'Wolverine' starts shooting in Australia

SYDNEY, Feb. 25 (UPI) -- Australian actor Hugh Jackman has started filming his star-studded superhero movie "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" in Sydney Monday.

The new prequel to the three "X-Men" blockbusters, in which Jackman previously played Wolverine, boasts a cast that includes actors Liev Schrieber, Ryan Reynolds and Dominic Monaghan, as well as recording artist will.i.am.

The Australian Broadcasting Corp. said the majority of the film, which is expected to hit theaters next year, is being shot at Sydney's Fox Studios and around the city.

Some of the movie was also filmed in New Zealand earlier this month, the report said.

New South Wales Premier Morris Iemma estimates the production will translate into 250 jobs and bring at least $60 million into Sydney's economy.

"'Wolverine's producers have chosen Sydney as the base for this production ahead of Canada, thanks to our key infrastructure at Fox Studios and our talented crew base," Iemma said in a statement.

Jackman is also a producer on the flick.