The Wolverine, which is the sixth film in the X-Men franchise and the sequel to X-Men Origins: Wolverine, will shoot this August in Sydney, Australia. 3:10 To Yuma director James Mangold will helm the $80 million production which will create more than 720 jobs for NSW-based cast and crew, along with opportunities for as many as 1,200 extras.
The film, which is set in Japan, has received funding from the Australian government with FOX Studios Australia housing the production. Star Hugh Jackman, who is currently shooting Tom Hooper‘s Les Miserables, spoke about the announcement saying the following.
“I couldn’t be more excited to return to Australia to film the next chapter in the Wolverine saga, thanks to the significant support from the federal and NSW governments. It will be great to work with the highly talented crew and to provide employment opportunities to so many people across all levels of the industry. Not to mention, [wife] Deb and I will get to spend some time with the family back in Australia.”
This is another great boost to the Australia film industry and Sydney in particular, which last year played host to the cast and crew of Baz Luhrmann‘s The Great Gatsby.
As a native Australian, I’m thrilled to see the film setting up production in Sydney, it’s very exciting and it will be great for both the economy and Australia’s film industry.
The Wolverine stars Hugh Jackman and will be released on July 26th, 2013.