‘Beanies, sweaters, fake snow’: The full list of Gold Coast spots transformed into the US for Young Rock season two
Actor Uli Latukefu has shared the surreal meeting he had with Dwayne Johnson prior to filming Young Rock season two and all the Gold Coast filming locations to spot on the show. FULL LIST
QLD News
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Australian actor Uli Latukefu came into season two of Young Rock in Queensland with extra ammunition: approval from the boss.
After wrapping season one, Latukefu, who plays Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in the NBCU series, was recruited by Johnson to co-star alongside him on US blockbuster Black Adam, which marked Latukefu’s first time meeting the actor in person.
“That was such a surreal experience,” he said. “We had a bit of chat and spoke about Young Rock. He’s really proud of the show and really proud of the cast and creative team. I got to share a bit about how things were on the ground. It was really cool.”
Asked if he got any feedback on his portrayal, Latukefu laughed “no, thankfully”.
“It didn’t (change how I played him),” he added. “If anything I really got to see him as a person, not so much as a character I’m playing but as a human being. You get the sense that he really takes the time with people.”
Young Rock season two filmed at Village Roadshow Studios and on location on the Gold Coast over summer, recreating the colder locations across the US.
Cbus Stadium in Robina was transformed into a Miami college football field, Metricon Stadium was drizzled in fake snow and trendy Palm Beach restaurant The Scottish Prince became a dark American sports bar.
Other locations included Top Golf, Somerset College, the old Sizzler restaurant, Australian Outback Spectacular, IGA at Sanctuary Cove and Hog’s Breath at Main Beach.
“It was so hot. We were dressed in sweaters and beanies,” Latukefu said. “But all the fake snow really helps psychologically to get into that mode.”
The cast would do their workouts together in the morning before cooling off at the beach.
“I can’t overstate it enough. We are making a show about the biggest superstar on the planet and we get to make it here in Australia and I’m really proud of that,” said Latukefu, who is preparing to welcome his second child in six weeks.
“I can be with my family but also it’s home and we can shoot something special like that in Australia with Australian crew. It means a lot to me.”
The production chose to film on Gold Coast thanks to Screen Queensland’s production attraction strategy alongside Federal government support.
With episodes directed and co-produced by Brisbane local Jeffrey Walker, the production created 250 jobs and injected $27 million injected into the state’s economy.
“Securing the second season of Young rock is a testament to our screen industry’s ability to attract repeat business and provide ongoing employment for local cast and crew,” Kylie Munnich, CEO of Screen Queensland said.
“Together with season one, the series has injected approximately $51 million into the state and created around 850 job opportunities. It’s a thrill as always to see our picture-perfect state on screens here and in the US, and all the Queenslanders who worked on the production are to be congratulated for bringing this family series to life.”
Young Rock season two is on Foxtel and Binge now
GOLD COAST FILMING LOCATIONS
•Tropicana Motel, Mermaid Beach
•Robina Town Centre
•Metricon Stadium
•Old Sizzler, Mermaid Beach
•Bellevue Park Sate School
•Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre
•Riviera Equestrian Centre
•Hog’s Breath, Main Beach
•Carrara Indoor Sports Centre
•Gold Coast Turf Club
•IGA Sanctuary Cove
•Vinnies Southport
•Australian Outback Spectacular
•Somerset College
•Top Golf
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