Gettin’ Square sequel Spit, starring David Wenham filming on the Gold Coast

Australian actor and producer David Wenham is on the Gold Coast filming a sequel to his 2003 film Gettin’ Square, calling the “hilarity and beauty” of the city “home” for this movie.

Powerhouse Australian actor and producer David Wenham is on the Gold Coast filming a sequel to his 2003 film Gettin’ Square, calling the “hilarity and beauty” of the city “home” for this movie.

Gold Coast-based writer and lawyer Christopher Nyst announced he was teaming up with Lord of the Rings star Wenham to bring back Gettin’ Square character Johnny (Spit) Spitieri in the movie Spit.

Spit will be filled with returning Gettin’ Square cast including Helen Thomson, David Field, David Roberts and Gary Sweet.

Actor and producer David Wenham, director Jonathan Teplitzky and writer Christopher Nyst on set of Spit, a sequel to the 2003 movie, Gettin' Square. Photo: Vince Valitutti

Filming began on the Gold Coast in April and will wrap by mid-May and Spit producer Felicity McVay said they had been to almost every part of the city.

She said they began filming at Toowoomba’s Wellcamp Airport, turning it into a detention centre.

Cast had made their way to Southport Magistrates Court, Surfers Paradise council chambers, Southport’s Lawlor Park, Tugun skate park, an old Queenslander in Steiglitz and Southport TAFE.

Ms McVay said last week they filmed at Braeside Estate in Merrimac which they turned into a funeral home for the film.

Actor and producer David Wenham and writer Christopher Nyst on set of Spit, the sequel to the 2003 film Gettin' Square. Photo: Vince Valitutti.

She said next week they had planned to dangle Wenham from a balcony at a Southport apartment which they are using as Spitieri’s sister’s accommodation.

It is 22 years after the Gettin’ Square became a quintessential Australian and Gold Coast-based film - and Wenham said still “barely a day goes by when I am not asked about Johny Spitieri”.

“Spit was a character that endeared himself to audiences – bad habits, bad haircut and bad fashion aside, he was the quintessential everyman, a little man doing his best under seemingly impossible circumstances,” Wenham said.

David Wenham in Getting Square Picture: Supplied

The creative team behind Gettin’ Square had been working on sequel Spit for six years, he said.

“It’s now time to make the film and let Spit loose,” Wenham said.

He said there was no other place to bring Spit “home” than to the Gold Coast.

“I am extremely fond of this place,” Wenham said.

“The hilarity of it and the beauty of it. I can say, I love the Goldie.”

The film, largely based on the Gold Coast, was expected to inject approximately $7.2 million into Queensland economy and had created 120 employment opportunities for cast, crew, creatives and 250 extras.

Actors David Wenham (L) & Sam Worthington in 2003 film "Getting Square".

Screen Queensland CEO Jacqui Feeney said they were “proud” to be supporting the film’s return.

“With Queensland’s vibrant locations and the iconic nature of the original film, Spit promises to once again captivate audiences with its unique blend of humour and heart,” she said.

Ms Feeney said Spit was one of many Queensland productions they had supported in recent times including Boy Swallows Universe, Black Snow, Troppo and Audrey.

“(They) continue the homegrown legacy Screen Queensland is helping to build for our state’s screen sector,” she said.

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