Oscar winner Russell Crowe is set to return to Queensland, Australia, for the action thriller “Bear Country,” with cameras rolling this February, Screen Queensland revealed Thursday.
The project reunites Crowe with “Unhinged” helmer Derrick Borte, who will direct from a script he penned with Daniel Forte, based on Thomas Perry’s novel “Strip.” The duo previously collaborated on “American Dreamer.”
In “Bear Country,” Crowe portrays Manco Kapak, a veteran club owner whose plans for a peaceful retirement with his girlfriend are derailed when a masked assailant robs his establishment.
The production, which carries an estimated AUD11.9 million ($7.4 million) economic impact for the region, is expected to employ approximately 95 local workers. The Gold Coast will stand in for Los Angeles, utilizing the area’s diverse locations.
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“Queensland’s international reputation as a production powerhouse continues to grow,” said Arts Minister John-Paul Langbroek, noting the significance of the state’s Production Attraction Strategy in securing the project.
Screen Queensland CEO Jacqui Feeney highlighted the production’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent through their Attachment Program, which provides paid, on-set training opportunities under industry veterans.
Mark Fasano, whose Nickel City Pictures is producing alongside A Higher Standard, praised the region’s production infrastructure. “Queensland’s Gold Coast offers an unbeatable combination of diverse locations, talented local crews and fantastic creatives,” said the “Marlowe” producer.
The project marks Crowe’ return to Queensland following his work on “Land of Bad” in late 2022. Additional producers include Jeffrey Greenstein (“The Hitman’s Bodyguard”), Deborah Glover (“Sleeping Dogs”), and Mark Bower and Bruno Mustic of Life & Soul Pictures.
“Bear Country” receives backing from the City of Gold Coast and the Australian Government through the Location Offset program.
Prominent productions that have found a home in Queensland recently include BBC Studios and The Walt Disney Company’s feature-length animation “Bluey,” Amazon MGM Studios’ live-action film “Voltron” and Sony Pictures’ reimagining of “Anaconda.”