Delaware

Is Delaware the new Gotham City? ‘Batman’ and ‘Joker’ stars are in movies filmed here

Published

2 years ago

January 8, 2024

Is Delaware the new Gotham City? ‘Batman’ and ‘Joker’ stars are in movies filmed here

Since Superman lives in Delaware (we have proof), it only makes sense that his buddy Batman and enemy the Joker would have ties to the First State, right?

Somehow that comic-book logic has worked its way into real life.

The lead actors from the superhero films “Batman” (Michael Keaton) and “Joker” (Joaquin Phoenix) each have been featured in major films made in Delaware.

Here’s a handful of other Hollywood films (plus TV shows) inspired by or made in the First State that you may not know. They feature big stars including Oprah, Aubrey Plaza, Jack Black and more.

The Village: Joaquin Phoenix

Director M. Night Shyamalan was one of the hottest directors in the late ’90s and early 2000s after delivering a string of hits like “The Sixth Sense,” “Unbreakable” and “Signs.” The film “Signs” featured a 20-something Joaquin Phoenix, almost two decades before he starred as Batman’s nemesis in “Joker.”

Shyamalan once again recruited Phoenix for his 2004 suspense thriller “The Village,” which spotlights an evil force that dwells in a forbidden forest. The Philly director filmed scenes close to home in places like the City of Brotherly Love; Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania; and Delaware’s Centreville.

Beloved: Oprah Winfrey, Danny Glover

This 1998 film starring the “Giveaway Queen” Oprah Winfrey (Sethe) and Danny Glover (Paul Garner) leaned on New Castle County to shoot some of the project.

“Beloved” follows Winfrey’s character, who is haunted by her past as a slave. She and her daughter are tormented by a ghost until her longtime friend, played by Glover, drives it away. But more drama continues after a woman named Beloved appears.

The film was nominated for six NAACP Image Awards, including one for Winfrey. Glover won the film’s only Image Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Motion Picture.

Failure to Launch: Matthew McConaughey, Sarah Jessica Parker

Even before the Great Recession in 2008, it was hard for some parents to get their children to leave the nest. This was evidenced in the 2006 romantic comedy “Failure to Launch,” starring Matthew McConaughey and Sarah Jessica Parker (Paula).

The movie tells the story of a 35-year-old bachelor whose parents (played by Kathy Bates and NFL legend Terry Bradshaw) hire an interventionist to get him to move out of their home. Some scenes from the flick were shot at Cape Henlopen State Park.

Little Demon: Aubrey Plaza, Danny DeVito

Wilmington native Aubrey Plaza is a character. But she raised the bar in the FX cartoon series “Little Demon” (2022). In this dark comedy, Plaza plays Laura, mom to her Antichrist daughter Chrissy, played by Lucy DeVito. The family relocates to Delaware to live a normal life, but Laura’s ex (Satan, played by Danny DeVito) finds them in the Small Wonder.

In the first episode alone, there are several nods to Delaware like Chrissy entering her new school, the fictitious Middletown Junior High School, which says the following under the school sign: “Est. 1795. We’re not racist anymore!”

She also goes with a friend to a party at “the abandoned Taco Chateau on Concord Pike” before showing a Delaware license plate on her car. (It was blue-and-gold and not a prized low-digit black-and-white plate.)

The edgy cartoon generated lots of controversy — mostly for its Satanic theme — and lasted only one season.

Fight Club: Brad Pitt, Edward Norton

It’s true the first rule of “Fight Club” is you can’t talk about “Fight Club.” Too bad Brad Pitt never said we couldn’t write about it (hehe). This legendary flick is based on Wilmington and explores an underground club for bareknuckle brawls.

The movie, inspired by the 1996 book of the same name by author Chuck Palahniuk, also features Edward Norton, Helena Bonham Carter and Meat Loaf.

While Wilmington is never named in the film, Wilmingtonians can spot the references with ease. This includes a business card for Pitt’s character (Tyler Durden) that lists the address for his soap company as 537 Paper St. with the ZIP code of 19808 — a Wilmington-area ZIP code.

In a 2000 interview with Delaware Online/The News Journal, Palahniuk said it was the idea of director David Fincher and scriptwriter Jim Uhls to set the film in Wilmington because of its deep ties to the credit card industry.

The movie ends with the bombing of credit card companies — something Wilmington has a bunch of.

