Julia Roberts and George Clooney's film Ticket to Paradise halts production due to COVID-19 resurgence

Julia Roberts and George Clooney will soon be seen opposite each other in a romantic comedy titled Ticket to Paradise. The film, which was being shot in Australia, has stopped production due to a rise in COVID-19 cases in the state of Queensland.

Variety reports that sources say the two actors have returned to the United States, following this development. 

Production on the romantic comedy began last year and was shot across different locations in Queensland. Variety cites local reports that say the set will be shut for the next three months.

Ticket to Paradise, directed and co-written by Ol Parker, will star Roberts and Clooney as a divorced couple who rush to Bali to stop their teenage daughter from tying the knot in the spur of the moment. 

The report further mentions that Clooney, who had shaved his beard off for the role, took a flight to Honolulu and then to California after the production pause. 

Ticket to Paradise was initially slated to be released in cinemas on September 30, 2022, but later moved to October 21, 2022. However, a new release date will inevitably be on the cards due to the three-month halt in the shooting.

Besides, Roberts and Clooney, the film also stars Billie Lourd, Kaitlyn Dever and Lucas Bravo. 

UK-based production company Working Title, Roberts' banner Red Om Films and Clooney's Smokehouse Pictures are producing the film, which will be distributed by Universal Pictures. 

Ticket to Paradise is also supported by the Australian Federal Government, Screen Queensland’s Production Attraction Strategy and the City of Gold Coast.