BRING BACK THOR
SEQUEL SHOULD COME HOME
BRING the God of Thunder back Down Under.
That’s the message from movie industry and political leaders who plan to lobby entertainment giant Marvel Studios to make the next Thor film here on the Gold Coast.
They argue that securing the blockbuster would deliver thousands of jobs for the Coast’s growing movie industry and hundreds of millions of dollars in economic benefit.
Marvel announced over the weekend it would release Thor: Love and Thunder in late 2021, bringing back local superstar Chris Hemsworth in the title role, again directed by Taika Waititi.
The pair headlined the Gold Coast-shot 2017 film Thor: Ragnarok, a global smash hit which generated more than $854 million at the global box.
Now the push is on to bring its sequel to the Coast, something industry bosses say will create thousands of jobs and pour millions into the economy.
Screen Queensland chief executive Tracey Vieira said Thor: Ragnarok had delivered 1800 jobs to the region and injected $145 million into the local economy.
“Screen Queensland is thrilled to hear the news regarding a fourth instalment of Thor,” she said.
“We look forward to building on our strong relationships fostered with Marvel for the filming of Thor: Ragnarok and hope to attract this major feature film to Queensland.
“Attracting films of this size and scale to Queensland delivers strong community, economic, employment, industry and tourism outcomes for the state.
“It also is an opportunity to showcase our stunning Queensland locations to global audiences who will be inspired to book their next holiday to the home of Thor, Queensland.”
Thor: Ragnarok was filmed at Village Roadshow’s studios at Oxenford in 2016, with location shooting occurring in Tamborine National Park and Brisbane.
Its Australian premiere was held on the Gold Coast, with Hemsworth, a Byron Bay resident, attending.
Industry sources have told the Bulletin that Hemsworth was keen to shoot the film locally after enjoying his experiences on the previous film.
Mayor Tom Tate backed the push.
“We love our sunshine on the Gold Coast, but I am happy for the God of Thunder to make an appearance again,” he said.
“Thor: Ragnarok was a huge success and I am confident we can deliver another box-office hit made right here on the Gold Coast.”
Thor: Love and Thunder will also bring back Tessa Thompson as Valkyrie and Natalie Portman as Jane Foster, Thor’s love interest who will gain powers of the Norse god in the new film.
It would be another coup for the Coast’s film and television industry, after a second successful year hosting the Logies.
“Now, after a second successful year, we want to use it as a springboard to getting more productions here on the Coast,” Cr Tate said.