But many questioned if the trio's apparent love for NZ was real, or just part of their film promotion deal. Rumours abounded the stars' effusive posts were part of a deal with Tourism New Zealand, similar to the partnership between the Government agency and producers of The Hobbit trilogy. But the New Zealand Film Commission quashed those rumours, telling the Herald there was "no partnership or relationship of any sort". The Hollywood A-listers are in New Zealand to film Disney's A Wrinkle in Time, directed by Ava DuVernay and due for release in 2018. Witherspoon's Instagram posts have gone out to more than 8.6 million people, while Oprah is just behind on 8.4 million followers.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 22, 2017 04:13 UTC