SOUTHPORT – Although Mel Gibson Day in Southport takes place closer to the holiday, a locally shot film that earned him the honor in 2021 will finally hit theaters before Halloween.
READ MORE: This winter, Mel Gibson will be filming a fantasy thriller in the city with the actor from “The Black Telephone”
Monster Summer hits theaters nationwide on October 4. A new trailer for the film gives off Stranger Things vibes as a supernatural stranger hunts—and haunts—teenagers on Martha’s Vineyard.
“Something happened to Ben that I can’t explain,” says Mason Thames as Noah in the trailer. “It’s like he’s a zombie from ‘Night of the Living Dead.'”
To save the island, retired detective Gene (Mel Gibson) embarks on a journey to help the children and the community. There are a few scary moments, but above all, crazy adventures and obstacles to overcome. He also discovers a witch who has retreated to her island.
In addition to Thames, who shot “Black Phone” in Wilmington in 2020, the cast also includes Abby James Witherspoon (“Secret Headquarters”), Noah Cottrell (“The Spiderwick Chronicles”) and Julian Lerner (“The Wonder Years”). Also joining the cast is local actress Lilah Pate, whose father Jonas is co-creator of “Outer Banks” and is currently filming “The Runarounds,” with his daughter also starring.
The film features veteran actors including Lorraine Bracco (“Sopranos,” “Goodfellas”) and Kevin James (“King of Queens”). “Monster Summer” also features Patrick Renna of “The Sandlot” fame, who makes a cameo appearance as an umpire for the local kids’ baseball team.
But it was Gibson who turned most of the heads while filming in the city three years ago. The controversial actor was frequently spotted in Southport, dining at Castucci’s Italian Restaurant and Mr. P’s and working out at Cape Fear Fitness.
Then-Mayor Pat Hatem announced on December 16, 2021 on set with Gibson that the day was Mel Gibson Day. He handed the actor the keys to the city.
“Mr. Gibson, just being in the same room with you is an extraordinary honor for me,” Hatem said in a video. “I am very happy that Hollywood has returned to North Carolina. We thank you for being an important part of this successful return. We have not seen this much excitement in Southport since filming ‘Safe Haven.'”
The trailer, released last month, features the quaint seaside town of Southport, featuring patriotically decorated historic homes, the Oak Island Lighthouse and local baseball fields. The fantasy adventure thriller was filmed under the pseudonym “Boys of Summer.” “Monster Summer” is from actor and director David Henrie (“How I Met Your Mother”) and was written by Bryan Schulz and Cornelius Uliano, who also co-wrote “The Peanuts Movie.”
Hernie – who starred as Justin in Wizards of Waverly Place – told a blogger last month that Monster Summer evokes pure nostalgia.
“I’m also part of the millennial generation and wanted to recreate films that I watched with my family as a child, like ‘The Sandlot’, ‘The Goonies’ or ‘ET’.. I wanted to recreate the fun, carefree family experience I had as a child that I feel is missing today,” he said.
He added that the “monster” represents fears hidden deep within the psyche and what is needed to find the inner strength to overcome them.
The film is produced by Novo Media Group, Nickel City, Pastime Productions and Reserve Ent.
Tips or comments? Email [email protected].
Want to read more from PCD? Subscribe now and then sign up for our morning newsletter, Wilmington Wire, to get the top stories delivered to your inbox every morning.