Clean and Sober: Michael Keaton, Morgan Freeman

In the history of actors cast as Batman, many fans rank Michael Keaton as the best. He shined in Tim Burton’s classics the “Batman” with Jack Nicholson in 1989, followed by “Batman Returns” with Michelle Pfeiffer and Danny DeVito in 1992.

But right before he became Gotham City’s protector, Keaton played a hotshot real estate guru with a cocaine habit in “Clean and Sober” (1988). His character eventually checks into a rehab clinic and receives help from a counselor played by Morgan Freeman.

Since the real estate agent lives in Philly, it shouldn’t be a surprise that one of the locations in “Clean and Sober” was shot in Claymont about 30 minutes away.

Goosebumps: Jack Black

Many ’90s kids and their parents remember the horror novel series for kids titled “Goosebumps.” Author R.L. Stine’s nostalgic series inspired the 2015 film title of the same. It starred Jack Black as the beloved author Stine and featured monsters from the writer’s imagination escaping into the fictional town of Madison, Delaware.

The Pretender: Michael Weiss

A human chameleon is on the loose. His name is Jarod (Michael T. Weiss) and he’s a “Pretender” or a genius who is so smart he’s able to assume multiple identities such as a pilot, lawyer or doctor.

When Jarod was young, a corporation named The Centre wanted to use him for his genius ability. The Centre is in the fictitious Blue Cove, Delaware. That makes sense because the First State is the incorporation capital of the world. “The Pretender” (1996-2000) is currently streaming on Amazon Prime.

Dish & The Spoon: Greta Gerwig

Rose (Greta Gerwig) moves to Delaware after her husband cheats in the romantic comedy “The Dish & The Spoon” (2011). The breakout director behind the summer’s billion-dollar-grossing “Barbie” film can be spotted years ago in “The Dish & The Spoon” scenes filmed in Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, Broadkill Beach and Dewey Beach, along with Milton, Milford and Dover.

Mayor Cupcake: Lea Thompson

Mary Maroni (Lea Thompson) is a mom, wife, and the best cupcake baker in town. After her daughter secretly nominates her for mayor, and she shockingly wins, the master baker is forced to discover if she has the right ingredients to create meaningful change in political office in the comedy “Mayor Cupcake” (2011). The film was shot in the Delaware locations Bridgeville, Dewey Beach and Rehoboth Beach.

Dead Poets Society: Robin Williams

The new year marks the 35th anniversary of the cult classic film “Dead Poets Society,” filmed in Delaware and starring Robin Williams in one of his first serious roles. The 1989 movie landed Williams an Academy Award nomination for his performance as a teacher who motivates prep school students through the writings of Walt Whitman and other “dead poets.”

“Dead Poets Society” was filmed in the Middletown area at St. Andrew’s School and the Everett Theatre. Other Delaware locations include Wilmington and Historic New Castle.

Sources for this article include IMDB and Filmpedia.

News Journal reporter Ryan Cormier rcormier@delawareonline.com contributed to this report.

If you have an interesting story idea, email lifestyle reporter Andre Lamar at alamar@gannett.com. Consider signing up for his weekly newsletter, DO Delaware, at delawareonline.com/newsletters.

More Delaware entertainment

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Before her new smash hit film ‘Barbie’: Greta Gerwig made this movie in Delaware

‘Meet the Parents’ star Teri Polo: She comes home to Delaware; making new film in First State

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Delaware has gotten these 15 verbal commitments from football recruits

Published

7 hours ago

July 1, 2026

Press Room

Delaware has gotten these 15 verbal commitments from football recruits

The all-important recruiting game is sped up now that Delaware is a Football Bowl Subdivision outfit as it heads into its second season in Conference USA.

With the start of preseason practice still a month away, Blue Hens coaches have been busy watching future prospects show their skills during on-campus camps as they attempt to build future rosters.

At least 15 Class of 2027 high school recruits have already verbally committed to accepting Delaware’s scholarship offer as of June 30, according to social media reports.

Recruits are not officially part of the UD program until December’s signing period.

That list includes four players from Delaware high schools – Cape Henlopen quarterback Jameson Tingle, Middletown linebacker Mekhi Corbin and offensive linemen Mario Castillo from Red Lion and Game Medico of Salesianum.

