised.
Hollywood Royalty: Up Close and Personal
Reflecting on the A-list cast, Mike described most as remarkably down-to-earth. He spoke several times with a 27-year-old Matt Damon, even predicting his Oscar win, to which Damon replied, "I'd like to think so!" Director Steven Spielberg was good-natured and became "quite excitable" when discussing his past work.
Tom Hanks, who played Captain Miller, left a strong impression. "Tom was never flash or stuck up. I found him incredibly polite and witty," Mike recalled. He noted Hanks had a laid-back demeanour, often sleeping between takes but clicking "straight back into gear" when needed. One habit stood out: Hanks' prodigious appetite. "The first time I saw him in the food marquee, he had three plates piled high with food. I think he ate his salary worth in food," Mike said.
However, not every star was in high spirits. Mike revealed that Vin Diesel, who played Private Caparzo, seemed "upset" and "quite moody on set" throughout. "He acted like he didn't want to be there," Mike speculated, suggesting the actor may have wanted a larger role after just finishing 1997's Strays.
A Glimpse into Filmmaking History
The exclusive photos capture crucial elements of the production, including Spielberg working in an editing tent with Second Unit Director Sergio Mimica, special effects technicians preparing fake heads for explosions, and the replica bridge where Hanks' character meets his end. Mike described the two-month filming period as the "ultimate adrenaline rush," filled with long waits where extras played football and frisbee to pass the time.
The film, inspired by the real-life story of the Niland brothers and Stephen Ambrose's D-Day history, required hundreds of extras, all with weapons-handling experience. Its opening Omaha Beach assault remains renowned for its brutal realism. Saving Private Ryan was nominated for 11 Academy Awards, winning five, including Best Director for Spielberg.
On his final day, Mike asked a man to take a photo of him with Tom Hanks, only to be told by a laughing Hanks that the 'man' was actually assistant director Sergio Mimica. "I felt like such a fool," Mike laughed, "He burst out laughing, shook my hand and we both parted ways." For Mike, it was an honour to be part of a film Spielberg kept telling everyone would be "historic"—a prediction that undoubtedly came true.
