Tourism pitch for Dundee millions
CROCODILE Dundee could hypnotise buffaloes, frighten off New York muggers and, of course, wrestle crocodiles, but can he score a touchdown at the Super Bowl?
The Australian tourism industry will this morning be hoping that the nation’s most successful cinematic export will again win American hearts in a spoof ad expected to run during the US’s biggest sporting event.
Still Australia’s biggest hit at the local box office, the Paul Hogan blockbuster which put the larrikin actor and our Outback on the international map, is the inspiration for the allstar “trailer”, starring Chris Hemsworth and Oscar nominee Margot Robbie.
Tourism Australia yesterday refused to comment on rumours the Dundee show reels were part of a Super Bowl ad campaign, but it has teased US fans for weeks with the prospect of the movie’s revival.
Now, even before the $5 million ad goes to air before an estimated TV audience of more than 100 million US viewers alone, the Cairns Post has seized on the viral sensation to launch a “Bring Back Dundee” campaign.
Making the most of momentum around the Super Bowl spoof, the public campaign will seek celebrity and government support for a new production, potentially bringing with it a jobs bonanza in both the tourism and entertainment sectors.
The 1986 movie holds the local box office record, with $48 million in ticket sales, while its sequel, Crocodile Dundee 2, banked $24.9 million for Hoges, business partner John Cornell and savvy investors.
Graeme Mason, chief executive for Screen Australia, which helps finance local film and TV productions, said a Dundee revival would follow a recent TV trend to “reimagine” hits of the past, including Storm Boy, Romper Stomper and upcoming Foxtel drama series, Picnic At Hanging Rock.