Chris Hemsworth and Matt Damon are two of the latest Hollywood actors to start filming a Hollywood blockbuster in Australia. The influx of films being made here is largely because we’ve handled COVID-19 effectively, making a major film shoot possible and Australia the go-to location for film shoots right now.
One of the biggest blockbusters filming here is the fourth installment of Marvel’s Thor franchise – Thor: Love And Thunder. Chris Hemsworth started filming in Centennial Park in Sydney, last week while Matt Damon flew out, along with his family, to start work on the film once he’s finished his 14-day quarantine.
Other Hollywood actors to reprise their roles in the film include Natalie Portman, who’s been out here in Australia since before Christmas. She’ll reprise her role as Jane – only this time we’ve heard she’ll be wielding a hammer alongside or possibly against Thor.
Christian Bale will star as the main antagonist, Gorr the God Butcher and Chris Pratt is set to star as well, although his character is unconfirmed. Tessa Thompson will reprise her role as Valkyrie and Karen Gillan will return as Nebula.
New Zealand director, Taika Waititi co-wrote the script for Thor: Love and Thunder with Jennifer Kaytin Robinson (Someone Great) and the film follows on from the 2017 hit – Thor: Ragnarok.
What will Matt Damon’s role be?
Matt Damon had a brief cameo role in 2017’s Thor: Ragnarok where he portrayed an Asgardian actor playing Loki in a play but his role in this latest sequel remains unconfirmed.
Damon has been quoted as saying he was “so excited” to be able to call Australia home for the coming months: “Australian film crews are world-renowned for their professionalism and are a joy to work with so the 14 days of quarantine will be well worth it,” he added.
Damon’s lawyer released a statement saying his client’s “relocation and quarantine” has all been privately arranged and: “Their entry will in no way impact or reduce the number of spaces for Australians overseas waiting to return home nor create any burden to the Australian taxpayer whatsoever.”
Hollywood blockbusters bring in the cash
The filming of Thor: Love and Thunder is expected to generate 2500 jobs in New South Wales and use the services of about 1650 businesses. Even the Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, said: “Hollywood superstar Matt Damon joining our homegrown talent to film such a major movie in NSW is a big win creating thousands of jobs for locals.”
The NSW Treasurer, Dominic Perrottet, added the film will give the NSW economy a needed shot in the arm: “In particular, the recent announcements by several studios and film production companies, including Marvel, represent a fantastic economic boom for NSW with numerous new jobs and opportunities for local NSW businesses.”
Other films currently shooting in Australia
There are a number of other films currently or recently shot in Australia and they include: Escape from Spiderhead; Young Rock: Thirteen Lives; The Ranger’s Apprentice; and Blacklight.
For more on movies being filmed in Australia, see our story here.
Thor: Love and Thunder will be in cinemas by May 6, 2022.
Catch up with Chris Hemsworth in the video above as he sends up his role of Thor.
