Oscar-nominated actor Michael Shannon and Superman star David Corenswet are in Melbourne to shoot an untitled US feature about American footballer John Tuggle.
The film will shoot on location around the city and Geelong, with Kardinia Park and La Trobe University Sports Park in Bundoora doubling for American football stadiums.
John Tuggle was dubbed “Mr. Irrelevant” of the 1983 NFL Draft, as the last player chosen in the last round by the New York Giants. The film will follow his enduring impact on his team and teammates.
Corenswet stars as Tuggle, opposite Shannon who will play coach Bill Parcells. The cast also includes Isabel May.
Jonathan Levine is directing the Skydance Sports project, written and produced by Nick Santora for Blackjack Films. Levine also produces for Megamix with Gillian Bohrer for Megamix. Stan Wlodkowski is executive producing.
“We are thrilled to be making this film in Victoria with its first-class crews and screen infrastructure,” said Skydance EVP of physical production Brad Carlson.
“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.”
The production is expected to create 825 jobs for Victorian screen workers, including 215 crew and 570 cast and extras, including members of the local gridiron community who will suit up to play footballers and referees.
Lured to Australia by the Location Offset and the Victorian Screen Rebate, the film is also expected to inject $29 million into the state economy, with an estimated 125 local businesses to be engaged.
It is the third international project to shoot in Victoria this year, joining Melbourne-set AppleTV+ series The Dispatcher, currently filming at Docklands Studios Melbourne and on location in regional areas, and Liam Neeson action feature The Mongoose, which wrapped in March.
Victorian Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks said the project continued “the winning streak” for the local industry, “showcasing both our creative capability and our world class sporting facilities.”
VicScreen CEO Caroline Pitcher said: “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.”