Currently, not much information is available about “The Pacific”. We’ll update this FAQ as we get new information. If you know more, be sure to contact me.

What is “The Pacific” and what is it based on?

“Pacific” is an upcoming World War II miniseries produced by HBO and Dreamworks and is the successor to HBO’s mega-hit, Band of Brothers. It is scheduled for a television release on HBO in late 2009. “Pacific” is based on the books “With the Old Breed,” by Eugene Sledge, which was hailed by historian Paul Fussell as “one of the finest memoirs to emerge from any war,” and “Helmet for My Pillow,” by Robert Leckie (recipient of the Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Annual Award), as well as original interviews conducted by the filmmakers and Hugh Ambrose. Continuing the World War II oral history work begun by his father Stephen E. Ambrose (author of the book “Band of Brothers”), Hugh Ambrose serves as a consultant on the miniseries. Episode information can be found on our Episode Guide.

When will the series be shown?

The series is expected to be released in early 2009.

Is The Pacific a sequel to Band of Brothers?

No, it’s not a sequel, per se, but rather a “companion piece” to Band of Brothers according to HBO. None of the original actors from Band of Brothers will return and it is not related in any way (other than format). However, many of the same filmmakers and crew members will return.

What is the budget of this production?

The budget is rumored to be between 150-200 million dollars making it the most expensive HBO miniseries ever produced and certainly the most expensive ever made in Australia!

Where will the series be filmed and when?

The production will be based at Melbourne Central City Studios in Melbourne, Victoria, with filming to take place in Melbourne, where U.S. troops camped in 1943, and Far North Queensland. The HBO Films production has collaborated with Film Victoria, the Pacific Film & Television Commission, Ausfilm and the New South Wales Film & TV Office. Filming is slated to start August 13 in Australia and shoot through Mid-2008 and will be shown in 2009.