Oscar-winning actor Russell Crowe is set to film his latest movie in Queensland, Australia, bringing a significant economic boost to the Gold Coast region. The action thriller “Bear Country” will begin production in February, transforming local landscapes into a stand-in for Los Angeles.
Crowe will play Manco Kapak, a club owner whose retirement plans are disrupted by a dramatic robbery. The film reunites him with director Derrick Borte, with whom he previously worked on the movie “Unhinged.”
The production is expected to generate approximately $7.4 million for the local economy and create jobs for 95 people. Both the City of Gold Coast and the Australian government have supported the project through their location offset program.
“The Gold Coast’s incredible natural environment will shine in ‘Bear Country’ when it conveniently doubles as Los Angeles,” said Arts Minister John-Paul Langbroek, highlighting the region’s appeal for filmmaking.
Screen Queensland CEO Jacqui Feeney emphasized the project’s broader impact. “It’s fantastic that we can welcome back a global star like Russell Crowe while offering training opportunities for local film professionals,” she said.
The production team includes experienced producers Mark Fasano, Jeffrey Greenstein, Deborah Glover, Mark Bower, and Bruno Mustic. Fasano noted that Queensland offers “an unbeatable combination of diverse locations and talented local crews.”
This will be Crowe’s second film in Queensland, following his work on “Land of Bad” in late 2022. The movie is an adaptation of Thomas Perry’s 2010 novel “Strip” and represents another significant investment in the state’s growing film industry.