A major U.S. feature film has quietly commenced production in Victoria, adding further momentum to the state’s growing profile as a global screen production hub.
Currently untitled, the film tells the inspiring true story of NFL player John Tuggle—famously selected last in the 1983 draft and dubbed “Mr. Irrelevant”—whose legacy with the New York Giants defied expectation and left a lasting impact. The project brings heavyweight talent to Australian shores, with David Corenswet (“Superman,” “Twisters”), Michael Shannon (“The Shape of Water,” “Nocturnal Animals”), and Isabel May (“1883”) leading the cast. It is directed by Jonathan Levine (“50/50,” “Long Shot”) and written and produced by Emmy-nominated screenwriter Nick Santora (“Reacher,” “FUBAR”).
Filming is underway across Melbourne and Geelong, with local landmarks such as Kardinia Park and La Trobe University Sports Park standing in for American football stadiums. The production is expected to inject nearly $29 million into the Victorian economy, create 825 jobs—including 215 crew and 570 cast and extras—and engage more than 125 local businesses.
“It’s exciting to see another major international production coming to life in Victoria, creating hundreds of jobs and delivering economic impact in Melbourne and regional Victoria,” said Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks.
“This project continues the winning streak for our local screen industry, showcasing both our creative capability and our world-class sporting facilities.”
The project joins a growing slate of major productions in Victoria, including Liam Neeson’s “The Mongoose” and the series “The Dispatcher,” and follows the recent success of “Better Man,” the Robbie Williams biopic filmed entirely in Victoria.
Directed, co-produced and co-written by Victorian filmmaker Michael Gracey, “Better Man” portrays the rise, fall and resurgence of the pop icon—ingeniously depicted on screen as a monkey using cutting-edge visual effects crafted in Melbourne. The film has received critical acclaim for its storytelling and technical innovation, securing 35 award nominations including a Golden Globe and two Academy Award shortlistings for Best Visual Effects and Best Original Song.
“Better Man” currently stands as the largest feature ever produced locally, generating over 2,900 jobs—including more than 420 in regional Victoria—and injecting over $142 million into the state economy. It was conceived by an all-Victorian team, with Gracey joined by co-writers Simon Gleeson and Oliver Cole, and producers Paul Currie, Coco Ma and Craig McMahon.
“This production will shine a global spotlight on Victoria’s thriving gridiron community ahead of the Los Angeles Rams’ historic appearance in Australia’s first-ever NFL regular season games at the MCG next year,” said Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos of the “Mr. Irrelevant” feature.
“Victoria has achieved its vision to become a global powerhouse for screen production and our screen industry is known for its highly skilled and experienced crews and local businesses, diverse locations, and talented creatives,” added VicScreen CEO Caroline Pitcher.
The John Tuggle film is being produced by Skydance Sports, with Jonathan Levine and Gillian Bohrer for Megamix and Nick Santora for Blackjack Films. Stan Wlodkowski serves as executive producer. The production was secured through VicScreen’s Victorian Screen Rebate and is also accessing the Federal Government’s Location Offset.
Brad Carlson, EVP of Physical Production at Skydance, said, “We are thrilled to be making this film in Victoria with its first-class crews and screen infrastructure. The state’s amazing sports facilities and varied locations can double locations like New York, California and Mexico, so we knew there was no better place to bring this project to life.”