Revolution Studios' $70 million action film starring Bruce Willis begins nearly three months of production on Oahu on March 25, primarily at two locations, Kualoa Ranch and Maunawili Valley. Bruce Willis’ action film
starts production on
Oahu March 25By Tim Ryan
tryan@starbulletin.comThe film's working title has been changed from "Man of War" to "The Untitled Fuqua Project," reflecting the name of its director Antoine Fuqua.
The name change was necessary because another studio registered the original title.
Willis arrived in Honolulu early last week and has been scouting at least one gym with his personal trainer for work-out sessions.
"He was in here yesterday with his trainer checking things out," said a gym manager who requested the gym name not be publicized. "He looks like a serious trainer and we know he doesn't want to be hassled."
Willis is considering doing a concert here in small venue -- World Cafe is being considered -- with his five-member band during the first week of April. Willis plays the harmonica and sings mostly blues.
Willis and five other actors, including co-star Cole Hauser, will portray Navy S.E.A.L.S. and also will undergo military training at Kualoa Ranch here before and during filming
The film is about a special forces unit led by Willis who is sent to an African country -- Hawaii is doubling for Africa -- to retrieve a doctor (Monica Bellucci, who starred in "Malena") doing humanitarian work in a small village before the civil war reaches her. Once they arrive, the woman refuses to leave unless the 40 villagers are evacuated with her.
Because the film takes place in Africa the majority of extras to be hired must appear as indigenous to that area. Local casting hasn't been completed yet.
Filming will continue to mid- to-late June -- as many as 65 days.
Construction in a Kualoa Ranch valley began March 11 and includes a large church, a kitchen and a medical tent. The production is building an African village in Maunawili Valley not far from the site where HBO built a Vietnam village for the pilot "Lessons Learned."
In other Hawaii production news, the popular NBC drama "ER" begins filming on Oahu April 9 for eight days.
Frank Conway, formerly of "Baywatch Hawaii," is the unit production manager and John Wells, who created the show, will write and direct.
Most of the filming will be done on location with some major popular tourist destinations featured. "ER" is in its eighth season.
Click for online
calendars and events.
