Delaware

What movies & TV shows were made in Delaware?

Published

1 year ago

April 4, 2025

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What movies & TV shows were made in Delaware?

Delaware may be small but it is home to many things, including Hollywood movies and TV shows over the years.

Here’s a look at Hollywood actors who’ve appeared in films and TV shows filmed or set in the Small Wonder, across all three counties.

‘Jason’s Letter’: Vivica A. Fox, Dover (2017)

An actor and former girlfriend of rapper 50 Cent starred in a 2017 film shot in Dover. Vivica A. Fox, of “Kill Bill” fame, showcased her acting talents in “Jason’s Letter,” a film where some scenes were shot in City Hall. Delaware Online/The News Journal reported in 2017 that director Terrance Tykeem said a friend recommended he shoot in Dover because it had the perfect location for a city hall, which proved to be true after Tykeem scouted the location.

“Jason’s Letter” is about a 12-year-old Black boy named Jason McKey, whose Black schoolmate is shot by white cops. After realizing that marching and protests can’t change what feels like a national crisis, the young boy reaches out to his uncle, who is best friends with the city manager, to see if he can help him deliver a letter to the city council.

‘Broadway Brawler’: Bruce Willis, Wilmington (1997)

At the height of his Hollywood fame, actor Bruce Willis traveled to Wilmington to work on the ambitious film the “Broadway Brawler” in 1997. The $28 million, big-budget romantic comedy about a washed-up professional hockey player who finds love as his career fades was supposed to be the next “Jerry Maguire,” the hit 1996 Tom Cruise sports rom-com.

For the “Broadway Brawler,” Wilmington wouldn’t be Wilmington ‒ it would sub as Queens, New York ‒ much of the action would be shot in the city’s Hedgeville neighborhood and other areas.

But Willis’ dream of filming in Delaware became a nightmare and the project never saw the light of day. News Journal reporter Patricia Talorico details the drama in a mind-boggling backstory about a Delaware movie that a number of First State residents still haven’t even heard of, nearly 30 years later.

‘Little Demon’: Aubrey Plaza, Danny DeVito, Middletown (2022)

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 try 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.

‘Steven Universe’: Rehoboth Beach (2013-19)

Rehoboth’s reputation as a beach destination earned it a spot in the popular Cartoon Network show “Steven Universe,” which aired from 2013-2019. The show is created by Rebecca Sugar, a native of Silver Spring, Maryland, and the series follows the adventures of the title character who is joining the Crystal Gems, a group that protects humanity. In a 2018 interview with The News Journal, the show creator reminisced about having “lots of memories of the boardwalk” from Rehoboth. “There was a beach house we used to stay at that belongs to our neighbor’s family, which Steven’s house in the show is based on,” Sugar said in an email interview from Cartoon Network’s California offices. The main character Steven is named after Sugar’s brother, who also did background art for the show.

‘Failure to Launch’: Matthew McConaughey, Sarah Jessica Parker, Cape Henlopen (2006)

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.

‘The Roost’: Ti West, Wilmington & Rehoboth Beach (2011)

More than a decade before Wilmington horror director Ti West’s “MaXXXine” released in 2024 with a glamorous cast that included Giancarlo Esposito, Halsey, Kevin Bacon, and Mia Goth – he worked on a smaller project partially filmed in Delaware. The 2011 film is an eerie one called “The Roost,” shot in Rehoboth Beach, Wilmington and Kennett Square, according to IMDB. The horror film is about friends heading to a Halloween wedding who get in a car accident in the middle of nowhere and wind up at a strange farm.

‘Beloved’: Oprah Winfrey, Danny Glover, New Castle County (1998)

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.

‘Mayor Cupcake’: Lea Thompson; Bridgeville, Dewey Beach, Rehoboth (2011)

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.

‘The Village’: Joaquin Phoenix, Centreville (2004)

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.

‘Fight Club’: Brad Pitt, Edward Norton, Wilmington area (1999)

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.

‘Dish & The Spoon’: Greta Gerwig, Dover and Sussex County (2011)

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.

