Queensland welcomes Pacific Rim 2 filming and jobs boost

Premier and Arts Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk announced Legendary Pictures’ Pacific Rim 2 has been attracted to Queensland continuing the state’s track record for attracting international blockbusters.

“Queensland once again rolls out the red carpet for an international production drawn to our locations, talent and experience,” the Premier said.

“Pacific Rim 2 will employ 270 Queensland crew. This repeat business is testament to Queensland’s creative and technical capability and provides jobs and new money into the Queensland economy.”

The Premier acknowledged the support of Screen Queensland in securing the many productions.

“My Government has invested an extra $30 million over four years into Screen Queensland.  These funds have been dedicated to attracting large-scale film and high–end television productions to Queensland to drive jobs, tourism and new spend into our economy,” the Premier said.

“Last financial year was Queensland’s best year in terms of attracting production expenditure since 2002-03 - a record year - of $233 million.”

Pacific Rim 2, the sci-fi action follow-up to the 2013 original film, Pacific Rim, is written and directed by Steven S. DeKnight (Marvel'sDaredevil) and stars John Boyega (Star Wars: The Force Awakens), Scott Eastwood (Fast 8), Tian Jing (Kong: Skull Island), Charlie Day (Pacific Rim) and Cailee Spaeney, with Oscar® nominee and Pacific Rim director Guillermo del Toro (Pan’s Labyrinth) as a writer and producer.

The Premier said Legendary Picture’s decision to film Pacific Rim 2 in Queensland was the result of a strong and ongoing relationship with the studio.

“I met with Legendary Pictures in Los Angeles last year and it is because of this relationship and their recent positive experience filming Kong: Skull Islandthat they are bringing more business to Queensland,” the Premier said.

“My Government is committed to the long-term future of Queensland’s screen industry and we’re developing incredible momentum with a string of international and local productions shooting in our state.

“Pacific Rim 2 follows on from back-to-back major blockbusters that have shot in Queensland including the recently wrapped Thor: Ragnarok,Jungle with Daniel Radcliffe, Kong: Skull Island, The Shallows, Nest, Pirates of the Caribbean and San Andreas, along with domestic productions including Flammable Children and the second series of The Family Law,” Ms Palaszczuk said. 

Screen Queensland Chief Executive Officer Tracey Vieira said Queensland’s screen industry had a solid reputation.

“We experienced one of our best years for production expenditure in 2015-16 and this financial year is shaping up to be another winner for production investment,” said MsVieira.

Universal Pictures will distribute Pacific Rim 2. It is slated to be released in February 2018.

Media contact: Kirby Anderson (Premier's office) 0417 263 791