PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Hollywood lights this week in Providence. College Hill transformed into a film set as Ghostwriter, directed by J.J. Abrams and starring Glen Powell, shot bike-riding scenes with Powell greeting fans between takes. It’s just the latest example of how Rhode Island is quickly becoming a cinematic hotspot.
In the past few years, the Ocean State has hosted a growing list of big-name productions:
• Hocus Pocus 2 (2022, Disney+): Shot at Chase Farm in Lincoln, Benefit Street and LaSalle Academy in Providence, Newport’s Washington Square, and inside the Cranston Street Armory.
• Good Burger 2 (2023, Paramount+): Filmed in North Providence, with a former Friendly’s transformed into the iconic burger joint.
• Bad News on the Doorstep (2025): A coming-of-age mafia drama filmed around Providence with stars like Chazz Palminteri and Robert Davi.
• Remain (2025): A supernatural thriller directed by M. Night Shyamalan, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, with scenes in Newport, Bristol, Warren, and the Cranston Street Armory.
• Seeking Sister Wife (2025): This TLC series features polygamous families with one of the new couples being Matt and Anjelica Johnson from Rhode Island.
• The Real Housewives of Rhode Island (2025): Bravo’s new reality spinoff now filming across the state.
From blockbuster sequels to new Hollywood dramas, Rhode Island has become a true star of the screen.
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