‘Clean and Sober’: Michael Keaton, Morgan Freeman, Claymont (1988)

In the history of actors cast as Batman, many fans rank Michael Keaton as the best. He shined in Tim Burton’s classics “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, set in Delaware (2015)

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, set in Delaware (1996-2000)

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 streaming on Amazon Prime.

‘Dead Poets Society’: Robin Williams, Middletown, Wilmington, Historic New Castle (1989)

Last year marked 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 reporters Ryan Cormier and Patricia Talorico 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.

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Delaware

Bill to create film tax credit clears Delaware House committee

Published

10 hours ago

May 7, 2026

Press Room

Bill to create film tax credit clears Delaware House committee

A Delaware bill creating a film production tax credit cleared its first hurdle May 6, advancing out of the House Revenue & Finance Committee.

Several states offer film and television production tax credits and other incentives to lure projects, often to boost jobs, tourism and visibility.

Delaware does not – at least for now.

The proposal mirrors a recommendation in Delaware’s 5% operational spending growth and accompanying revenue plan, released alongside Gov. Matt Meyer’s proposed fiscal year 2027 budget, and would put the state in line with most of the country.

What does the bill do?

Backed by House Majority Leader Kerri Evelyn Harris, this House bill would create a new film production tax credit for the First State.

Delaware remains one of a few states that does not already have a film tax credit or a similar incentive in place, according to the Dover Democrat.

This means that spending in these sectors – from hotel stays to equipment rentals – is going to other states.

And while other revenue streams have served and continue to serve Delaware well, Harris said, it is also crucial to ensure the state is positioned “for the next generation of economic growth.”

The bill would offer eligible productions – including films, TV shows and video games — a nonrefundable tax credit equal to 30% of qualified expenses, usable against personal income and corporate taxes.

To qualify, companies must show their activities resulted in expenditures more than $500,000 during any consecutive 12-month period. They must also present opportunities to Delawareans to come onboard projects as interns.

Companies must also obtain “an independent audit” out of their own pockets, authenticating eligible expenses. These expenses can include any cost tied back to production, pre-production or post-production that took place within state lines.

These credits would also be transferrable – so long as they are approved by the state Division of Small Business – and can be extended for upwards of five years.

This bill mirrors a similar proposal included in a presented 5% operational spending growth and adjoining revenue plan.

The plan set aside up to $10 million in new revenue for a film tax credit to spur Delaware’s creative economy, though the actual cost would depend on how many productions apply.

Should this bill become law, the state will have a similar cap at $10 million every year, according to Harris.

This isn’t the first time lawmakers have seen this legislation.

In the hours before last year’s session ended, state Rep. Michael Smith backed a bill that would also establish a film tax credit for Delaware.

Also known as the Delaware Entertainment Job Act, the bill would have also established a 30%, “transferable tax credit for an investment in the state” for qualified productions.

Like its legislative relative, the bill would have required productions to bring First State residents as interns to qualify for this credit, as well as produce an audit of expenditures once production has wrapped.

Doing this, the bill argued, would spur job creation, artistic ventures and investment in the media industry.

The bill was also assigned to the House Revenue & Finance Committee, but did not advance. Smith signed on as a co-prime sponsor of this latest bill, according to Harris.

Former Rep. Valerie Longhurst introduced a near-verbatim measure to Smith’s bill back in 2022, but it did not make it all the way through the House.

What do lawmakers, Delawareans think?

For the most part, committee members were receptive to the bill.

Rep. Kendra Johnson was enthusiastic about the bill, asking to come on board as a co-signer of the bill.

She pointed to the HBO crime drama series “Task,” whose entire second season is scheduled to be filmed entirely in southeastern Pennsylvania, starting July 6.

Delaware’s neighbor state was reportedly investing $49.8 million into the project – the largest tax credit bestowed by the state to a single production, as reported by WHYY last year.

The projection is also set to create 3,700 jobs and infuse $194.1 million back into its economy.

Pennsylvania’s current tax credit program offers a 25% to 30% credit to productions that spend no lesser than 60% of their total funds within state lines.

