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    “Thor” and “Alien” movies to be shot in Australia next year

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    In this Dec. 4, 2014, file photo, director Ridley Scott poses for photographers during the premiere of the film "Exodus" in Madrid. (AP Photo/Abraham Caro Marin, File)

    By Rod McGurk

    CANBERRA, Australia (AP) --

    The latest movies in the "Thor" and "Alien" franchises will begin filming in Australia next year, the government said Thursday.

    The government gave Twentieth Century Fox as well as Walt Disney Pictures and Marvel Studios a total of 47.25 million Australian dollars ($34 million) to woo them to Australia to make the feature films, Arts Minister Mitch Fifield said.

    Ridley Scott will direct the unnamed Alien movie for Fox and Australian actor Chris Hemsworth will reprise his starring role as the superhero in the third instalment of the "Thor" series for Disney and Marvel, "Thor: Ragnarok."

    While locations have not been announced, Disney recently finished shooting "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales" at Gold Coast studios in Queensland state and Fox has studios in Sydney.

    Foreign Minister Julie Bishop defended the government spending to secure the movies, saying Australia was competing against other countries to attract movie makers.

    She said her government had wanted the Scott-directed Fox hit film "The Martian" shot in Australia instead of Hungary.

    Mary Ann Hughes, Disney Vice President of Film and Television, described shooting of the fifth instalment of the "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise as a "wonderful experience."

    Shooting had several setbacks and controversies. Star Johnny Depp's wife, Amber Heard, was charged with illegally bringing the couple's dogs into Australia against quarantine regulations. She could face up to 10 years in prison and heavy fines if convicted.

    Hughes joked at a news conference that: "Since our lovely Chris Hemsworth lives in Australia, I suspect we won't have any issues with pets."

    Hemsworth said in a video from Los Angeles that he was looking forward to working again in his home country.

    "I look forward to introducing my Marvel friends to this beautiful country of ours," he said.

    Tags:AlienThor



    India’s legendary filmmaker Shyam Benegal dies at age 90

    Tuesday, December 24, 2024
    Indian film directors Shyam Benegal, right, is seen during a discussion on Indian Cinema in Hyderabad, India, Monday, Feb. 18, 2008. (AP Photo/Mahesh Kumar A, File)

    Shyam Benegal, a renowned Indian filmmaker known for pioneering a new wave cinema movement that tackled social issues in the 1970s, has died after suffering from chronic kidney disease. He was 90.

    His contribution to cinema was recognized as a director, editor and screenwriter. He was also credited with a new genre of filmmaking.

    Benegal passed away on Monday at Mumbai's Wockhardt Hospital, and his cremation will take place on Tuesday, the Press Trust of India news agency reported, citing his daughter Piya.

    "Benegal had been suffering from chronic kidney disease for several years but it had gotten very bad. That's the reason for his death," Piya said.

    Many paid tribute to the legendary filmmaker on social media platform X.

    Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt wrote that Benegal told stories without pretense. "They were raw and real, about the struggles of ordinary people. His films had craft and conviction."

    "Deeply saddened by the passing of Shyam Benegal, whose storytelling had a profound impact on Indian cinema. His works will continue to be admired by people from different walks of life," India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted.

    He was a mentor to top Indian actors, including Shabana Azmi, Smita Patil, Naseeruddin Shah, and Om Puri who made their mark in Bollywood's popular cinema as well.

    "I have lost my foster father, a man to whom I owe more than I can say," posted Naseeruddin Shah.

    "Shyam Benegal was not just a legend; he was a visionary who redefined storytelling and inspired generations," said actor Manoj Bajpayee.

    Benegal came into the limelight in the 1970s, with a series of films that challenged mainstream Bollywood. His films Ankur (1974), Nishant (1975), Manthan (1976), and Bhumika (1977)... Read More

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