Photo: Alan Ritchson, left, (photo by Storm Santos) and Patrick Hughes (photo by Austin Hargrave).
Victoria is on the cusp of a groundbreaking moment in the realm of action sci-fi as Patrick Hughes’ eagerly awaited film War Machinecommences production. Featuring Reacher star Alan Ritchson at the helm, alongside a stellar ensemble cast that includes the legendary Dennis Quaid, the versatile Stephan James, Esai Morales, and Australia’s own Jai Courtney, the film is primed to leave an indelible mark both domestically and on the global stage.
Renowned for his bold and dynamic directorial style, Patrick Hughes co-wrote the screenplay for War Machine with James Beaufort, while also serving as a producer alongside Todd Lieberman and Alex Young. This film marks the inaugural project for Huge Film, a production company established by Hughes, Beaufort, and Greg McLean in 2022, signaling a new chapter of creative collaboration and visionary storytelling.
The executive production team boasts industry veterans Greg McLean, Rich Cook, and Valerie Bleth Sharp. Filming will unfold across a series of stunning locales, including Bright, Myrtleford, Melbourne, and Docklands Studios, positioning War Machinealongside other prestigious productions recently hosted in Victoria. With substantial support from the Victorian Government through VicScreen’s Victorian Screen Incentive and the Australian Government via the Producer Offset, the film is expected to generate over $73 million for the Victorian economy. Additionally, regional businesses stand to gain $7.5 million in revenue, while the production is projected to create approximately 2,100 job opportunities, including ten key leadership roles filled by local talent.
For Hughes, filming War Machine in Australia is a dream come true. “I am thrilled to finally bring this passion project to life right here and collaborate with an outstanding blend of international talent and our remarkable local cast, crew, and support teams,” Hughes shared. “This project is just the beginning; I truly believe there’s no better place than Victoria to make movies.”
McLean echoed this excitement, praising the collaborative effort between local and international partners. “As local filmmakers, we are incredibly proud to work alongside such committed international partners as Lionsgate, Netflix, and Hidden Pictures, as well as the Victorian Government through VicScreen, the Australian Government, and our phenomenal cast and crew,” he said.
With Roadshow Films managing Australian distribution and Netflix bringing War Machine to international screens, the film is poised to captivate hearts and minds across the globe. More than just a cinematic experience, it stands as a testament to the extraordinary talent and boundless creative spirit that define Victoria. This production not only showcases the region’s artistic prowess but also reaffirms its place on the world stage as a hub for visionary storytelling. Audiences everywhere can expect to be swept away by a film that transcends boundaries and ignites imagination.