“Imagine the economic growth that is happening there, that could be happening here,” Johnson told the panel.

Others have thrown their support behind bringing a film tax credit to Delaware.

Meyer is one such advocate. He mentioned during his State of the State address that Delaware not offering film tax credits made no sense, considering the latest Superman movie is “literally set” in the First State.

“They should be shooting here,” he said. “We’re just going to let so many other neighboring states soak up all of that Hollywood money?”

Other groups, including the Delaware Arts Alliance and the Delaware Hotel & Lodging Association, have also thrown their support behind the bill, Harris said.

What happens now?

The bill will continue to move through the House.

If signed into law, it would take effect starting July 1, the first day of the new fiscal year.

But lawmakers will need to move quickly – they only have until June 30 to have it passed in both chambers. Otherwise, they’ll need to start all over again come next session.

Olivia Montes covers state government and community impact for Delaware Online/The News Journal. If you have a tip or a story idea, reach out to her at omontes@delawareonline.com.

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Delaware

Motorcyclist dies in Ogletown crash as traffic deaths surge in Delaware

Published

22 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Press Room

Motorcyclist dies in Ogletown crash as traffic deaths surge in Delaware

A 34-year-old Newark motorcyclist has died following an evening crash May 5 in Ogletown, Delaware State Police said.

The motorcyclist’s name was withheld by police on May 6 until his family could be notified.

The Ogletown crash is one of six fatalities that have plagued officials across the state since May 4, according to the Delaware Department of Transportation. Officials added that between the night of May 5 into the morning of May 6, was the deadliest 12 hours on Delaware roads in nearly six years.

“It’s certainly alarming to have more than 15% of our total fatalities to date this year happen over the past four days,” C.R. McLeod, a DelDOT spokesman, told Delaware Online/The News Journal.

Other fatal crashes that occurred in that 12-hour span include:

A motorcycle crash in Stanton that left a 29-year-old Wilmington man dead when he ran a red light and his Harley-Davidson Sportster struck a Nissan Rogue at the Churchmans Road intersection with Center Pointe Plaza about 7:20 p.m. May 5, Delaware State Police said.
A crash in Dover that killed a 26-year-old woman who struck a tree about 1 a.m. May 6, Dover police said.
A 23-year-old Millsboro woman was killed when she failed to navigate a curve on Coastal Highway north of Lewes about 1:30 a.m. May 6, Delaware State Police said.

As of May 6, DelDOT was reporting 38 traffic fatalities on Delaware roads – a 27% jump from last year at the same time.

Ogletown crash

As the man was riding a Honda CBR east on Christiana Road toward Harmony Road, police said, an Audi Q5 was turning left from westbound Christiana Road into McIntosh Plaza.

For reasons still under investigation, the Honda struck the Audi’s passenger side about 6 p.m., police said. This caused the motorcyclist to be ejected.

The motorcyclist was taken to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The Audi’s driver, a 37-year-old Bear man, did not report any injuries, police said.

Troopers are asking anyone with information about the Ogletown crash to contact investigators at (302) 365-8483. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) 847-3333.

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Pick your own strawberries at these Delaware farms this spring

Published

1 day ago

May 6, 2026

Press Room

Pick your own strawberries at these Delaware farms this spring

Late spring is prime strawberry season in Delaware, and we’ve gathered all you need to know to embark on a strawberry-picking adventure.

With clear skies and plenty of sunshine, picking a bucket of Delaware’s official fruit is a great family outing or something fun to do with friends, while also supporting local farmers.

Before you go, make sure you check the weather forecast, pack a water bottle and apply sunscreen. It is also recommended that you wear closed-toe shoes when picking produce on the farms.

For anyone who is new to the world of strawberry picking, all you have to do is pinch the green stem between your thumb and index finger, then lightly pull and twist at the same time.

A few more key tips for a successful berry bounty include picking only strawberries that are fully red, looking through plant beds that are less picked over and not picking any berries with white tips, green berries or strawberry flowers.

To help your strawberries last longer, refrigerate them as soon as possible after picking them and only wash them right before you plan to eat them. If you won’t be using them soon after picking them, wash them, remove the stems and freeze them.

