Rush returns to scene of Oscars triumph

GEOFFREY Rush is returning to the city that helped him win an Academy Award to star in a remake of the beloved 1976 Australian film Storm Boy, which will be shot in various SA locations, including Adelaide and the Coorong.

Joining the cast in Adelaide yesterday, he gave credit to the city and film that won him the 1997 Best Actor Oscar.

“I shot Shine here, which completely changed the course of my life,” Rush said.

The original Storm Boy, based on the children’s book by Colin Thiele, tells the story of the unusual friendship between a reclusive young boy, Mike Kingley, and a pelican called Mr Percival.

Producers have promised this version will be a contemporary remake, based on flashbacks with Rush playing Storm Boy, as a grandfather. Jai Courtney will play Storm Boy’s father, Hideaway Tom, alongside Queensland newcomer Finn Little in the title role.

The film is expected to be released next year.

COOL: Gelato Gelato co-founders Stephanie Lewis and Jo Stevens are all smiles after their success in the Australian Food Awards; and (inset) Brae and Igni are finalists in the Gourmet Traveller’s National Restaurant Awards.