Oscar-winning actor Russell Crowe is set to return to Queensland, Australia, for the shooting of the action thriller Bear Country. Production is set to begin in February, with the Gold Coast standing in for Los Angeles, as revealed by Screen Queensland.
Directed by Derrick Borte, who also co-wrote the script with Daniel Forte, Bear Country is based on Thomas Perry’s novel Strip. Crowe stars as Manco Kapak, a veteran club owner whose retirement plans are upended when a masked assailant robs his establishment. This marks a reunion for Crowe and Borte following their previous collaboration on Unhinged.
The film is expected to provide a significant economic boost to the region, with an estimated AUD 11.9 million ($7.4 million) impact and employing about 95 local workers. Queensland’s reputation as a top production hub continues to grow, bolstered by the state’s Production Attraction Strategy.
In addition to Crowe, the film’s producers include Mark Fasano of Nickel City Pictures and A Higher Standard, with support from the City of Gold Coast and the Australian Government’s Location Offset program. The production will also provide opportunities for emerging talent through Screen Queensland’s Attachment Program.
Crowe’s return to Queensland follows his previous work on Land of Bad in late 2022, with Queensland’s diverse locations and talented local crews continuing to attract major productions like Bluey and Amazon’s Voltron.