Auckland’s Movie Coup

Filming begins in Auckland on Hollywood blockbuster, WWII political-thriller Emperor this month at Henderson’s Auckland Film Studios. Lost heartthrob Matthew Fox, 45, stars. Inspired by true events, Emperor is an epic story of love and understanding set amidst the uncertainties of the days following the Japanese surrender at the end of WWII. Fox will play General Bonner Fellers, one of MacArthur’s leading Japanese experts, who is charged with reaching a decision of historical importance: should Emperor Hirohito be tried and hanged as a war criminal? Auckland Council Investments Limited (ACIL) chief executive Gary Swift says the film is a “major coup” for the city. “Securing the film also helps to build New Zealand’s reputation as a world-class film location,” Swift says. Sam Raimi’s Evil Dead remake, is also being filmed in New Zealand, beginning in autumn.