A Hollywood legend has been spotted in one of Australia’s smallest and most remote towns.
The Taken actor, 71, recalled the amusing moment, which occurred while filming 1999’s Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace on Monday’s episode of the Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend podcast.
“The first time we actually had to use the lightsaber to start a little fight … We both automatically (made the noises).…
Hollywood action star Liam Neeson has been spotted filming in one of Australia’s most remote towns.
Filming has finally gotten underway on the action-packed Ice Road 2: Road to the Sky, which is a sequel to the 71-year-old star’s 2021 blockbuster.
Liam Neeson has been spotted filming a new movie in a tiny Aussie town. Picture from Channel 7.
The tiny town of Walhalla in the Gippsland region has been transformed into a Nepalese village so it can be used as the backdrop for some of the blockbuster’s intense action scenes.
Neeson’s character Mike McCann travels to Nepal in the sequel to scatter his brother’s ashes on Mount Everest but clashes with Nepalese mercenaries along the journey.
In pictures obtained by Channel 7 News, the beloved actor, 71, was seen being sheltered from the sun as he arrived on set before having make-up and fake blood applied to his face.
Once one of Australia’s richest towns and home to over 4000 gold seekers, the quiet village is now only home to only 20 residents whom were first informed last month that filming would be going ahead until the end of January.
“During preparations, you will notice cosmetic changes to Walhalla’s Star Hotel and other landmarks on Main Rd.
Most notably at the Walhalla Rotunda, the Fire Station Museum and carpark off Right Hand Branch Rd,” a letter to the handful of residents said.
The Hollywood star has transformed the desert town into a wintry village for the forthcoming sequel. Picture from Channel 7.
“These changes will be temporary for the purpose filming and utmost care will be taken to protect heritage structures.
The buildings will be returned to their original heritage colours shortly after filming has completed.”
One of the town’s residents told 7 News that there was a growing sense of excitement among those living in the town following Neeson’s arrival.
“I’ve watched heaps of his movies,” one woman said. “So … it’s pretty exciting.”
Joining Neeson in the cast are Australian stars Bernard Curry, Geoff Morrell, and Grace O’Sullivan.
Victoria’s acting minister for creative industries Natalie Hutchins said that the production will inject over $30 million into the state economy.
It will create nearly 600 employment opportunities for local screen industry workers and extras, with 15 locals taking on leading head of department roles.
