Oscar-winning actor Jamie Foxx has arrived in Melbourne to begin filming his new action thriller, Deadlocked. The 58-year-old star, known for his role in Django Unchained, was seen on Saturday playing pickleball at House of Pickle in Port Melbourne, where he spent about two hours with friends and took time to engage with fans.

Bryce Martiskin, co-founder of House of Pickle, described Foxx as friendly and approachable, noting that the actor seemed experienced in the sport. "He was having a great time chatting to our customers, and he was really good on the court as well. He is a pickleball veteran," Martiskin said.

Filming for Deadlocked is set to take place this month in various locations around Docklands, Port Melbourne, and the central business district of Melbourne. The production plans to transform the city streets into a depiction of New York City for the film.

In Deadlocked, Foxx stars as a former Marine who, while serving jury duty, becomes involved in a dangerous hostage situation stemming from a high-profile trial. The production is anticipated to contribute approximately AUD 36 million to the local economy and is expected to create more than 855 jobs for local cast and crew members.