War Machine Movie Filming Underway in Laverton with Star-Studded Cast

The cast and crew of the new sci-fi action movie War Machine have begun filming at Laverton’s RAAF Base Williams, following the completion of scenes in Victoria’s stunning high country.

Victorian director, writer, and producer Patrick Hughes visited the set yesterday, marking the ongoing three-month filming schedule across various Victorian locations, which is supporting thousands of local film jobs. Produced, directed, and co-written by Hughes (The Hitman’s Bodyguard, The Man From Toronto), War Machine focuses on the final 24 hours of the world’s most grueling selection program, where a team of Army Rangers faces an unimaginable threat.

The production filmed earlier in the Bright and Myrtleford regions of Victoria’s high country and has now moved to Laverton and Docklands Studios Melbourne. Post-production will take place within Victoria as well, utilizing local visual effects (VFX) studio Framestore, which highlights the state’s world-class digital and visual effects expertise.

Leading the cast is Reacher star Alan Ritchson (Ordinary Angels, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare), joined by notable names like Dennis Quaid (Far from Heaven, The Right Stuff), AACTA winner Jai Courtney (The Suicide Squad), and rising Australian talents Blake Richardson (Mystery Road: Origin), Keiynan Lonsdale (The Flash), and Daniel Webber (The Dirt).

The production of War Machine is generating 2,100 job opportunities for locals and involving 600 Victorian businesses, spanning industries from specialized screen services to accommodation and hospitality. With a projected $73 million expenditure within Victoria, approximately $7.5 million will benefit regional communities.

Written by Patrick Hughes and Victorian James Beaufort, the movie is produced by Todd Lieberman (Wonder, The Fighter) and Alex Young (Shotgun Wedding), with executive producers including Victorian Greg McLean (Wolf Creek, Jungle), Rich Cook, and Valerie Bleth Sharp (Hunger Games: Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes).

War Machine is set to be released internationally by Netflix in 2025, with Roadshow Films distributing in Australia. It is part of a growing list of major screen projects in Victoria, such as the Peacock series All Her Fault and Sony Pictures’ feature Beneath the Storm, recently wrapped at Docklands Studios Melbourne.