Mortal Kombat Down Under is big win for Adelaide film industry
Arts
Blockbuster action film Mortal Kombat will be made in Adelaide, South Australia, in what is being called the biggest studio production in the local industry’s history.
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Based on the fantasy fighting video game launched in 1992, Mortal Kombat has spawned a number of spin-off games and films to become one of the most successful franchises in video game history.
New Line Cinema’s highly anticipated version will be led by Australian Producer James Wan (Aquaman, The Conjuring films) and award-winning commercial filmmaker Simon McQuoid, who is also making his feature directorial debut.
Pre-production on Mortal Kombat will commence later this month with production later this year.
The film will be shot on Adelaide Studios’ Sound Stages, utilising local crews and acting talent, with post-production in South Australia’s internationally acclaimed visual effects and post-production facilities.
Wan said South Australia would be perfectly suited for the fantasy-action project.
“I’m really happy and excited to be bringing another show back to Australia with Mortal Kombat, especially after having such a great experience filming Aquaman,” he said.
“Now we get to experience South Australia with its scenic locations and a wealth of artistic talent to work with.”
Director Simon McQuoid lived in Adelaide early in his career.
“I am thrilled to be back in South Australia to make my directorial debut with Mortal Kombat,” he said.
“We need many different elements for its success and have found them all right here – the uniquely beautiful landscapes, the outstanding world-class stage facilities and VFX houses, and the brilliant artists and technicians from across the film-making community.”
The South Australian Film Corporation has produced and facilitated dozens of successful movies including Shine, Rabbit-Proof Fence, Wolf Creek and Storm Boy.
The South Australian Government’s 10 per cent Production, Digital and Visual Effects (PDV) Rebate to help secure the contract.
The rebate was enacted in 2018 as an incentive to bring major films contracts to South Australia and has driven significant growth in the number of interstate and international projects choosing Adelaide, which is home to several world-renowned PDV and VFX studios including Rising Sun Pictures, KOJO and Resin.
French company Technicolor has also established a Mill Film studio in Adelaide.
South Australian Premier Steven Marshall said he expected the project to inject $70 million into the state’s economy and create about 580 jobs, with another 1500 extras employed.
“South Australia has a long and successful tradition of feature film making and Mortal Kombat will showcase our production skills to the world,” said Premier Steven Marshall.
“Mortal Kombat will be the largest film production in South Australia’s history and highlights the importance of engaging with the world’s major production houses.”
Todd Garner (Isn’t It Romantic, Tag) also produces, with Larry Kasanoff (Mortal Kombat, True Lies), E. Bennett Walsh (Men in Black: International, The Amazing Spider-Man 2), Michael Clear (The Nun, Lights Out), and Sean Robins (Playing with Fire, Tag) executive producing.
The current screenplay is by Greg Russo (the upcoming Highwaymen).
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