Hollywood megastar Liam Neeson is set to return to Australia to film his third action-thriller, The Mongoose, which will shoot across regional Victoria starting late January. This production is expected to bring significant financial benefits to the state, injecting over $19 million and creating 453 local jobs, alongside engaging approximately 150 Victorian businesses.
For the eight-week shoot, filming will take place at various locations across Victoria, with the production team based out of the Melbourne Screen Hub, located in Footscray. Neeson, reprising his role as Ryan “Fang” Flanagan, portrays a war hero wrongfully accused of a crime who embarks on a televised, cross-country car chase, aided by his Special Forces comrades and capturing the public’s imagination.
According to the economic impact projections, The Mongoose is anticipated to create 453 screen industry jobs ranging from local department heads to casual workers and extras. This financial infusion arises from the collaboration between Neeson and Code Entertainment, which has previously brought successful films to Victoria, including Ice Road and its follow-up, Ice Road 2: Road to Sky.
“We are so fortunate to be able to make another picture with the extraordinary Liam Neeson and the talented Mark Vanselow,” remarked producers Al Corley and Bart Rosenblatt. They collectively expressed elation about returning to Victoria, emphasizing the city's appeal due to its local crews and advanced filming technology.
The production of The Mongoose is also buoyed by supportive initiatives from VicScreen’s Victorian Screen Rebate and the Federal Government’s Location Offset. Colin Brooks, the Minister for Creative Industries, noted, "The Mongoose is part of a strong pipeline of local and international productions...that will power our screen industry for 2025." This statement underlines the strategic importance the government places on attracting high-budget films and showcasing Victoria's film capabilities.
Historically, Neeson’s previous endeavors made significant economic impacts, amassing more than $55 million and creating over 1,300 jobs during films like Blacklight and Ice Road. The upcoming film also promises to reaffirm Victoria’s growing stature as a prime filming destination within the international cinematic sphere.
The script for The Mongoose is penned by Thompson Evans, known for his work on Reckoning. Stunt professional Mark Vanselow, whose credits include high-octane action films like Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, takes on directorial duties, hinting at the film's ambitious aesthetic and narrative style.
During the announcement, Brooks emphasized Victoria's unique charm and qualifications as a desired filming location, emphasizing their ability to attract international talent: "We’ve always known Victoria is a sought-after screen destination. To see major producers and stars returning time and time again is testimonial to our spectacular locations, exceptional crews, and world-class facilities." This sentiment reflects the successful establishment of Melbourne as more than just another filming locale—it's swiftly becoming the go-to destination for productions of grand scale.
While the project points to plenty of promise, it may also hold sentimental value as it could signal one of Liam Neeson’s last action roles. Recently, he hinted at retirement, stating, "I’m 72 — it has to stop at some stage." His longing for the audience’s authenticity indicates the thoughtful approach he takes as he nears the potential end of his storied career.
With the anticipation of The Mongoose reaching fever pitch, the collaboration between Neeson and the Victorian film industry marks yet another chapter in the actor's illustrious career, dispelling any doubts about the state’s potential to thrive as a leading player on the world stage of cinema.
