Winchester, the latest film from Peter and Michael Spierig (Predestination) is set to commence production in Melbourne in 2017, with acclaimed actress Dame Helen Mirren in the lead role, marking her first Australian shoot in almost 50 years.

The supernatural thriller centres on the story of Sarah Winchester, heiress to the Winchester firearms fortune, who after the sudden deaths of her husband and child believed she was haunted by the ghostly victims of the Winchester repeating rifle. In an attempt to ward off the evil spirits she became obsessed with the design and construction of an enormous 160-room mansion.

Winchester will shoot in Melbourne’s Docklands Studios and surrounds in early 2017 and will see Victorian locations doubling for San Jose in the early 1900’s, before shooting on location at the real Winchester Mystery House (pictured above).

Jenni Tosi, CEO Film Victoria said: “We’re delighted the Spierig brothers will be back in Melbourne with their next film Winchester and will again be working with our talented cast and crews. We’re equally thrilled to welcome the peerless Dame Helen Mirren to Melbourne and hope she’ll also have time to experience our world-renowned culture and cuisine.”

Produced by Blacklab Entertainment’s Tim McGahan (Predestination) and Imagination Design Works’ Brett Tomberlin, Winchester secured support through Film Victoria’s Production Incentive Attraction Fund, along with Screen Australia Production Investment and assistance from Screen Queensland.

For more information about Film Victoria production incentives and filming locations, visit www.film.vic.gov.au