Filming Elvis biopic in Australia with Baz Luhrmann, Austin Butler a career highlight for David Wenham

David Wenham worried Covid would bring his acting projects to an abrupt end. Instead it brought him what he loves most – roles in incredible Australian-based productions.

Actor David Wenham. Picture: John Feder

The onset of Covid was an interesting but ultimately fortuitous time for David Wenham.

The Australian acting veteran was about to relocate to the UK but instead was forced to remain in Australia.

And it was lucky he did, as two big projects came his way – the Baz Luhrmann Elvis biopic and Netflix drama Pieces of Her.

“I was actually relocating just before Covid happened, but as with everybody on Earth my plans were upended,’’ Wenham says.

“I was going to move to the UK, I’ve got representation there and they wanted me to base myself there, which I was happy to do.

“I’ve been very fortunate in my career and that continued … I never take things for granted. I’m always looking for the next challenge, but I was lucky to be in the right place.”

Wenham with Nicole Kidman in the movie Lion.

Wenham, who is now based in Queensland, is known for his portrayals of Faramir from The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Friar Carl from the Van Helsing franchise, and Dilios from 300.

He also has credits including Moulin Rouge, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, Dark City, Lion, Top of the Lake, SeaChange and Peter Rabbit.

He would still like to work overseas but is enjoying what the local scene is offering.

In April, he also ventured to Melbourne to attend the Australian Grand Prix as a guest of Peroni. He attended a black tie event in collaboration with Aston Martin, and also spent time with Peroni guests at the Albert Park hospitality suite.

“For me, my memory of the Grand Prix was the last time it was nearly held, right before Covid,’’ Wenham says.

“Those images of people being turned away, it’s a symbolic occasion and marks the end of a pretty horrific time.

“I went to an Adelaide Grand Prix and that was fabulous, but it’s different in Melbourne, a lot more buzz and excitement.”

Wenham says working with Baz Luhrmann and Austin Butler on Elvis was a highlight. Picture: John Feder

Wenham went to the Gold Coast to shoot Elvis, with the legendary Elvis Presley being played by American actor Austin Butler and helmed by famed Australian director Baz Luhrmann.

It has already received rave reviews, not least from Elvis’s family, ex-wife Priscilla and daughter Lisa Marie.

“I worked with Baz on four occasions, the last one was Elvis, which was also done during the Covid period,’’ he says.

“It was amazing, very rarely are you on a set where you don’t ever hear anything negative. It was a rare occasion where every crew and cast member was thrilled to be involved, and it was quite a magical experience. It’s going to be a special film.

“Austin Butler, who plays Elvis, is nothing short of phenomenal. It truly is one of the most incredible performances I’ve ever been fortunate enough to witness.”

After Elvis, Wenham joined with Aussie star Toni Collette for Netflix’s Pieces of Her, which has shot to No.1 around the world.

“Somebody told me it was still in the top 10 after four weeks, which is quite remarkable, and No.1 in 90 countries in the world,’’ Wenham says.

Toni Collette with Wenham inPieces of Her. Picture: Netflix

“There were a few Australians – myself, Toni and Bella Heathcote. We were all ready to shoot it in Vancouver and it got shut down because of Covid.

“Production shut down and then strangely, however many months later, locations were shuffled and we ended shooting the whole thing in Australia. It was amazing.

“It was set in the areas of San Francisco, so Sydney and the surrounds did a very good job of matching it.”

Wenham is tight-lipped about what he’s just been shooting, “suffice to say it’s for the ABC and it’s a bit different for me”.

He has no concerns about the future of Australian TV or the vast talent pool.

At 56, he is still excited to be part of it.

“Undoubtedly,’’ he says.

“We always punch above our weight in the film industry and evidence of that is the amount of Australians working overseas in productions.

“We’ve got a pretty healthy industry. As always, we’d like more money, more government investment and more possibility of making Australian content, whether it be on the big screen or the small screen.

“Look at Neighbours. Everything has to end, and the fact that it went so many years is extraordinary. People should celebrate this amazing show that lasted so long, that’s the great thing. Celebrate its incredible success.”