Hollywood director Ron Howard walks back plans to film movie in Yeppoon

A Queensland destination renowned for its beaches, tropical climate, and islands might have been overlooked by Hollywood filmmaker Ron Howard for his next film. And just quietly, there are a few locals not happy.

Renown film director Ron Howard to film a movie in Yeppoon.

The scenic and secluded Capricorn Coast is understood to have been scrapped in favour of the bustling Glitter Strip for award-winning filmmaker Ron Howard’s upcoming film.

Until recently, the beautiful seaside town of Yeppoon, an eight and a half-hour drive from the Gold Coast, was set to be featured in a new film directed by Mr Howard, who first rose to prominence as actor Richie Cunningham in 1960s sitcom Happy Days.

It appears Mr Howard has turned his attention south, where he filmed Thirteen Lives in 2021.

The 69-year-old and his wife posted a photo of a sunrise over Broadbeach on his Instagram account with the caption “#AlwaysScouting – I’m glad I reminded myself to have a moment to appreciate this moment before and after I took this shot”.

The Gold Coast Bulletin reported he also attended Broadbeach’s Groundwater music festival at the weekend and spoke to The Today Show on Monday.

#EXCLUSIVE: Hollywood director Ron Howard has been spotted on the Gold Coast!#9Today | WATCH LIVE 5.30am pic.twitter.com/E65EmjdqWH

— The Today Show (@TheTodayShow) October 22, 2023

The acclaimed director of A Beautiful Mind and Apollo 13 was spotted flying into Rockhampton and staying in Yeppoon back in April this year.

Staff who served him at local cafes said he was very friendly and cordially posed for photos, and was rumoured to be in town scouting for film locations.

Just in case Howard wants to change his mind, The Morning Bulletin has collated a gallery of photos to show him what he is missing out on at Yeppoon and the wider Capricorn Coast.

In photos: Stunning images showcase the natural beauty of the Capricorn Coast

VIEW GALLERY

Howard worked with Screen Queensland in 2021 when he was involved in the film Thirteen Lives, on the 2018 Tham Luang cave rescues, filmed at the Gold Coast.

Howard was a child star and then went on to Happy Days for six years and left to go into directing, producing and writing.

The filmmaker’s works also include Arrested Development, Rush, The Da Vinci code, Solo: A Stars Wars Story, Christmas family favourite How The Grinch Stole Christmas and documentary film The Beatles: Eight Days a Week.

His accolades include Academy Award for Best Director and Academy Award for Best Picture for A Beautiful Mind, was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 2013 and has two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.