Hollywood stars to hit town as camers roll on major sci-fi movie in Melbourne

Melbourne’s reputation as a major movie destination is growing, with Dennis Quaid and Reacher star Alan Ritchson among the latest big-name stars set to hit town for filming.

Reacher star Alan Ritchson.

Melbourne continues to grow its reputation as a mini Hollywood with a major international sci-fi film featuring Reacher star Alan Ritchson set to inject more than $70m into the local economy.

War Machine, a movie from Lionsgate and Netflix, follows the final 24 hours of the world’s toughest selection program, with a team of Army Rangers encountering a threat beyond their imagination.

Ritchson, who plays Jack Reacher in the Amazon Prime series Reacher, will be joined in the cast by Dennis Quaid, Stephan James, Jai Courtney and Esai Morales.

Reacher star Alan Ritchson.

Dennis Quaid will star in War Machine. Picture: AP

War Machine is directed, co-written and produced by Melbourne-born filmmaker Patrick Hughes.

Filming starts this week and will take place at Melbourne’s Docklands Studios, as well as Bright and Myrtleford. Post-production will also take place in Victoria.

The production will create 2100 jobs for Victorians, support 80 local businesses and push more than $73m into the Victorian economy.

War Machine joins a raft of major projects filming in Victoria including international TV series All Her Fault, starring Sarah Snook, and the Sony Pictures feature Beneath the Storm, starring Phoebe Dynevor.

Patrick Hughes is directing War Machine. Picture: Supplied

Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks said War Machine choosing to film in Victoria was a win for the local creative industry.

“Victoria is in hot demand as a screen destination because of our stunning locations, expert local crews and world class facilities,” Brooks said.

“We are proud to back this project which will inject $73m into our state – creating thousands of creative film jobs that you just can’t get everywhere.”

“Since directing my first feature, Red Hill, in High Country, Omeo, back in 2010, I’ve predominantly been working on projects internationally,” Hughes said.

“However, it’s been a lifelong dream to bring Hollywood-style blockbusters home to Australia. I am thrilled to finally bring this passion project to life right here and collaborate with an outstanding blend of international talent and our remarkable local cast, crew, and support teams. This project is just the beginning; I truly believe there’s no better place than Victoria to make movies.”

VicScreen CEO Caroline Pitcher welcomed the production.

“We are thrilled to have attracted Victorian creative talent Patrick Hughes home to make this film in Victoria,” Pitcher said.

“It is the latest in a line of sizeable international projects which have been developed and produced by Victorian screen creatives for a global audience.”