Insidious returns home: Docklands Studios hosts latest chapter of global horror franchise

Melbourne’s Docklands Studios is once again playing host to Hollywood, with the latest instalment of the globally successful Insidious film franchise now in production – and the city’s moody architecture setting the tone for another spine-tingling chapter.

The sixth film in Sony Pictures and Blumhouse’s supernatural horror series is being filmed across several Melbourne suburbs, including Camberwell, Essendon and Kensington, with Docklands Studios Melbourne’s Stage 6 serving as the production’s main sound stage.

The production is expected to inject more than $29 million into the Victorian economy and create more than 500 local jobs, including 205 crew members and 14 department heads. For Docklands Studios — already home to a string of international productions – it’s another major coup that reinforces its growing reputation as the creative heart of Melbourne’s screen industry.

The film stars Amelia Eve (The Haunting of Bly Manor), Brandon Perea (A Big Bold Beautiful Journey), Lin Shaye (Insidious), and Victorian actor Laura Gordon (Late Night With the Devil).

It is directed by Jacob Chase and co-written with David Leslie Johnson, and produced by Jason Blum, Oren Peli, and homegrown filmmakers James Wan and Leigh Whannell – the Melbourne duo who first created Insidious in 2010.

Since its debut at the Toronto International Film Festival that year, Insidious has become one of the most enduring horror franchises of all time, grossing more than $740 million worldwide. For Wan and Whannell, bringing the franchise back to their hometown has added meaning.

“As someone who grew up in Melbourne, it’s a dream to bring an Insidious film back to my hometown,” Whannell said. “The city offers such a versatile backdrop and incredible filmmaking talent – I can’t wait for audiences to see how it elevates the film.”

Blumhouse founder Jason Blum echoed the sentiment, praising Melbourne’s creative energy: “Its mix of world-class crews, cutting-edge facilities, and rich creative culture made it the perfect home for our next Insidious film. We love being here and are grateful for the support we’ve received from the local film community.”

The production follows a string of high-profile international projects filmed at Docklands Studios, including Stake Out, Late Night with the Devil, and Upgrade, another Blumhouse film made in Melbourne. The ongoing success of such productions highlights Docklands’ evolution into one of the Southern Hemisphere’s leading screen hubs.

Victorian Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks said the return of Insidious to Victoria underscored the global demand for local talent and facilities.

“Created by Victorians, Insidious has captured audiences around the world and is testament to the depth of creative talent we export,” he said.

The project was secured through VicScreen’s Victorian Screen Rebate and the Federal Government’s Location Offset, demonstrating the state’s ongoing investment in attracting major film productions.