Now that we’ve gone through the basics, here are several local farms ready to provide a day full of strawberry picking:

Fifer Orchards, Camden

Recognized as a Delaware century family farm, having opened in 1919, Fifer Orchards in Camden offers strawberry picking Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the U-Pick experience. U-Play admission features yard games perfect for families, with picnic tables and restrooms for public use. Saturday admission requires an all-inclusive Spring Fest ticket.

You also can stop by the Farm Store to purchase local goodies and a selection of the orchard’s fresh fruits and vegetables.

If you find yourself getting hungry after picking strawberries, the Farm Kitchen building sells lunch and dessert items including cider doughnuts, strawberry ice cream, apple cider slushies and homemade strawberry shortcakes.

Looking for another u-pick offering? Fifer Orchards Provides u-pick blueberries in June and July from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and u-pick peaches on Fridays and Saturdays in July and early August from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. U-pick flowers are available from July to mid-August Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The farm uses its Facebook page to keep guests updated on daily picking conditions and orchard offerings.

1919 Allabands Mill Road, Camden, (302) 697-2141; fiferorchards.com/.

Hundred Acre Farms, Smyrna

Hundred Acre Farms in Smyrna is located on about three acres of land and focuses on fruits, vegetables, bees, small batch jams and Christmas trees. Purchased in 1938, the farm is nearly a century old.

The small family farm offers strawberry picking while they are in season. The farm said in an April 21 Facebook post that u-pick strawberries will begin in May, so stay tuned for updates on when the berries are ready.

Following your day in the fields, check out some of their homemade honey jams that come in two strawberry flavors. Their red, black and blue jam is made with strawberries, blackberries and blueberries, and their strawberry apple jam, one of their most popular flavors, includes strawberries, apples, honey and no added sugar.

If you’re unable to partake in a day of fruit picking but still want fresh local produce, Hundred Acre Farms offers a pick-up option so visitors can have their favorite farm produce set aside for them. All you need to do is reserve your items through the farm and they will deliver the order right to your car when you arrive.

2124 Vandyke Greenspring Road, Smyrna, (602) 689-6403; hundredacrefarms.org/.

Twisted Steel Cattle Co. LLC, Harrington

In Harrington, Twisted Steel Cattle Co. LLC is a farm market specializing in homegrown beef, produce and other goods.

Strawberry picking is usually open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine, but keep an eye on Twisted Steel’s Facebook page for daily updates on picking conditions.

If you want more strawberry goodness, they offer prepicked strawberries by the quart, berries for dipping or that have been pre-dipped and fresh strawberry jam.

Preorder and pickup options also are available for any of their market offerings.

14255 S. DuPont Hwy., Harrington, (302) 566-6943; facebook.com/TwistedSteelBeef/.

Parsons Farms Produce, Dagsboro

Parsons Farms Produce in Dagsboro began offering U-Pick strawberries by the gallon in April.

Strawberry picking is typically open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine. If you want more strawberry goodness, they offer prepicked strawberries by the quart, berries for dipping or that have been pre-dipped and fresh strawberry jam.

To make the U-Pick outing complete, they also have fresh beef for sale, a country store filled with fresh produce, ice cream, events and farm animals available for feeding and petting.

Blueberries and peaches are also available in the spring and summer months. The farm’s Facebook page will provide u-pick updates as the crops change.

30391 Armory Road, Dagsboro, (302) 732-3336;parsonsfarmsproduce.com/.

Ramsey’s Farm, Brandywine Hundred

Ramsey’s Farm in Brandywine Hundred has plenty of U-Pick options throughout the year, including strawberries. The farm announced on Facebook in late April that strawberry U-Pick season was about one month away. Stay tuned on their social media for more updates.

Beyond berries, flowers will be available at Ramsey’s farm stand later in the year, along U-Pick pumpkins and a variety of fall fun.

440 Ramsey Road, Brandywine Hundred, (302) 496-6426; ramseysfarm.com/.

Got a tip or a story idea? Contact Krys’tal Griffin at kgriffin@delawareonline.com.

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