Thor and Alien sequels will be filmed in Australia next year

IF the backdrops of the next Thor and Alien films look a little familiar, it’s because they’re going to be shot right here in Australia.

TWO Hollywood blockbusters will be filmed in Australia next year.

Ridley Scott’s new alien movie and the latest instalment of the Thor series, starring Chris Hemsworth, will both start production in Australia next year, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and Communications and the Arts Minister Mitch Fifield announced today.

A $47.25 million Federal Government grant will be provided to the production companies behind the films — Marvel Studios and 21st Century Fox.

Mr Fifield it was expected to generate $300 million in direct investment and 3000 jobs for Australians.

Back on the big screen ... The first Alien instalment hit theatres in 1979.

In a video message, Hemsworth said he was “incredibly excited” to be coming home to film Thor Ragnarok.

“I look forward to introducing my Marvel friends to this beautiful country of ours,” he said.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales was filmed in Queensland earlier this year.

The film’s star Johnny Depp and his wife Amber Heard caused controversy after allegedly smuggling their dogs Yorkshire terriers called Boo and Pistol into the country.

They’ve collabed before ... Hemsworth, in his role as Ambassador for independent children’s charity the Australian Childhood Foundation, met with Bishop earlier this year.

Mary Ann Hughes, of The Walt Disney Company and Marvel Studios, said she didn’t expect the same problem to arise during filming of Thor Ragnarok.

“Since our lovely Chris Hemsworth lives in Australia I expect we won’t have any issues with pets,” she said.

Originally published as Thor and Alien sequels will be filmed in Australia next year