Actor Alan Ritchson is heading back to Queensland, Australia, to begin filming an untitled Amazon MGM Studios feature centered on real-life Navy SEAL hero Mike Thornton. Screen Queensland confirmed that production will begin this month, with principal photography set at Village Roadshow Studios on the Gold Coast. The project marks Ritchson’s return to the region after his 2025 action thriller Runner, which was filmed across Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Queensland continues to strengthen its reputation as a preferred destination for large-scale international productions.
A True Story of Survival and Heroism
The film chronicles the extraordinary real-life survival story of Mike Thornton, a decorated Navy SEAL whose actions in the South China Sea earned him the Congressional Medal of Honor. Thornton also serves as an executive producer on the project, ensuring authenticity in the portrayal of his experiences. Australian filmmaker Patrick Hughes is directing the feature. Hughes is known for high-energy action films and said the Gold Coast offers the ideal environment for a production of this scale, citing world-class crews, facilities and diverse locations.
Strong Ensemble Cast
Ritchson, best known for his lead role in Reacher and his appearance in Fast X, stars alongside Joe Cole and Hoa Xuande. The casting blends international talent with rising global stars, reflecting Amazon MGM Studios’ ambitions for the project.
Stallone-Backed Production Team
The film is produced by Sylvester Stallone and D. Matt Geller through Balboa Productions, alongside Todd Lieberman and Alex Young of Hidden Pictures, Ritchson’s AllyCat Entertainment, and Alan Rautbort. The screenplay was written by Mark Semos, Ritchson, and Jason Hall, whose previous credits include American Sniper.
Major Economic Boost for Queensland
The production is supported by the Australian federal government through the Location Offset, the Queensland government via Screen Queensland’s Production Attraction Strategy, and the City of Gold Coast’s Screen Attraction Program. Acting Minister for the Arts Tim Nicholls said the film will employ around 260 local cast and crew members and inject an estimated AUD 50 million into the Queensland economy. Screen Queensland CEO Jacqui Feeney added that the state’s expertise in military and water-based productions played a key role in securing the project.
Amazon MGM’s Growing Queensland Slate
The Mike Thornton film joins a growing list of Amazon MGM Studios productions shot in Queensland, including Balls Up, The Bluff, Voltron and Subversion. With multiple large-scale projects underway, Queensland is entering 2026 as one of the most active screen production hubs in the region.