Delaware Class of 2027 commits

Douglass Callihan, 6-0, 215, LB, Gilmer/Ellijay, Georgia

Charles Carpenter-Simms, 6-2, 200, DB, Dexter Southfield/Brookline, Massachusetts

Mario Castillo, 6-6, 290, OL, Red Lion Christian Academy/Bear, Delaware

Mekhi Corbin, 6-1, 210, LB, Middletown/Middletown, Delaware

Austin Farrell, 6-3, 265, DL, Iona Prep, New York City

Kodi Gbanite, 6-3, 250, DT, Livingston/Livingston, New Jersey

Cooper Hodson, 6-3, 310, OL, Providence Day School/Charlotte, North Carolina

Chase Hyacinth, 6-4, 220, DE, Eagle Academy, New York City

Gabe Medico, 6-5, 260, OL, Salesianum/Wilmington, Delaware

Darius Smith, 6-1, 170, DB, Millbrook/Raleigh, North Carolina

Ronny Taylor, 5-11, 180, DB, Jenkins/Savannah, Georgia

Jameson Tingle, 6-2, 185, QB, Cape Henlopen/Lewes, Delaware

Aaron Truedell, 5-9, 170, RB, Lakeland Christian/Lakeland, Florida

Charles Williams, 5-10, 170, WR, Bamberg-Ehrhardt/Bamberg, South Carolina

Anthony Willis, 6-2, 180, WR, Bergen Catholic/Oradell, New Jersey

Contact Kevin Tresolini at ktresolini@delawareonline.com and follow on Twitter @kevintresolini. Support local journalism by subscribing to delawareonline.com and our DE Game Day newsletter.

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Delaware Fire Marshal Urges Fireworks Caution Ahead of July 4th – 47abc

Published

17 hours ago

June 30, 2026

Press Room

Delaware Fire Marshal Urges Fireworks Caution Ahead of July 4th – 47abc

DELAWARE – As Delaware prepares to celebrate America’s historic 250th anniversary of independence, the Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office (DSFMO) reminds all residents and visitors to prioritize safety this holiday weekend.

With unprecedented crowds and community events planned across the state, Delaware fire officials are tracking a heightened risk of preventable injuries and property damage from illegal consumer fireworks. Further, with a drought watch declared statewide, DSFMO is intensifying its public education and enforcement efforts throughout the summer.

“Delaware played a foundational role in the birth of our nation, and the best way to honor that legacy during America 250 is by keeping our communities safe,” said State Fire Marshal John W. Rudd. “A single spark can cause irreversible injury or a devastating house fire. We strongly encourage all Delawareans and visitors to celebrate our nation’s milestone safely by attending one of the many spectacular professionally managed public displays hosted throughout the First State.”

Fireworks: What’s allowed and what isn’t?

State Fire Marshal Rudd reminds residents and visitors that the possession, sale, and use of most consumer fireworks are illegal at all times under Delaware law. Firecrackers, roman candles, bottle rockets, aerial fireworks, and other explosives are included in the prohibition. Further, any other device that explodes or shoots into the air is prohibited per the fireworks chapter of Delaware’s Health and Safety code.

DSFMO also reminds Delawareans that it is illegal to purchase fireworks across state lines and bring them back to Delaware. Firework misuse and/or illegal possession are misdemeanor crimes that can result in fines; but, any injuries or damages caused by firework use can result in felony charges.

However, certain fireworks, such as sparklers, ground-based displays, and a selection of other non-airborne, nonexplosive novelty items, regulated by the federal government, are allowed to be used only on Independence Day. Permitted ground-based fireworks include the following:

Spinners
Fountains
Jumping jacks
Ground blooms
Handheld sparklers

These fireworks can be purchased by a person 18 years or older between Jun. 4 and Jul. 4. DSFMO urges caution when using legal novelties as even they can pose severe burn risks, with sparklers burning at temperatures hot enough to melt gold.

Firework Safety Tips

DSFMO offers the following tips to ensure that Delawareans celebrate the holiday safely:

Follow proper safety measures when using fireworks
Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers
Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby when lighting fireworks in case of fire or other mishaps
Never use fireworks while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Dispose of used fireworks by placing them in a bucket filled with water located at least 10 feet away from any buildings for at least 12 hours.

Fire officials maintain the safest alternative to lighting your own fireworks is to attend professional fireworks shows. For a full list of fireworks on Delmarva, click here.

