Pete Davidson is set to film his latest production in Australia, with the U.S./ Australian “Wizards” heading to Queensland.
The comedy feature film is produced by Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner from Brad Pitt’s company Plan B Entertainment (“12 Years a Slave”, “World War Z” and “Moonlight”), Liz Watts of See-Saw Films (“Foe”, “Lion” and “The King’s Speech”) and A24, which will also handle global distribution.
The screenplay is based off a story by David Michôd (“Animal Kingdom” and “The King”) and Joel Edgerton (“The Gift”, “Boy Erased” and “The King”). It is written by Michôd and follows the story of two hapless beach-bar operators (Davidson and Franz Rogowski) who run into trouble when they stumble across a stolen loot.
“Wizards” was lured to Queensland via the state’s Production Attraction Strategy and the Federal Government’s Location Incentive .
Annastacia Palaszczuk, the state’s premier, said the production was a coup for Queensland which would create job opportunities for locals as well as significant economic benefits for the state.
“Once again, our local film industry and picture-perfect locations have lured another valuable production with big budgets to spend in our region,” she said.
“‘Wizards’ will inject approximately $14.7 million into our state economy and create around 100 jobs for Queensland cast and crew, as well as nearly 300 opportunities for extras – which I’m sure will be great news for local industry practitioners and the community alike.”
Kylie Munnich, CEO of Screen Queensland, said securing “Wizards” demonstrates that producers from around the world know that filming in Queensland brings many benefits.
“Queensland is a globally renowned screen production hub, and Screen Queensland is continuously pitching our state’s locations, studios, skilled screen workforce and valuable incentives,” she said.
“Screen Queensland is delighted to welcome Plan B Entertainment to Queensland for the first time, and we are glad to see the return of See-Saw Films since they filmed their 2020 Foxtel/Sky series ‘The End’ on the Gold Coast.”
Co-producer Watts said Queensland is the ideal fit for the upcoming film.
“We are thrilled to be bringing David Michôd’s next feature to Queensland with its wealth of talent in its cast and crews and enviable locations,” she said.
The announcement is just the latest win for Screen Queensland, after Baz Luhrmann’s “Elvis” filmed on the Gold Coast. Both Luhrmann and stars including Tom Hanks will hit the red carpet in the Gold Coast and Sydney for the film’s local premieres.
Netflix’s “Spiderhead”, starring Chris Hemsworth, also filmed on the Gold Coast.
In addition, “The Bachelor Australia” has recently relocated from New South Wales to Queensland for filming.