Queensland is set to welcome the return of international blockbuster Godzilla vs. Kong, with the next instalment to be filmed in the sunshine state later this year.
Set to film at the Gold Coast and other locations across the south-east, this marks the third time that a Monsterverse title has been located in the state; Godzilla vs. Kong filmed on the Gold Coast in 2019, while Kong: Skull Island filmed in Queensland in 2016.
The project is expected to create jobs for 505 local cast and crew, with opportunities for 750 extras, injecting an anticipated $119 million into the local economy.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the region could particularly use the boost following recent flooding in the south-east.
“The production is expected to inject more than double the $36.5 million that Godzilla vs. Kong brought to the state and is a welcome boost to our economy as we recover from the impacts of the global pandemic and south-east Queensland flooding events,” she said.
“These types of productions benefit our screen industry, deliver local jobs and provide a welcome boost to our small businesses and communities in and around our production sites.”
The currently untitled sequel will receive $16 million via the Australian federal government’s $540 million Location Incentive Program.
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A further $6.3 million of subsidy will come from Screen Queensland and its Production Attraction Strategy.
Screen Queensland CEO Kylie Munnich said securing this film is a testament to Queensland’s ability to attract repeat business.
“We are thrilled to see Legendary Pictures return to our state,” she said.
“It is Screen Queensland’s role to support our strong local screen sector and provide career opportunities for homegrown talent by securing local, interstate and international productions.”
The production will join others currently filming in Queensland, including Disney+ series Nautilus and the second season of Tim Minchin’s Foxtel series, Upright.
The sequel is the 15th production drawn to Queensland by the state location incentive. Others include the George Clooney and Julia Roberts film Ticket to Paradise, Ron Howard’s Thirteen Lives, Peacock’s Young Rock series and Joe vs. Carole.
