Hastings is one of the cities being considered.

In late 2009, a DreamWorks location scout based in the Detroit area spent three days checking out Barry County locations. The Hastings Chamber of Commerce president said DreamWorks contacted the city, interested in a “rural and historic-looking location,” [read more]

Hugh Jackman is coming to Michigan in a big-budget movie called “Real Steel,” a futuristic drama.

“Real Steel” is set to begin filming here in June, a DreamWorks spokesman confirmed today.

It will star Jackman, the versatile actor who plays the superhero Wolverine in the “X-Men” blockbusters. Steven Spielberg is one of the executive producers.

The movie will be filmed primarily in Michigan at locations in metro Detroit and across the state. It’s scheduled to hit theaters in November 2011.

“Real Steel” has applied for the state’s film incentives and been approved, according to the Michigan Film Office.

“The rebate is certainly a primary factor in the decision, but it was incentive along with the diverse looks in Michigan and the cooperation of the state that make this an ideal package for ‘Real Steel,’ ” Steve Molen, DreamWorks Studios’ president of physical production, said in an email.

The budget for the project will be around $80 million, according to Variety.
The DreamWorks Studios production is potentially the biggest-budget movie to come to Michigan since the launch of the tax incentives for filmmaking in 2008.

“Red Dawn,” which filmed here last year, had an estimated budget of more than $40 million. Other recent movies like “Gran Torino” with Clint Eastwood and “Whip It” with Drew Barrymore have brought major stars to town.

“Real Steel” is described as being set against the backdrop of the futuristic sport of robot boxing. Jackman plays a former boxer who teams up with his long-lost son to train a robot for a world championship.

The director is Shawn Levy, who helmed the “Night at the Museum” movies.