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Queensland, Australia has scored another Hollywood production with action-thriller “Runner,” led by “Reacher” star Alan Ritchson and Owen Wilson.
The film, which began shooting March 31 in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, follows high-end courier Hank Malone (Ritchson) tasked with delivering a life-saving organ to a seven-year-old girl. What begins as a straightforward delivery spirals into danger when outside forces target the precious cargo. Wilson co-stars as Ben, a medical courier whom Ritchson’s character must reluctantly protect.
“Runner” comes on the heels of “Bear Country,” which just wrapped production on March 23 in the same region with a star-studded cast including Russell Crowe, Aaron Paul, Teresa Palmer, Nina Dobrev and Luke Evans.
“Queensland is fast becoming the film production destination of choice,” said John-Paul Langbroek, Minister for the Arts. “From gritty urban thrillers like ‘Runner’ to beachside blockbusters like ‘Ticket to Paradise,’ the sunshine state always looks incredible on the big screen.”
The production, expected to inject approximately AUD20 million ($12.6 million) into the local economy while employing nearly 90 local cast and crew members, is being handled by A Higher Standard and Nickel City Pictures.
Scott Waugh (“Need for Speed,” “Expendables 4”) directs from a screenplay by Miles Hubley and Tommy White. Producers include Mark Fasano of Nickel City Pictures, Jeffrey Greenstein of A Higher Standard, Deborah Glover of G2 Dispatch, Todd Garner and Dan Spilo.
“‘Runner’ marks the second collaboration with Mark Fasano and Nickel City Pictures in Queensland,” said Greenstein. “The location and aesthetic offer incredibly cinematic and diverse landscapes and scenery, so we thought how better to follow up than actually shooting a film here that is set here.”
The film joins a growing slate of Queensland-based productions in 2025, including “Anaconda,” “Fing!,” “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters” (Season 2), “Spa Weekend” and “Voltron.” The region recently delivered “Black Snow,” “Darby and Joan,” “Good Cop/Bad Cop,” “Nautilus,” “Spit” and “The Lost Tiger,” with “Dangerous Animals” and “Mortal Kombat 2” set for release later this year.
The project benefits from multiple financial incentives, including Australia’s Location Offset, Queensland’s Production Attraction Strategy, and support from the City of Gold Coast.
