Russell Crowe’s new movie to begin filming on Gold Coast

Academy Award-winner Russell Crowe is returning to Queensland for his latest action thriller which will begin filming on the Gold Coast in February.

Russell Crowe will bring his latest thriller to Queensland. Photo: Supplied.

Russell Crowe is bringing blockbuster action back to Queensland, with his latest film Bear Country set to start shooting on the Gold Coast in February.

The Gladiator star, who last filmed in Queensland in 2022 with the action thriller Land of Bad, will headline the high-octane film, which will see the glitter strip double as the gritty streets of Los Angeles.

Production is set to kick off soon after Crowe fulfils his duties as host of the 2025 AACTA Awards, held on February 7 on the Gold Coast.

Adapted from Thomas Perry’s novel Strip, Bear Country follows an ageing but formidable club owner, Manco Kapak, played by Crowe, whose retirement plans are shattered when he becomes the target of a masked gunman.

Russell Crowe’s new movie will be filmed on the Gold Coast.

Reuniting with his Unhinged director and co-writer Derrick Borte, Crowe’s latest project is poised to inject nearly $12 million into the local economy and employ around 95 crew members.

“The recent boost in productions opens the door for Queenslanders wanting to build a career in the screen

sector, with Bear Country generating an estimated $11.9 million for the economy,” Arts Minister and Surfers Paradise MP John-Paul Langbroek said.

“I’m confident the Gold Coast’s incredible natural environment will shine in Bear Country when it conveniently

doubles as Los Angeles.”

Screen Queensland CEO Jacqui Feeney said Crowe’s return cements the state’s reputation as a film powerhouse.

“We hear time and time again from Australian and international producers that Queensland’s crew base is second to none. It’s fantastic that we can welcome back a global star like Russell Crowe to experience all our screen production sector can offer while enjoying the best of our Queensland lifestyle,” she said.

“Bear Country will also provide crucial training opportunities for emerging crew through our Attachment Program which offers paid, on-set positions working under experienced industry veterans.”

Produced by Nickel City Pictures and A Higher Standard, the film is backed by the City of Gold Coast and the Australian Government’s Location Offset.

“Queensland’s Gold Coast offers an unbeatable combination of diverse locations, talented local crews and fantastic creatives. This, combined with the great

support from Screen Queensland is why I’m excited to be back in Queensland to shoot Bear Country,” CEO of Nickel City Pictures Mark Fasano said.