Netflix-backed live action Gundam begins filming in Queensland
Netflix, in partnership with Legendary Pictures, has commenced production on a live action adaptation of Gundam on the Gold Coast, Screen Queensland has announced.
Following previous projects such as Godzilla x Kong: Supernova and season two of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, Gundam adds to Legendary’s slate of major productions filmed in Queensland.
The film stars Sydney Sweeney and Noah Centineo, alongside a wider cast that includes Jackson White, Shioli Kutsuna, Nonso Anozie, Michael Mando, Javon ‘Wanna’ Walton, Oleksandr Rudynskyi, Ida Brooke, Gemma Chua-Tran and Jason Isaacs.
For more than 47 years, Gundam has been a defining force in the mecha genre, originating as a pioneering giant robot franchise that has since grown into a global multimedia phenomenon. The live action adaptation presents a new story set during a conflict between Earth and its former space colonies.
The narrative follows two rival mech pilots, played by Sweeney and Centineo, who must work together in a race across space to secure humanity’s survival. The film combines large scale action with character driven storytelling.
Minister for the Arts John Paul Langbroek noted that the Queensland Government’s investment through Screen Queensland’s Production Attraction Strategy continues to attract major international productions.
He highlighted that the production is expected to contribute approximately AUD110 million to the state’s economy, with filming at Village Roadshow Studios supporting more than 350 local cast and crew roles, as well as a broad network of small businesses across related industries.
Over the past decade, Legendary Pictures has regularly chosen Queensland as a production base, with projects including Pacific Rim Uprising, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters and multiple Monsterverse films collectively contributing over AUD328 million to the local economy.
Screen Queensland CEO Jacqui Feeney emphasised the importance of continued collaboration with global studios, noting that such projects reflect the strength of Queensland’s crews, production infrastructure, locations and competitive incentives.
She also highlighted the role of large scale productions in creating career development opportunities, including through attachment programs that enable emerging practitioners to gain on set experience.
Herb Gains, EVP Physical Production at Legendary, noted that Queensland has become a key production hub for the company over the past 10 years, citing strong local crews, facilities and government support, as well as long standing relationships within the local community.
Written and directed by Jim Mickle, Gundam is produced by Legendary Pictures and Netflix in partnership with Bandai Namco Filmworks.
The production is supported by the Australian Government through the Location Offset, the Queensland Government via Screen Queensland’s Production Attraction Strategy, and the City of Gold Coast through its Screen Attraction Program.
Source: https://screenqueensland.com.au/sq-news/media-centre/legendary-strikes-again-with-gundam/
