Los Angeles, CA -- Stage and screen actor and producer Hugh Jackman announced at a press release today that he was ready to reveal a project that had thus far been secretly referred to as “Australia 2”. When asked when the movie was set to premier, Jackman corrected I AM THE PRESS, saying that he was planning a sequel to the Commonwealth set in the Southern Hemisphere. He was quick to confirm rumors that Nicole Kidman would not be reprising her role.
The project reportedly involves much of the original cast, though some members are being replaced due to other contractual obligations. Kevin Rudd will be continuing his role as Prime Minister, but Quentin Brice is being replaced as Governor General. No one has been officially slated as her replacement, but rumors say the position is being fought over by Michael Jeffery, the Governor General preceding Brice, and Eric Bana.
Jackman promises that the new Australia will “serve up all the thrills of the original, but with a more modern twist.” It is common knowledge that Australia was originally populated by criminals deported from the British Empire, and the current idea is much the same. “We want an authentic Australian experience, so we’ll be bringing in criminals and indigents from many countries originally belonging to the British Empire, including fan favorites like India and Ireland.” And the modern twist promised? “I don’t want to give too much away, but here’s a hint: electric digeri-somethings.”
Fans of the original Australia may be a little disappointed that some of the most celebrated aspects of the original will be falling by the wayside. For example, much of the wildlife has been a deeply respected part of Australian lore, but Jackman feels that they won’t have as large of a role in the “direction the new Australia is headed.” Diehard fans will be pleased with a bit of fan-service, however. “The platypus was originally a bit-character, created to fill-in space between real animals, but it’s become such a fan favorite that we decided to give it a more prominent role.” Other traditional Australian staples being dropped include cricket, gold mines, and Russell Crowe.
“Australia 2” is set to hit the Indian and Pacific Oceans as early as 2012, with an Atlantic Ocean version optioned by 20th Century Fox for the following year. Preorders are already being offered on Amazon.com, and special fan-packs are being offered (with a foreword by veteran Australian, Geoffrey Rush) on the official website, AustraliaTwoTheCountryNotTheMovie.com.
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