WARREN, R.I. (WPRI) — Smalltown Rhode Island is once again set to appear on the silver screen.
Area residents and business owners said seeing major Hollywood stars in their hometown is cause for excitement.
Director M. Night Shyamalan has been spotted around the Ocean State filming his upcoming movie, which is an original love story with a supernatural twist.
BACKGROUND: M. Night Shyamalan, Jake Gyllenhaal movie to film in RI
Shyamalan and his crew filmed at The Coffee Depot in Warren on Wednesday, which was exciting to those who frequent the cafe.
“I came to get my coffee and read my book and I saw some things happening,” Eddie Jewel recalled. “Then I walked in the back door and they tell me I’ve got to leave because they’re shooting a movie.”
“I definitely want to come here and watch the movie that was shot in my favorite place on the planet,” he continued.
Production on Wednesday caused part of Main Street to be shut down, but that didn’t bother business owners in the slightest.
“I can’t really see them being out here affecting any of the businesses negatively,” Diamond Cutz Barbershop owner Ernest Edwards told 12 News. “I had people stop in the shop that had never been here before, so it was great.”
Gronk, Chazz Palminteri star in movie filmed in Rhode Island
Angelo Panzarella, another regular at The Coffee Depot, was fortunate enough to be cast as an extra in the film.
“This is special to me. It hasn’t hit me yet,” Panzarella said.
The filmmakers handpicked Panzarella to be a part of the movie, which he said was a total shock.
“That was very, very surprising, and I never realized what was going on. But I sat and I watched and it was precise,” Panzarella added.
Angelo said it was a real pleasure to watch actors like Jake Gyllenhaal perform up close.
“I never realized that so much went into making a film. They’re very, very knowledgeable and also very sociable,” Panzarella said.
The film’s release date is still unknown at this time, but those living and working where it’s being filmed said they will certainly be ready to see it once it comes out.
Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts.
Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app.
Follow us on social media:
Thanks for signing up!
Watch for us in your inbox.
Daily Roundup
SIGN UP NOW
if ( window.checkSizeClasses && window.checkSizeClasses instanceof Function) {
window.checkSizeClasses();
}
