Return of Godzilla vs Kong to inject a monster $119 million into Australian economy

The Australian economy is set to receive a $119 million boost as sci-fi action franchise Godzilla vs Kong returns to Queensland after three years with a sequel.

The next instalment of the 'MegaVerse' franchise will receive $16 million in funding under the Federal Government’s Location Incentive grant and a further $6.3 million from Queensland’s Screen Production Attraction Strategy.

Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher said the production is expected to employ more than 500 cast and crew, and more than 750 extras.

“The sequel to Godzilla vs. Kong will boost local businesses in and around the Gold Coast and South East Queensland, provide valuable training opportunities for our up-and-coming industry talent, and showcase Australia’s vibrant and versatile landscapes,” Fletcher said.

“This investment has created more than 6,800 jobs for Aussie cast and crew, and provided support for 6,600 businesses throughout the sunshine state.”

Directed by Adam Wingard, the story follows how the two iconic monsters collide when King Kong is transported from his containment zone to stop Godzilla’s rampages.

The return of Godzilla vs Kong marks the 15^th production drawn to Queensland under the Location Incentive, which has generated a total expenditure of $1.02 billion.

To date, the investment has created more than 6,800 jobs for Australian cast and crew, in addition to providing support for 6,600 businesses throughout the sunshine state.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk anticipates the production will deliver a $79.2 million economic boost to Queensland’s economy.

“We are delighted to welcome producers Legendary Pictures back to Queensland, following the filming of Kong Skull Island and Godzilla vs. Kong in the state in 2016 and 2019 respectively,” the Premier said.

“The production is expected to inject more than double the $36.5 million that Godzilla vs. Kong brought to the state and is a welcome boost to our economy as we recover from the impacts of the global pandemic and south-east Queensland flooding events.

“It’s clear our highly skilled local crew, diverse locations and first-rate facilities were definite draw cards for them to come back again.”

Currently, Disney+ series Nautilus is filming at Village Roadshow Studios after the production of Young Rock season two and Universal’s Ticket to Paradise recently wrapped up.

Cameras are set to begin rolling in locations across the Gold Coast and south-east Queensland later this year for Godzilla vs Kong's latest instalment.

“The highly skilled crews, first-rate facilities, and unique locations make filming in Australia a great experience,” film producer McLeod said.

“The support from both the federal government as well as Queensland has always been critical to our success in achieving a high level of filmmaking and an unparalleled audience experience.”