Liam Neeson Returns to Melbourne for The Mongoose and Apple Cider Vinegar Hits Netflix

Exciting news for film and television fans! Melbourne continues to shine as a major hub for both international and local productions, with two high-profile screen projects making waves this year.

Liam Neeson Returns for The Mongoose

Liam Neeson is returning to Melbourne to film The Mongoose, his third action-thriller shot in Victoria in just four years. The film, set in Melbourne and regional Victoria, follows Neeson as Ryan “Fang” Flanagan, a war hero wrongfully accused of a crime. With everything on the line, Flanagan embarks on a dramatic televised cross-country car chase, aided by his former Special Forces battalion. The chase becomes a national spectacle, with the public rallying behind his escape.

Directed by stunt veteran Mark Vanselow, whose credits include Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, The Mongoose promises high-octane action and edge-of-your-seat suspense. The film is produced by Code Entertainment, the same team behind Ice Road and Ice Road 2: Road to Sky, both filmed in Victoria.

Liam Neeson is returning to Melbourne to film his next action-thriller, The Mongoose. — Liam Neeson is returning to Melbourne to film action-thriller *The Mongoose*.

Filming will take place at the Melbourne Screen Hub in Footscray, creating 453 jobs for local screen workers, from heads of department to extras. With over 150 local businesses involved, the production is expected to inject $19 million into Victoria’s economy. Backed by VicScreen’s Victorian Screen Rebate and the Federal Government’s Location Offset, The Mongoose reinforces Victoria’s growing reputation as a screen powerhouse.

VicScreen CEO Caroline Pitcher shared her enthusiasm, saying:

“International producers who experience what Victoria has to offer return again and again. This project is another key step in the state’s thriving screen industry.”

Melbourne-Made Apple Cider Vinegar Streaming on Netflix from February 6

Kaitlyn Dever stars as Belle Gibson in Netflix series *Apple Cider Vinegar* streaming February 6. Photo courtesy of Netflix

In other Melbourne-made news, the drama series Apple Cider Vinegar, based on the true story of Australian wellness influencer Belle Gibson, will debut on Netflix on 6 February. Starring Kaitlyn Dever as Gibson, the series explores how she falsely claimed to have cured her terminal brain cancer through diet and wellness.

Created by acclaimed Australian writer Samantha Strauss, known for Nine Perfect Strangers and Dance Academy, Apple Cider Vinegar examines the rise of wellness culture, the influence of social media, and the dangers of unchecked influencers. Strauss, who lived in Melbourne during Gibson’s rise to fame, offers a personal and insightful take on the saga, highlighting the moral implications of social media fame and the blurred lines between truth and fiction.

The six-episode series probes the cult-like following of wellness influencers, asking critical questions about personal branding, entrepreneurship, and the ethical responsibilities of those with massive social media reach. With its timely narrative and complex characters, Apple Cider Vinegar is poised to captivate global audiences.

Melbourne: A Thriving Creative Hub

Both The Mongoose and Apple Cider Vinegar showcase Melbourne’s continued strength as a creative powerhouse. The city’s diverse locations, skilled crews, and world-class facilities make it a prime destination for both international and local filmmakers.

Minister for Creative Industries, Colin Brooks, expressed pride in Victoria’s status as a screen destination, stating:

“The return of major producers and stars reflects the exceptional locations, talent, and facilities we offer.”

With The Mongoose bringing Liam Neeson back to Melbourne for more thrilling action and Apple Cider Vinegar ready to engage global audiences with its compelling story, 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for Victoria’s screen industry. These productions not only create jobs and boost local businesses but also highlight the state’s growing reputation as a global screen hub.

As Melbourne continues to attract top talent, both locally and internationally, the city’s place at the forefront of the global screen landscape is firmly secured.

To learn more about filming in Victoria or exploring the state’s competitive financial incentives contact VicScreen’s Head of Incentives, Joe Brinkmann, at [email protected] or visit vicscreen.vic.gov.au