Biography

Patrick Hughes is an Australian writer, producer and director known for delivering high-concept action films that combine large-scale spectacle with character-driven storytelling and sharp comedic energy.

Most recently, Hughes wrote, directed and produced the global smash hit War Machine under his Australian production banner Huge Film. The gritty sci-fi action survival epic follows an elite unit of Army Rangers fighting to survive in the aftermath of a devastating alien invasion and launched worldwide on Netflix to massive global audiences.

Hughes previously directed the worldwide box-office hit The Hitman’s Bodyguard starring Ryan Reynolds and Samuel L. Jackson. The film held the #1 position at the global box office for three consecutive weeks and grossed more than $180 million worldwide. Hughes returned to the franchise with the sequel The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard, which also starred Salma Hayek.

He also directed the Netflix action-comedy The Man from Toronto starring Kevin Hart and Woody Harrelson.

Earlier in his career Hughes was hand-picked by Sylvester Stallone to direct The Expendables 3, the third installment of the iconic action franchise starring Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Harrison Ford and Mel Gibson.

Hughes made his feature debut with the modern western thriller Red Hill, which premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival where it became one of the fastest-selling films of the market that year and went on to earn strong critical acclaim.

Hughes is currently in production on an untitled Vietnam War epic for Amazon MGM Studios based on the extraordinary true story of Navy SEAL Mike E. Thornton, who was awarded the Medal of Honor. The film stars Alan Ritchson.

Before transitioning fully into features, Hughes gained international recognition as one of the world’s most sought-after commercial directors, helming campaigns for global brands including Xbox, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Honda, Toyota and Vodafone.

A graduate of the Victorian College of the Arts Film & Television program, Hughes first gained attention after winning Tropfest with his short film The Lighter. His short film Signs later became a viral phenomenon, amassing millions of views online and winning a Cannes Gold Lion.

Through his production company HUGE FILM, Hughes continues to develop and produce high-concept action and genre films for global audiences.
- IMDb mini biography by: Huge Film