Hollywood star Nicolas Cage arrives in Perth to begin film production in Margaret River and Yallingup
Hollywood superstar Nicolas Cage has arrived in Perth ahead of the start of production on his new movie The Surfer, which is said to be filmed in the state’s south-west.
In August, it was reported that an unconfirmed film was to be set in Margaret River and Yallingup.
The rumors appear to be true as the 59-year-old was spotted at Perth Airport on Monday morning with his wife Riko Shibata, 28, and their young daughter August.
The actor, known for his roles in action films and big-budget summer blockbusters, showed off his star quality in an emerald green velvet jacket, black jeans and stylish sunglasses.
After traveling across the country from Sydney, the family seemed to be in good spirits.
As the two headed for the airport exit, Shibata held her daughter while Keiji took care of their luggage.
Billed as a thriller, The Surfer will see Cage take on a gang of Australian surfers.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, when Cage returned to his Australian seaside hometown years after building a life for himself in America, he met a group of local surfers who claimed strict ownership of the secluded spot. According to her, she was humiliated in front of her teenage son. The beach of my childhood.
“The injured surfer decides to remain on the beach and declares war on those who control the bay. But as the conflict escalates, the stakes spiral out of control and the surfer reaches the limits of his sanity.” the report outlines.
About two months ago, it was reported that a casting agency was inviting high school students to audition for roles alongside Hollywood heavyweights.
The job description stated that teenage boys would play young surfers who hang out with a surf gang.
“We’re looking for kids who are really confident with a little attitude…you often see them riding BMXs, delivering beer or causing trouble around town.” This is written in the recruitment guidelines.
The film will put Margaret River in the spotlight for the first time since the movie Drift was filmed in the area more than a decade ago.
Keiji and Shibata met in Japan in 2020 while filming Prisoners of Ghostland, directed by Sion Sono.
The Japanese-born actress won the role of playing one of four mannequin women in the film.
After getting engaged over FaceTime, the couple wed in February 2021 at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas.
