The wait is finally over: Mortal Kombat will begin pre-production later this month, to begin filming in Australia later in the year! The movie reboot was officially announced with a special event held by local politician Steven Marshall, touting the investement as South Australia's biggest film production to date.
Simon McQuoid attended the announcement, having been attached to direct since late 2016. No new plot or casting details have emerged, but a release from the State Premier's office confirms several producers of the New Line Cinema project, including the long involved Australian hand of James Wan, Todd Garner, and Larry Kassanoff.
Filming will begin later this year at Adelaide Studios, with heavy emphasis on local crew and VFX houses. South Australia has a noteable history in the region's celluloid, with major releases Pitch Black and Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome filmed there, as well as some shark scenes from Jaws, and revered Australian stand-outs The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, Picnic at Hanging Rock, and Storm Boy. Locations near Adelaide Studios were recently used for Daniel Radcliffe starring thriller Escape From Pretoria.
Adelaide: South Australia will be the stage for Mortal Kombat, New Line Cinema’s highly anticipated epic action film, it was announced today by the Premier of South Australia Steven Marshall.
Mortal Kombat is a bold cinematic adventure based on the blockbuster videogame franchise. Bringing the legendary property to life on the big-screen is a team of world-renowned Australian filmmakers led by producers James Wan (Aquaman, The Conjuring films) and award-winning commercial filmmaker Simon McQuoid, who is also taking the helm in his feature directorial debut.
Todd Garner (Isn’t It Romantic, Tag) also produces, with Larry Kasanoff (Mortal Kombat, True Lies), E. Bennett Walsh (Men in Black: International, The Amazing Spider-Man 2), Michael Clear (The Nun, Lights Out), and Sean Robins (Playing with Fire, Tag) executive producing. The current screenplay is by Greg Russo (the upcoming Highwaymen). Pre-production on Mortal Kombat will commence later this month with production later this year.
Premier Steven Marshall made the announcement today at Adelaide Studios alongside the film’s Australian director, Simon McQuoid, executive producer E. Bennett Walsh, Australian production consultant Greg Basser (The Whistleblower, Passengers), and South Australia’s Minister for Innovation and Skills, David Pisoni.
In making the announcement, Premier Steven Marshall said Mortal Kombat will create an estimated 580 jobs and 1,500 extras employed, along with some AUD $70 million injected into the South Australian economy.
Led by the Australian creative team of McQuoid and Wan, the film will be shot on Adelaide Studios’ Sound Stages, utilising the state’s world-class crews and acting talent, with post-production in South Australia’s internationally acclaimed visual effects and post-production facilities.
“South Australia has a long and successful tradition of feature film making and Mortal Kombat will showcase our production skills to the world,” said Premier Steven Marshall.
“Mortal Kombat will be the largest film production in South Australia’s history and highlights the importance of engaging with the world’s major production houses.
“The State Government’s investment in Mortal Kombat will enhance the scope and reach of our production and post production capabilities, bringing the promise of fantastic new jobs for the local film industry,” he said.
“We are thrilled to be highlighting South Australian locations, talent and facilities for Mortal Kombat,” said Katherine Beyda, Executive Vice President, Physical Production, New Line Cinema.
“It brings together all of the components we need to make an ambitious action film a success, and we applaud the South Australian Film Corporation for their role in attracting the production to their region.”
Producer James Wan said, “I’m really happy and excited to be bringing another show back to Australia with Mortal Kombat, especially after having such a great experience filming Aquaman.
"Now we get to experience South Australia with its scenic locations and a wealth of artistic talent to work with. It will be perfectly suited for this fantasy-action project.”
Director Simon McQuoid said, “Having lived in Adelaide early in my career, I am thrilled to be back in South Australia to make my directorial debut with Mortal Kombat.
"We need many different elements for its success and have found them all right here—the uniquely beautiful landscapes, the outstanding world-class stage facilities and VFX houses, and the brilliant artists and technicians from across the film-making community.
"I’m grateful to the Premier and people of South Australia for having us, we’re all very excited to be here.”
Minister for Innovation and Skills David Pisoni said “Mortal Kombat highlights the importance of the Marshall Liberal Government’s commitment to support the creative arts as an industry that will deliver exciting career opportunities for South Australians.
“The film will provide unrivalled skills development opportunities for South Australian screen business and crews, whilst enabling the screen sector to update technologies and techniques to keep pace with global trends.
"The Marshall Government is excited to welcome the live action movie production of one of the world’s most successful games franchises, particularly with South Australia also being a centre for games development,” he said.
CEO of South Australian Film Corporation & Adelaide Studios, Courtney Gibson said, “Brought to life by Australian creative talent working in partnership with US studios, Mortal Kombat will be a boon for South Australia and a massive shot in the arm for our industry and Adelaide Studios, delivering unprecedented screen spend into the state and a huge number of jobs for South Australians.”
The confirmation is at last a light at the end of the tunnel for the long anticipated feature film return. Are you ready for Mortal Kombat on the big screen? Share your thoughts and keep your eyes peeled to the Media & Merchandise forum for updates!
