Liam Neeson was seen filming his new film The Mongoose in Castlemaine last Thursday and Friday, marking his third film made in Victoria in the past four years.
Neeson plays the role of Ryan 'Fang' Flanagan, a war veteran who is running from the law for a crime he didn’t commit, leading the police through an epic televised cross-country car chase across the American Southwest.
Castlemaine, Bacchus Marsh, and parts of the Calder Freeway were chosen as filming locations due to their resemblance to American landscapes. Portions of downtown Castlemaine were closed off for stunt drivers operating Holden Commodores made to look like American state trooper vehicles, driving recklessly under the watchful eye of Victorian police traffic management.
At 72 years old, Neeson didn't shy away from performing his own stunts, reportedly dangling from a helicopter during scenes. Expressing his joy at being back, Neeson shared, “It’s always wonderful to be back... the crews are some of the best,” reported the Midland Express.
Signs around the town informed residents and visitors of potential delays of up to 15 minutes during shooting, but many were amused, eagerly watching as Neeson ducked beneath umbrellas held by crew members between takes. One local resident attempted to enter what had been transformed for the film as a petrol station, leading police to quickly usher him away.
Peter Martonyi, another local onlooker, was enthusiastic about the filming effort. “It brings a bit of movie stardom to the town because Liam has been in so many films. He’s not so much of a Tom Cruise, but you know, he’s like an Al Pacino type,” he commented.
The production of The Mongoose is expected to generate around $19 million for the Victorian economy, including around $2 million to be spent directly within regional communities.
According to FilmInk, Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks visited the filming set at Bacchus Marsh Aerodrome to meet Neeson and his production team. The film, directed by veteran stunt professional Mark Vanselow, boasts not only Neeson but also a stellar international cast including Academy Award winner Marisa Tomei, Ving Rhames, and Michael Chiklis, alongside talented local actors.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Liam Neeson and the team back to Victoria to make yet another action-packed movie,” Brooks remarked. “The Mongoose is the first of a strong pipeline of local and international productions...”
This film will also create over 450 jobs for Victorian screen workers and engage 150 local businesses, with aerial cinematography provided by renowned Melbourne drone specialists XM2.
Neeson's previous projects, such as Ice Road 2: Road to the Sky and Blacklight, have already significantly boosted the economy, creating more than 1,300 jobs and bringing over $55 million to the state. Such contributions helped solidify Victoria's reputation as a global destination for film production.
Thanks to the Allan Labor Government and VicScreen’s Victorian Screen Rebate, The Mongoose found its way to Victoria, along with support from the Federal Government’s Location Offset.
VicScreen CEO Caroline Pitcher highlighted the state's growth since 2021, attributing it to collaborative efforts within the industry to position Victoria as a global powerhouse for screen production. “The strengths of Victoria’s screen industry are no secret to Liam Neeson and his crew,” she noted.
Reflecting on his experiences, Neeson stated, “I’m honoured to be back in Victoria working on my latest film The Mongoose with one of the best crews, again, I have ever worked with.”
With such excitement and investment, it's clear Neeson’s filming continues to leave more than just cinematic impacts—it enriches local communities and bolsters the economy, offering new opportunities for those involved.