With buzz as big as our wide, brown land, Baz Luhrmann’s Australia looks like being a sure-fire blockbuster!  So sure of an impressive bank, 20th Century Fox have already commissioned a sequel.

Baz Lurhmann’s New Zealand has been slated to start filming in 2010 in Prague.  However, at this stage some concerns are being raised about casting.  Much of Australia’s hype is centered around it’s two superstars, Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman.  New Zealand, however, is not on such solid ground.

“At this stage we’re looking at maybe getting Xena: Warrior Princess Lucy Lawless and that guy from Pathfinder and Doom.  What’s his name?”, Baz Lurhmann was quoted as saying.

Meanwhile, the New Zealand government has also expressed it’s concerns.

“While we encourage Mr. Luhrmann to continue his film-making career, we have also seen his other films.  Our cultural identity is very close to our hearts in this country.  We do not want to see a cavalcade of sheep doing the Can-Can!  Sheep are an essential part of our history, heritage, and home life and should be treated with respect and love,” a government spokesperson states.

The New Zealand Film Commission has been even more frosty in their reception to the famous Australian director, simply issuing a statement saying, “Does it have an elf in it?  No?  Then we don’t give a shit.”

Rumours abound with insider talks amongst Fox executives looking not only to the land of the long white cloud for the Baz Luhrmann treatment.  Fox are offering the franchise to any country that is willing to provide a producer’s rebate.  Iceland, Burkina Faso and Bulgaria have reportedly expressed great interest.  Other rumours include a series of nationality based “versus” films.  With the success of modern combat films and documentaries such as Jarhead and Soundtrack To War, the aptly titled USA Vs. Iraq looks set to begin in 2011, with sequels stretching all the way to 2097.  Now in production is Russia Vs. Georgia, followed soon by Italy Vs. Spain, England Vs. France and the long awaited dream film Alien Vs. Predator Vs. Germany.

Baz Lurhmann’s Australia opens worldwide in 2008, and New Zealand is open until 5pm on weekdays, but on Saturday they have late night shopping until 9.

Credits

• Written By: David Quinn
• Contributers: Dion Brooks, Bruce Moyle
• Artwork: Dion Brooks

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