Tags: delaware, delaware state fire marshal, delaware state fire marshal’s office, firework safety, fireworks, fourth of july, illegal fireworks, independence day, prohibited fireworks, safety, safety precautions

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Delaware on Main Street Program Grows as 17 Communities Earn National Designations – State of Delaware News

Published

1 day ago

June 30, 2026

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Delaware on Main Street Program Grows as 17 Communities Earn National Designations – State of Delaware News

DOVER, Del. – On Monday, the Delaware on Main Street (DOMS) Program, operating within the Delaware Division of Small Business (DSB), presented certificates of accreditation or affiliation to 17 downtown organizations on behalf of Main Street America.

The recognition reflects continued growth in the Delaware on Main Street Program, with two new organizations joining the network between July 2025 and January 2026 and two communities advancing to Main Street America’s highest designation level. Delaware now has six nationally accredited Main Street programs, up from four in 2025, representing a 50% increase in communities earning Main Street America’s top designation.

“I’m incredibly excited to see the growth of this program and so proud of the dedication, passion, and effort that each of these Main Street programs put into economic development and revitalization of their downtown areas,” said Delaware on Main Street Coordinator Anastasia Jackson. “Their tireless efforts show what’s possible when engaged leaders work together to shape places that reflect the people they serve.”

The impact of Delaware’s Main Street programs extends far beyond recognition. In 2025, eleven Delaware on Main Street programs generated more than $306.8 million in local reinvestment, facilitated the creation of 421 full-time and 108 part-time jobs, and helped open 104 new businesses. They also completed 38 rehabilitation projects, 85 public improvement projects, and eight new construction projects. Volunteers contributed more than 29,293 hours to support downtown revitalization efforts.

Each year, Main Street America and its partners announce a list of designated programs that have committed to creating meaningful improvements to their downtowns through the Main Street Approach™.

These designations serve as a powerful advocacy tool, demonstrating to local stakeholders, as well as city, state, and national funders, that a Main Street program has an established position within a nationwide movement. Main Street America’s 46-year track record of economic success and community building has created a lasting impact in communities across the country.

Certificates were presented during the quarterly Main Street meeting held at Middletown Town Hall on Monday, June 29, 2026.

The four programs receiving renewed accreditation are Downtown Wilmington Visions, Downtown Dover Partnership, Downtown Milford, Inc., and Rehoboth Beach Main Street, Inc. The two programs earning accreditation status for the first time are Cornerstone West CDC in Wilmington and Middletown Main Street.

To qualify for Accredited status, Main Street America’s highest designation tier, communities must demonstrate a proven track record of achieving outcomes in alignment with the Main Street Approach™ and exceptional performance in six areas: broad-based community commitment to revitalization; inclusive leadership and organizational capacity; diversified funding and sustainable program operations; strategy-driven programming; preservation-based economic development; and demonstrated impact and results.

The remaining 11 downtown programs receiving Affiliate status are City of Harrington, City of Seaford, Clayton Main Street, Delaware City, Main Street Laurel, Millsboro Downtown Partnership, Milton Main Street, The Newark Partnership, Town of Elsmere, Smyrna Main Street, and Town of Georgetown.

To qualify for Affiliate status, Main Street America’s second designation tier, communities must demonstrate a strong commitment to the Main Street model and dedication to achieving outcomes in six areas: broad-based community commitment to revitalization; inclusive leadership and organizational capacity; diversified funding and sustainable program operations; strategy-driven programming; preservation-based economic development; and demonstrated impact and results.

According to Main Street America, for every dollar invested in the operation of a Main Street program, an average of $21.73 is reinvested into its downtown and commercial corridor communities.

Together, Delaware’s accredited and affiliate Main Street programs are helping strengthen local economies, support small businesses, preserve historic downtowns, and create vibrant places where residents and visitors want to live, work, and spend time.

To learn more about the Delaware on Main Street Program, visit de.gov/demainst.

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The Delaware Division of Small Business is a service-focused state agency, within the Delaware Department of State, that is committed to helping businesses start and grow in Delaware. Our Regional Business Managers can help you navigate government processes, connect with partner organizations that offer resources to small businesses and identify opportunities to access capital. DSB also oversees the Delaware Tourism Office and the Office of Supplier Diversity

Media Contact
Andrea Wojcik
Division of Small Business
O: (302) 672-6840; C: (302) 554-0060
andrea.wojcik@delaware.gov