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Gold Coast lands major Hollywood comedy with big-name cast

Blockbuster comedy Spa Weekend, featuring Isla Fisher and Anna Faris, is set to begin filming on the Gold Coast this month, bringing jobs and millions to the Queensland economy.

Isla Fisher and Anna Faris will star in the Queensland-filmed movie production.
Isla Fisher and Anna Faris will star in the Queensland-filmed movie production.

The Gold Coast is preparing to welcome another Hollywood blockbuster, with filming due to start this month on Spa Weekend, starring Isla Fisher, Leslie Mann, Michelle Buteau and Anna Faris.

From Bad Moms writer-directors Jon Lucas and Scott Moore, the film will transform the Gold Coast into Los Angeles, following three best friends whose dream spa retreat takes a chaotic turn when an unexpected guest crashes their getaway.

Spa Weekend is the latest in a wave of international productions choosing Queensland as their backdrop, joining Voltron starring Henry Cavill, Anaconda with Jack Black and Paul Rudd, and Bear Country featuring Russell Crowe — all currently in production across the state.

Aside from the star power, the project is expected to create nearly 200 local jobs and inject an estimated $12 million into the state’s economy.

The Gold Coast is attracting many blockbusters. Pic: Nigel Hallett
The Gold Coast is attracting many blockbusters. Pic: Nigel Hallett

Queensland Minister for the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said the state has never been more attractive to filmmakers.

“Queensland’s reputation as a production destination of choice has never been stronger, thanks to our renowned crew base, versatile locations, enviable lifestyle, and first-class facilities,” he said.

The film has been secured through Screen Queensland’s Production Attraction Strategy, with additional backing from the Gold Coast City Council’s Screen Attraction Program and the Australian Government’s Location Offset.

Screen Queensland CEO Jacqui Feeney said the film highlights the state’s ability to host both major global productions and high-calibre Australian content.

“We look forward to the Spa Weekend team experiencing the production paradise that our local sector so proudly provides, time and time again,” she said.

Originally published as Gold Coast lands major Hollywood comedy with big-name cast

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Original URL: https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/news/gold-coast/gold-coast-lands-major-hollywood-comedy-with-bigname-cast/news-story/130279b73423ccc64014ef8b644d9132