International superstar Liam Neeson has hit the road in Victoria as production commences on The Mongoose, Neeson’s third film in the state in four years.

Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks today visited Bacchus Marsh Aerodrome to meet the Taken and Schindler’s List star and the production team on the set of the action-thriller which will shoot in Bacchus Marsh Castlemaine and Bangholme as well as the Melbourne CBD, North Melbourne, and Kensington and Moorabbin.

The Mongoose stars Neeson as Ryan “Fang” Flanagan, a war hero who, accused of a crime he didn’t commit and with nothing to lose, leads police on an epic televised cross-country car chase, helped by members of his former Special Forces Army battalion he is closely monitored by a fascinated public cheering for his safe getaway.

Directed by veteran stunt professional Mark Vanselow, the film also boasts a terrific local supporting cast including Toby Truslove, Aisha Aidara, Zac Taylor, Yesse Spence, Mario Sayana, Geoff Paine, Elias Anton, Brett Tucker, Hamish Michael, Geoff Morell and Louisa Mignone. 

The production will inject more than $19 million into the Victorian economy, with an estimated $2 million being spent in regional Victorian communities.

From its production base at the Melbourne Screen Hub in Footscray and across its on-location shoots, the production will also create more than 450 jobs for Victorian screen workers and engage 150 local businesses including aerial cinematography by globally renowned drone specialists XM2.

The project reunites Neeson with Code Entertainment, producers of both Ice Road and Ice Road 2: Road to the Sky and is written by Thompson Evans (Reckoning).

Code Entertainment’s Al Corley, Bart Rosenblatt, and Eugene Musso will produce. Jonathan Dana will executive produce with Code’s Rich Freeman along with Steven Shapiro and Liz and Ken Whitney of Jupiter Peak Productions. Lisa Wilson and Craig Chapman of The Solution Entertainment Group will also executive produce.

Liam Neeson’s previous Victorian-based productions Ice Road 2: Road to the Sky (2023) and Blacklight (2020) created more than 1,300 jobs and generated more than $55 million in economic value for the state.

The Mongoose was attracted to Victoria by the Allan Labor Government through VicScreen’s Victorian Screen Rebate; and also received support from the Federal Government’s Location Offset.

The Labor Government’s screen strategy has so far created 44,000 jobs and generated $1.9 billion in direct economic expenditure in Victoria, securing the state’s reputation as a global destination for screen and games production.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks MP

“We’re thrilled to welcome Liam Neeson and the team back to Victoria to make yet another action-packed movie that will create hundreds of local jobs, engage with local businesses and generate millions for our economy.”

“The Mongoose is the first of a strong pipeline of local and international productions that will fuel our screen industry in 2025. We’re excited to see Victoria on the global stage once again, and we are grateful for the cooperation of the communities that will host this major production.”

Quote attributable to Member for Eureka Michaela Settle

“It’s fantastic to see Bacchus Marsh once again in the spotlight, with this major Liam Neeson production bringing jobs, excitement, and a boost to our local businesses.”

Quote attributable to Member for Melton Steve McGhie

“The benefits of The Mongoose extend well beyond the set, with flow-on effects for businesses and workers across the region, reinforcing Victoria’s status as a premier filming destination.”

Quotes attributable to VicScreen CEO Caroline Pitcher

“We are delighted that Liam Neeson, Al Corley and Bart Rosenblatt have chosen to return to Victoria to make The Mongoose. Victoria has a rich diversity of landscapes and architecture that attract productions set anywhere in the world.”

“Once international producers experience how much Victoria has to offer, they want to come back again and again. This film is part of Victoria’s growing screen production pipeline, which reinforces our state’s reputation as a screen powerhouse, generating jobs for Victorian screen workers and businesses.”

Quotes attributable to Liam Neeson

“It’s terrific to be back in Victoria filming The Mongoose, working once more with Victorian crews whose very particular set of skills make them world class.”