Tue Feb 25 03:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Hollywood Star Liam Neeson Brings Millions to Victoria with New Film
**Castlemaine, Victoria –** Liam Neeson, the acclaimed actor, brought a touch of Hollywood glamour to Castlemaine last week as he filmed scenes for his new movie, *The Mongoose*. The production, Neeson’s third in Victoria in four years, is expected to inject a significant $19 million into the state’s economy, with $2 million earmarked for regional communities.
The 72-year-old actor, playing war veteran Ryan ‘Fang’ Flanagan, reportedly performed some of his own stunts, including a daring helicopter sequence. Filming, which utilized Castlemaine’s town centre, Bacchus Marsh, and sections of the Calder Freeway as stand-ins for the American Southwest, involved elaborate car chases featuring Holden Commodores disguised as American state troopers. Victorian police oversaw the controlled reckless driving.
Despite minor traffic disruptions, local residents enthusiastically welcomed the production. One resident, Peter Martonyi, described Neeson’s presence as bringing “a bit of movie stardom to the town,” comparing the actor to Al Pacino. Crowds gathered to watch filming, even enduring brief delays and braving the weather under the shelter of Bunnings Warehouse umbrellas provided by the film crew. One amusing incident involved a local resident attempting to refuel his car, which had been transformed into a film set, only to be gently escorted away by police.
Neeson, speaking to the media, expressed his pleasure at returning to Victoria, praising the local crews and people. The film’s considerable economic contribution underlines the growing appeal of Victoria as a filming location for major Hollywood productions.
First Piper 