"Ghosts" sitcom cast. Right: Actor Ryan Reynolds in a Terry fox shirt.
Montreal is set for a blockbuster year as major film and TV crews roll into town. City streets will turn into movie sets, ready for heartwrenching monologues and (hopefully) some high-speed chases.
The city attracts film productions for its aesthetic appeal and practical benefits. Tax incentives, a range of filming locations, and a skilled workforce make it a budget-friendly option for big projects looking for a European touch without crossing the Atlantic.
With Blake Lively already scouting the best local eats — presumably while her husband, Ryan Reynolds, films nearby — this could also be the summer you bump into a star. Whether it's over croissants or crosswalks, keep your eyes peeled and your smartphones ready.
Here are some of the biggest productions filming in Montreal this year so far (and who to look out for):
Mayday
Starring: Ryan Reynolds (Deadpool), Kenneth Branagh (Murder on the Orient Express)
Details are still under wraps, but the film is pegged as an action/adventure set in the thick of The Cold War, circa 1987. Early filming took place at the historical Manoir D'Youville in Châteauguay. The film is directed by Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley, known for their work on the adventure comedy Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves. Ryan Reynolds stars in the feature, continuing his busy year following a role in Paramount picture Imaginary Friends.
Karate Kid
Starring: Ralph Macchio (The Karate Kid), Jackie Chan (Rush Hour)
The iconic Karate Kid franchise is set to kick off its latest installment with filming in Montreal from April to June. Ralph Macchio returns to his roots alongside Jackie Chan in a new story that combine the essence of the beloved 1984 original with elements from the 2010 reboot.
The story centres around Li, a teen martial artist from Beijing who moves to Brooklyn with his mother for her new job. Struggling with a past tragedy and conflicts with his mother, Li finds solace and a new direction by forming a bond with Mia and her father Victor, who owns a local pizza shop. Despite his mother's opposition to violence, Li begins training Victor in martial arts, leading him back into the competitive world he thought he'd left behind.
Out Standing
Starring: Nina Kiri (The Handmaid’s Tale), Vincent Leclerc (The Revenant)
Based on the memoir of Sandra Perron, the first female officer in the Canadian infantry, the military drama explores her harrowing experiences, both during her service and after her controversial resignation. As secrets unfold through a gripping investigation and intense media scrutiny, the story reveals a battlefield where the most formidable foes were not across enemy lines, but within her own ranks.
All I want for Christmas (working title)
Starring: TBA
The details of the film are still under wraps, but the city is once again setting the scene for what could become the next cozy, holiday classic. April and May will see cameras rolling for Canadian production company Incendo, known for weaving rom-com magic. The film falls under the "movie of the week" category, following the tradition of holiday films designed for the small screen.
While it's not yet clear which network will snag the broadcast rights, history might hint at a landing spot like Netflix Canada, which previously introduced Montreal's yuletide charm in Single All The Way. With that film's success, featuring a beloved cast and local café, this upcoming project could be another feather in Montreal's festive cap.
The Last Frontier
Starring: Jason Clarke (Zero Dark Thirty)
This new Apple TV+ series follows Marshal Frank Remnick, tasked with overseeing the isolated Alaskan wilderness. His routine is upended when a prison transport plane crashes, releasing dozens of violent inmates into the wild.
The series, spanning ten episodes, started shooting in Montreal in February and will finish in October. Filming takes place across several Canadian locations, including the Montmorency forest and Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, to replicate the Alaskan winter.
Ghosts (Season 3)
Starring: Rose McIver (iZombie), Utkarsh Ambudkar (Free Guy)
Young couple Sam and Jay inherit a sprawling mansion they plan to convert into a bed and breakfast, unaware it's already occupied by a quirky ensemble of ghosts. Their plans take a supernatural turn when Sam gains the ability to see their spectral roommates after a mishap.
Filming for the CBS sitcome takes place mainly on a Montreal soundstage, while the mansion's exterior is located about an hour from Montreal. Last season featured scenes shot in the Morgan Arboretum on the West Island.