„Lord of the Rings,” „Elvis” and „Faraway Downs” star David Wenham is set to reprise one of his iconic roles in the upcoming feature „SPIT.”
The film is a sequel to the 2003 comedy crime thriller „Gettin' Square,” which starred Wenham as recently released ex-convict Johnny 'Spit' Spiteri and Sam Worthington („Avatar”) as the older brother trying to keep the baby. from the problem.
Production on „SPIT” will continue through May on the Gold Coast and Brisbane, Queensland.
„Gettin' Square” and „The Railway Man” director Jonathan Deblitsky directs the new film from a screenplay by Queensland writer and lawyer Christopher Knist.
It is produced by Trish Lake of Queensland-based Freshwater Pictures alongside Greg Duffy, Felicity McVay and Wenham. Transmission Films received a major production investment from Screen Australia with local distribution and international rights sales handled by Moviehouse Entertainment.
In „SPIT', Spiteri finds himself locked up in an immigration detention center upon his return to Australia. With old enemies on his tail and a target on his back, he goes on comical misadventures, sharing with his fellow inmates the meaning of fellowship and what it means to be truly Australian.
“Not a day goes by when I am not asked about the character I played 20 years ago, Johnny Spittieri. Spit was a character that audiences really loved—bad habits, bad haircuts and bad fashion aside, he was the quintessential Everyman, a little man doing his best in impossible circumstances,” Wenham said.
Returning cast includes Helen Thompson, David Field, David Roberts and Gary Sweet, and 'Spit' introduces new characters Arlo Green, Aik Daniel Chut Teng, Sam and Deegan Rybka (The Rybka Twins) and Sammy Afuni.
The returning team includes Gary Phillips as director of photography, Nick McCallum as production designer, Julie Forster as consulting series producer, Greg Opps as casting director, Sheila Lind as production account and Des Natoli as hair and makeup designer.
“Spit,” supported by the State of Queensland's Screen Finance Fund, is estimated to inject about A$7.2 million ($4.75 million) into the state's economy while creating 120 jobs for local cast, crew and creators. An additional 250 people will be employed.
“Australia has seen a lot of changes in 22 years, and while SPIT retains many of the values of the original film, it's definitely a story that resonates with contemporary audiences. „We wanted to create a new film that would incorporate Gold Coast and Queensland culture, but would stand the test of time like the original,” said Lake.
L-R: David Wenham, Trish Lake Christopher Nist.
AIMC