Hollywood Heavyweights and Thai Star Power to Shear Up Laughs in 'Shearing the Love'

Geoffrey Rush Set to Shear Up Laughs in New Comedy 'Shearing the Love'

Oscar-winning actor Geoffrey Rush is poised to star in "Shearing the Love," a sports comedy marking the directorial debut of New Zealand writer and producer Tom Hern, known for his work on "The Panthers," "The Dark Horse," and "Shadow In The Cloud." The film, a lighthearted take on the competitive world of sheep shearing, is already generating buzz ahead of its production start in early 2026.

Hollywood Heavyweights and Thai Star Power to Shea...

Rush, celebrated for his roles in "Shine" and the "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise, will be joined by Thai actor Dom Hetrakul, recently seen in "The White Lotus S3," and New Zealand's Daniel Musgrove ("Westside"). Musgrove also co-wrote the original screenplay with Natalie Medlock, Hern, and Nua Finau.

"Shearing the Love" is being produced

"Shearing the Love" is being produced by Halaifonua (Nua) Finau, whose previous film, "Red, White & Brass," became New Zealand's highest-grossing local title in 2023. The film has already secured pre-buy deals in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK, thanks to Rialto and Vertigo, respectively. Essential Film Group will be handling international sales at the American Film Market (AFM).

Hern describes the film as a "raucous, heartwarming sports comedy" in the vein of early 2000s classics like "Talladega Nights" and "Kingpin," but with a strong emphasis on heart. He emphasizes the film's message: "Wherever you come from, whatever you’re into, the best thing you can ever be is you."

Finau echoes this sentiment, highlighting the project's rapid greenlight in a challenging indie film landscape as a testament to its "universal, fun appeal." Executive producers include Andy Thompson, James Norrie, and Nina Kolokouri of Essential, Kelly Rogers of Rialto Distribution International, and Ed Caffrey of Vertigo Releasing. Brad Smeele is also on board as an executive producer.

Caffrey adds to the excitement, calling the script "one of the funniest we've ever read" and expressing confidence that "Shearing the Love" will become a comedy classic. With a stellar cast, a talented creative team, and a heartwarming story, "Shearing the Love" promises to be a woolly good time at the cinema. Tavake (Madam), Hern and Finau’s production company, is producing the film.