Stephen Fry has described filming V for Vendetta as "a treat from start to finish", recalling his excitement at working with John Hurt and the extraordinary experience of shooting in the heart of London's government district.

The actor, 69, played television presenter Gordon Deitrich in the 2006 dystopian thriller, which is returning to cinemas for two special screenings on November 1 and 5 to mark its 20th anniversary.

Directed by James McTeigue, 59, the film also starred Natalie Portman, 45, Hugo Weaving, 66, and Stephen Rea, 80, alongside Hurt, who died aged 77 in 2017.

Speaking to PEOPLE, Fry said: "I came in knowing one thing - that I was going to have scenes with John Hurt, whom I had met and knew a little but had never worked with, and that this alone would be an unforgettable treat. As indeed it was."

Fry admitted he had not previously read the graphic novel by Alan Moore, 72, which inspired the film, before receiving a copy ahead of shooting in Germany.

He said he "read it in one breathless sitting, absolutely stunned by its quality."

The actor, also known for Blackadder, A Bit of Fry and Laurie and Jeeves and Wooster, said the experience encouraged him to explore more of Moore's writing.

He said: "I have since read as much Alan Moore as I could lay my hands on."

Fry also reflected on the film's depiction of authoritarian government, political repression and resistance, suggesting its central themes remain relevant two decades after its original release.

He said: "V for Vendetta's fear of a new rise in fascism? Is that timely these years later?! You hardly need ask."

Fry added: "One of the deep pleasures of being associated with this picture is the number of times people have come to me and praised its acute relevance."

The film follows a masked revolutionary challenging a totalitarian British government, with Portman playing Evey Hammond and Weaving portraying the mysterious vigilante V.

Hurt played the authoritarian leader Adam Sutler, whose regime uses surveillance, intimidation and propaganda to maintain control.

Fry praised McTeigue and the Wachowskis for bringing the story to the screen while expressing concern about its continuing political resonance.

He said: "It's an anniversary now that one meets with a mixture of pride and shame. Pride in how well the film was put together by James McTeigue and the Wachowskis and shame in how little our society has done to prevent its prophetic nature from being disproved."

One particularly memorable experience involved filming scenes in Whitehall, near the Houses of Parliament, rather than relying entirely on studio recreations.

Fry recalled being astonished that the production secured permission to assemble tanks and large crowds in the government district.

He had expected the sequence to be filmed at Pinewood Studios or against green screens instead.

Although Gordon meets a grim fate in the story, Fry appreciated the attention given to his character's development.

The actor also highlighted cinema's ability to confront political issues while remaining entertaining.

He described the "importance of a cinema that can warn but still entertain while warning."

The anniversary screenings are being organized through Fathom Entertainment, with tickets available online and at participating cinemas.