In a major boost for the Australian film industry, Hollywood icons Kevin Costner and Jake Gyllenhaal are officially touching down in Queensland to begin production on the highly anticipated feature film, “Honeymoon With Harry.” The Amazon MGM Studios production is scheduled to commence principal photography this April, utilizing the diverse landscapes of Brisbane and the breathtaking tropical backdrop of The Whitsundays.

A Star-Studded Collaboration

The project brings together two of cinema’s most respected leading men. Kevin Costner, coming off the monumental success of his Horizon: An American Saga epic, joins forces with Academy Award nominee Jake Gyllenhaal for a story that promises a powerful blend of emotional depth and character-driven drama.

Based on the acclaimed novel by Bart Baker, “Honeymoon With Harry” has been a sought-after property in Hollywood for years. The narrative follows a former playboy (Gyllenhaal) whose life is transformed when he falls in love, only for tragedy to strike just before his wedding. He finds himself on his intended honeymoon in an unlikely pairing with his late fiancée’s grieving, cynical father (Costner), who has long despised him.

Prestige Behind the Camera

The film boasts a creative “dream team” behind the scenes. Glenn Ficarra and John Requa, the directorial duo behind the modern classic Crazy, Stupid, Love and the hit series This Is Us, are set to helm the project. Their involvement suggests a film that will expertly balance poignant drama with moments of levity.

Adding further prestige to the production is the screenplay by Dan Fogelman. Fogelman, the creator of This Is Us, is renowned for his ability to craft intricate, heart-wrenching narratives that resonate with global audiences. The combination of Fogelman’s script and the Ficarra-Requa direction marks a reunion of the creative force that redefined family drama on television.

Queensland: The New Hollywood of the South

The decision to film in Queensland further solidifies the state’s reputation as a premier global production hub. By choosing Brisbane for urban sequences and The Whitsundays for the film’s titular honeymoon setting, Amazon MGM Studios is taking full advantage of the region’s world-class crews and versatile locations.

Local industry insiders suggest that a production of this scale will provide a significant economic injection into the region, creating hundreds of jobs for local cast, crew, and hospitality workers. The Whitsundays, in particular, is expected to see a surge in international interest as its iconic turquoise waters and white sands serve as a central character in the film’s visual palette.

Expectations for Amazon MGM Studios

As Amazon MGM Studios continues to aggressively expand its slate of theatrical-quality features, “Honeymoon With Harry” represents a significant investment in star-driven storytelling. With production kicking off in just a few weeks, the film is already being eyed by critics as a potential awards-season contender for 2027.

For Costner and Gyllenhaal, the project offers a rare opportunity to explore a complex “odd couple” dynamic against the stunning backdrop of the Australian coast. Fans of the original novel and the stars alike are eagerly awaiting a first look at what is poised to be one of the most talked-about films of the coming year.