Top Hollywood talent begin shooting in Abu Dhabi tomorrow
Netflix has confirmed that shooting on the long-awaited action film 6 Underground – starring Ryan Reynolds – will start in Abu Dhabi tomorrow, as revealed by The National in August.
The movie, directed by Michael Bay and with a reported budget of about $150 million (Dh550.8m), will be the first collaboration between streaming giant Netflix and Skydance Media.
Netflix’s successes include must-see series such as The Crown and Making a Murderer as well as award-winning films Beasts of No Nation and Okja.
Skydance is an action film behemoth behind such blockbusters as the Mission Impossible franchise and Geostorm.
Transformers director Bay’s own outfit, Bay Films, is a co-producer on the film. The Abu Dhabi segment of principal photography is expected to last until early December.
The movie also marks the first Netflix collaboration for Bay and Reynolds, and the cast and crew have already shot extensive stunt scenes in Florence, Italy.
The film features a host of other Hollywood stars, including Dave Franco, Melanie Laurent, Corey Hawkins, Adria Arjona, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Ben Hardy, Payman Maadi and Lior Raz, star of the Israeli Netflix hit Fauda.
Casting calls have also been issued for a multinational bevy of local talent to fill in supporting roles in the movie.
Details of the plot are being kept under wraps, although rumours from close to the set suggest it will follow the adventures of six billionaires who fake their own deaths to form an elite crime-fighting team.
Netflix told The National: “Director Michael Bay is known for fast and spectacular action. With 6 Underground, he returns to old-school action and character-driven spectacle.”
On the UAE shoot specifically, Netflix revealed that shooting will not be restricted to Abu Dhabi City, with other locations including Al Ain, perennial Hollywood favourite Liwa – where Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Deliver Us From Evil previously filmed – and even an outof-emirate trip to Sharjah are on the cards.
“The film is a fun, edgy thriller set against the picturesque backdrop of Italy and the spectacular vistas and natural wonders found throughout the United Arab Emirates,” Netflix said.
“From modern, state-of-theart architecture to some of the oldest neighbourhoods, the film will capture the beauty of the country’s pristine beaches, tranquil desert landscapes and venerable historic sites.”
The film is being produced by Skydance’s David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Don Granger, along with Bay and Ian Bryce, who The National understands will be running the Abu Dhabi shoot.
The film will also be a return to Abu Dhabi for stunt co-ordinator Kenny Bates, who was last in the emirate in May to shoot the spectacular stunt sequences for Saaho, starring Indian actor Prabhas.
‘6 Underground’ is an action film directed by the prolific Michael Bay and has a budget of about $150 million