New JJ Abrams Movie ‘Ghostwriter’ Brings A-List Cast to Providence

For weeks residents of Benefit Street in Providence have known that a Warner Bros. movie was going to be filming in their neighborhood.

Ever since the first notices from the studio and a production company called Charlestown Productions started showing up on front doors, the speculations began. Everyone wanted to know what this mystery movie was all about and who was involved.

Now we finally have some details on the project, and it will be bringing more Hollywood A-listers to the Ocean State soon.

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Despite my hopes that an H.P. Lovecraft movie from the creative team behind Game of Thrones was happening, that no longer seems to be the case.

READ MORE: Lovecraft Movie Rumors Swirl in Providence

But this new movie will still have some serious creep factor.

Seems producer J.J. Abrams is both writing and directing a new movie titled Ghostwriter where the author of a fantasy novel learns his imaginary world is actually real.

The entire project has been kept extremely quiet and so far its plot is pretty much speculation. Sources in the UK, where the film already shot several scenes, say it will be set in the 1980s and is inspired by The Last Starfighter - a 1984 space movie about a video game player who gets recruited into an interstellar battle against alien forces.

Abrams Comeback and Anticipated Release

Abrams has not directed a film in six years, so some are viewing this project as a 'comeback' for him. Despite all the secrecy, the expectation is for this new movie to have a 2026 release date.

In Rhode Island, media outlets have shared that the project will film around Benefit Street and Wickenden Street in Providence.

Why Providence? Literary and Local Ties

The theory is that the area’s connection with both Edgar Allan Poe and H.P. Lovecraft made it the perfect location, because the movie is expected to have a similar sci-fi fantasy lean as both those authors.

Along with this intriguing plot possibility is a solid cast lineup.

Star Power Attached

Glen Powell, Jenna Ortega and Samuel L. Jackson are said to be attached to the project, as well as Emma Mackey who was just here last spring filming for the upcoming Ella McCay.

READ MORE: Rhode Island Made 'Ella McCay' Has New Release Date

Scenes filmed in Providence will be quick however. Street closures on Benefit Street, Angell Street and Thomas Street have been requested from August 18-25 and the Point Street Bridge will be closed for filming from Sunday August 24 at 8 AM until Monday August 25 at 9 AM.

No word on which stars will be in town to film, since many scenes have already been shot overseas in Scotland.

But its more exciting buzz in a state that has become an East Coast Hollywood this past summer.