Alan Ritchson is set to return to Queensland, Australia, to commence filming on an untitled Amazon MGM Studios feature centered on the heroic exploits of Navy SEAL Mike Thornton. This announcement, made by Screen Queensland, marks Ritchson’s second major project in the region following the 2025 action thriller “Runner.”
Principal photography is scheduled to begin this month at Village Roadshow Studios on the Gold Coast. The film, directed by Australian filmmaker Patrick Hughes, will depict Thornton’s harrowing survival story in the South China Sea, an ordeal that earned him the Congressional Medal of Honor. Ritchson, celebrated for his roles in “Reacher” and “Fast X,” will star alongside Joe Cole and Hoa Xuande.
Behind the Scenes: A Collaborative Production Effort
The production brings together a powerhouse team with Sylvester Stallone and D. Matt Geller producing under Balboa Productions, joined by Todd Lieberman and Alex Young of Hidden Pictures, Ritchson’s AllyCat Entertainment, and Alan Rautbort. Executive producers include Valerie Bleth Sharp and Mike Thornton himself. The screenplay is crafted by Mark Semos, Ritchson, and Jason Hall, known for their work on military-themed narratives.
Supported by the Australian government through the Location Offset and Screen Queensland’s Production Attraction Strategy, the film is a testament to Queensland’s growing prominence as a filming destination. The City of Gold Coast’s Screen Attraction Program also plays a pivotal role in securing this production for the region.
Economic and Cultural Impact
Acting Minister for the Arts Tim Nicholls emphasized the economic benefits of the project, which is expected to create employment for approximately 260 local cast and crew members and inject an estimated AUD50 million ($33.5 million) into the Queensland economy. Nicholls stated, “This latest project for Amazon MGM Studios will create employment while supporting numerous small businesses, reinforcing Queensland as the country’s top destination for screen production.”
Screen Queensland CEO Jacqui Feeney highlighted the state’s expertise in military and water-based productions as a significant attraction for filmmakers. “Queensland crews have an internationally renowned reputation for delivering complex action films and series,” Feeney remarked, expressing enthusiasm for the ambitious production.
Director’s Vision and Queensland’s Appeal
Director Patrick Hughes expressed excitement about returning to Australia for the project. “The Gold Coast offers world-class crews, facilities, and locations, making it an ideal home for a production of this scale,” he said. Hughes, known for his work on “Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard,” is eager to collaborate with Screen Queensland to bring this film to life.
The Mike Thornton project is part of a growing portfolio of Queensland-based films for Amazon MGM Studios, including titles like “Balls Up,” “The Bluff,” “Voltron,” and “Subversion.”
Looking Ahead: Queensland’s Cinematic Future
This development follows a strategic push by the Queensland government to establish the region as a leading hub for film production. As the state continues to attract high-profile projects, the local film industry is poised for further growth, benefiting from both international recognition and economic investment.
With the commencement of this production, Queensland solidifies its status as a premier destination for filmmakers seeking diverse landscapes and top-tier production facilities. The collaboration between local and international talent not only enriches the cultural tapestry of the region but also sets a promising precedent for future cinematic endeavors.
