Russell Crowe’s new film Poker Face adds Liam Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky to cast

Liam Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky have been added to the cast of Poker Face – a new thriller being directed by Russell Crowe and filmed in Sydney.

Chris Hemsworth’s bromance with Oscar winner Russell Crowe has translated into a big break for his little brother Liam Hemsworth and wife Elsa Pataky with both cast in Crowe’s thriller Poker Face currently filming in Sydney.

Sunday Confidential can reveal both the youngest Hemsworth and Pataky have quietly been added to the cast of the flick with Crowe – who stars as high-flying tech billionaire Jake in the fast-paced action romp – also directing in only his second stint behind the camera.

Elsa Pataky, Chris Hemsworth and Russell Crowe on Sydney Harbour in March. Picture: Instagram

Set in the world of high-stakes poker and international finance, the film follows Crowe’s character as he struggles with a poker-game gone awry after it’s invaded by armed intruders.

Production sources say Pataky has been cast as a “glamorous croupier” character while less is known about the part to be played by brother-in-law Liam, who hasn’t had a major acting gig since The Hunger Games series.

This new role, however, could be just the salve for Hemsworth’s career slow down with Poker Face – produced by Australia’s Arclight Films – already creating buzz in the industry as one of the biggest Aussie flicks since 2010’s Animal Kingdom.

Liam Hemsworth hasn’t had a major acting role in five years.

Initially set in Miami, Florida, as per the original script, it’s understood Crowe has pushed for the film to also be set in Sydney with some of the city’s most impressive landmarks – Sydney Harbour, Crown Towers and the Harbour Bridge – to be showcased to the world.

In one key scene it’s understood a stunning car chase – featuring some of the most expensive high-performance cars available – will play out across the city.

The casting of Pataky and Hemsworth comes a few weeks after Crowe filmed a cute cameo in the older Hemsworth’s Marvel blockbuster Thor: Love And Thunder.

Now, it seems, the favour has been repaid.

It’s understood the production of Poker Face is powering on in Sydney despite the Covid lockdown, with filming taking place across a handful of locations including Fox Studios at Moore Park.