Full Breakdown
Alan Ritchson's New Film on Navy SEAL Mike Thornton Begins Production in Queensland
1/8/2026, 11:09:10 AM
Overview of the Film Project
Alan Ritchson is set to begin production on an untitled feature film about Navy SEAL hero Mike Thornton in Queensland, Australia. The project, backed by Amazon MGM Studios, will commence principal photography this month at Village Roadshow Studios on the Gold Coast. Directed by Australian filmmaker Patrick Hughes, the film recounts Thornton's remarkable survival story in the South China Sea, which earned him a Congressional Medal of Honor. Ritchson, recognized for his roles in "Reacher" and "Fast X," stars alongside Joe Cole and Hoa Xuande.
Economic Impact and Local Support
The production is anticipated to create approximately 260 jobs for local cast and crew, injecting an estimated AUD 50 million (USD 33.5 million) into the Queensland economy. This initiative is supported by the Australian government through the Location Offset and the Queensland government via Screen Queensland’s Production Attraction Strategy. Acting Minister for the Arts Tim Nicholls emphasized the project's significance for local employment and the state's position as a leading destination for screen production.
Director's Perspective
Patrick Hughes expressed enthusiasm about filming in Queensland, highlighting the region's world-class crews and facilities. He stated, “The Gold Coast offers world-class crews, facilities, and locations, making it an ideal home for a production of this scale.” Hughes's commitment to collaborating with Screen Queensland underscores the film's potential to leverage local expertise in military and water-based productions.
Broader Context of Queensland's Film Industry
The Mike Thornton project is part of a growing slate of films being produced in Queensland for Amazon MGM Studios, which includes titles like “Balls Up,” “The Bluff,” “Voltron,” and “Subversion.” Screen Queensland CEO Jacqui Feeney noted the state's renowned reputation for delivering complex action films, reinforcing its appeal for high-profile productions.
Official Statements & Responses
Tim Nicholls remarked on the positive trajectory for screen production in Queensland, stating, “With the continued backing of our incentives, the Crisafulli Government is delivering ongoing employment and economic benefits to Queensland.” Feeney echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the state's capability in handling ambitious projects.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The Gold Coast offers world-class crews, facilities, and locations, making it an ideal home for a production of this scale,” — Patrick Hughes, Director
- “This latest project for Amazon MGM Studios will create employment for around 260 local cast and crew while injecting an estimated AUD50 million ($33.5 million) into the Queensland economy and supporting numerous small businesses,” — Tim Nicholls, Acting Minister for the Arts
- “Queensland crews have an internationally renowned reputation for delivering complex action films and series and it’s fantastic to start the new year with such an ambitious production coming into Village Roadshow Studios,” — Jacqui Feeney, CEO of Screen Queensland
This film not only highlights a significant historical narrative but also reinforces Queensland's status as a pivotal hub for film production in Australia.
