Queensland is about to get a dose of Hollywood hilarity as “Bad Moms” creators Jon Lucas and Scott Moore bring their latest female-led comedy, “Spa Weekend,” to Australia’s Gold Coast. Starring Leslie Mann (“Knocked Up”), Isla Fisher (“Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy”), Michelle Buteau (“Babes”), and Anna Faris (“Scary Movie”), the film begins production this month.
According to Deadline, “Spa Weekend” follows three best friends—Jane, Coco, and Sophie—who plan a luxurious spa retreat in Palm Springs to escape the stress of their daily lives. However, their dream weekend turns into comedic chaos when their reckless, unpredictable friend, Mel, shows up uninvited. The film is produced by Suzanne Todd (“Bad Moms”) and John Friedberg (“The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare”) for Black Bear, with Teddy Schwarzman and Michael Heimler executive-producing.
Australia has become an increasingly attractive destination for Hollywood productions, thanks to government incentives, skilled crews, and diverse landscapes. “Spa Weekend” was secured for the Gold Coast through Screen Queensland’s Production Attraction Strategy, which has lured major productions such as “Black Snow” to the region.
Screen Queensland CEO Jacqui Feeney said that the agency is delighted to continue to work with Brouhaha Entertainment after the enormous success of “Boy Swallows Universe” and the forthcoming thriller “Dangerous Animals”.
“Queensland’s screen production sector balances welcoming international blockbusters like ‘Voltron,’ ‘Anaconda’ and ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’ alongside high quality Australian content with global appeal, such as ‘Black Snow,'” she said. “We look forward to the ‘Spa Weekend’ team experiencing the production paradise that our local sector so proudly provides, time and time again.”
The film is also supported by the Gold Coast City Council’s Screen Attraction Program and the Australian Government’s Location Offset.
Minister for the Arts John-Paul Langbroek emphasised the benefits of hosting international productions, stating, “Queensland’s reputation as a production destination of choice has never been stronger, thanks to our renowned crew base, versatile locations, enviable lifestyle, and first-class facilities.” The production is expected to inject an estimated $12 million into the local economy while creating nearly 200 jobs.
Brouhaha Entertainment’s Troy Lum, who is providing local production services, highlighted the Gold Coast’s appeal to international filmmakers. “We’re excited to be back in the Sunshine State for the third time in as many years with ‘Spa Weekend,’” he said. “Queensland’s remarkable talent, both on and offscreen, and its diverse locations continue to bring us north.”
Lucas and Moore have built a reputation for crafting hit comedies, having penned “The Hangover,” “The Change-Up,” “Office Christmas Party,” and “21 & Over”. Their 2016 blockbuster “Bad Moms” resonated with audiences, grossing over $183 million worldwide and sparking a sequel. Producer Suzanne Todd is confident that “Spa Weekend” will deliver a similar mix of relatability and laugh-out-loud moments.
“Thank goodness the rumours are false—comedy in Hollywood is not dead!” Todd told Deadline. “What a joy to work with these amazing, funny, talented women on my fourth movie with the incredible comedic team of Lucas and Moore.”
The film’s powerhouse cast boasts some of Hollywood’s most beloved comedic stars. Mann, best known for “Knocked Up,” “This Is 40,” and “Blockers,” has been a staple of comedy for decades. Fisher, whose filmography includes “Wedding Crashers” and “Definitely, Maybe,” recently starred in “Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy”. Buteau, a rising star in comedy, co-created and starred in “Survival of the Thickest” and appeared in the 2024 comedy “Babes” alongside Ilana Glazer. Faris, whose breakout role came in the “Scary Movie” franchise, has headlined hits like “The House Bunny,” “Overboard,” and “My Spy: The Eternal City”.
Producer John Friedberg sees “Spa Weekend” as a much-needed addition to the comedy landscape. “The market is drastically underserved with quality comedies, especially for a female audience, and when these films are good, they really work,” he told Deadline. “Leslie, Isla, Michelle, and Anna are some of the most hilarious actors in the business, and this will undoubtedly be an unforgettable on-screen combination.”