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Matt Damon 'to call Australia home' while shooting new Thor film
Matt Damon and his family arrived in Australia over the weekend to begin 14 days of quarantine in an undisclosed private location in NSW.
The Hollywood actor is gearing up to star in Thor: Love and Thunder, alongside good friend Chris Hemsworth and Natalie Portman.
The 50-year-old actor's immigration lawyer, Rebekah O’Sullivan, spoke of the family's relocation in a statement stressing the move was privately funded.
"Every aspect of the Damon family’s relocation and quarantine has been privately arranged and funded, ensuring that their entry will in no way impact or reduce the number of spaces for Australians overseas waiting to return home nor create any burden to the Australian taxpayer whatsoever," she said.
The star, who flew into the country on a private jet, was welcomed with open arms by Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who said: "Hollywood’s superstar Matt Damon joining our homegrown talent to film such a major movie in NSW is a big win creating thousands of jobs for locals.
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"Australia’s management of COVID-19 and our Government’s tax incentives have ensured that our film industry is booming with many new jobs for actors as well electricians, carpenters, cooks, security staff, bus drivers and a massive boost for NSW."
Matt and his wife Luciana have always been fans of Australia, especially Byron Bay, with the actor formerly owning a property in the beachside town.
"I’m so excited that my family and I will be able to call Australia home for the next few months," he said in a statement. "Australian film crews are world-renowned for their professionalism and are a joy to work with so the 14 days of quarantine will be well worth it. Australia definitely is the lucky country, and I can't wait to show my family Australia’s down to earth people, breathtaking scenery and diverse culture.
"I’d like to thank the enormous support provided by the NSW Government and Australian Government without which this would not have been possible."
Given Matt's popularity onscreen and the fact his movies have generated over $4 billion, his participation in the film is believed to assist in creating economic and employment opportunities to benefit NSW and Australia.
Marvel's Thor: Love and Thunder is expected to spend $178 million and use services of around 1,650 local Australian businesses and create up to 2,500 jobs in NSW.
Filming of the movie was made possible thanks to a $24 million location incentive by the NSW and Australian Governments.
"The NSW Government is incredibly pleased to welcome Mr Damon and his family to NSW and proud to support the Australian film industry," NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said in a statement. "In particular, the recent announcements by several studios and film production companies, including Marvel, represent a fantastic economic boom for NSW with numerous new jobs and opportunities for local NSW businesses and the likely positive effects on mental health that will hopefully come with increased job opportunities in the NSW community."
Matt has previously starred in a Thor movie with the star enjoying a small cameo in Thor: Ragnarok, which was shot in Queensland, as an Asgardian actor who was playing Loki in a play. It's unknown who the star will play in Thor: Love and Thunder.
The film also stars Chris Pratt, Dave Bautista and Tessa Thompson, who are currently in quarantine in a government hotel. Christian Bale also stars in the film as villain Gorr the God Butcher and arrived in Sydney in October last year.
Thor: Love and Thunder is set for release in March, 2022.
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