In April 2022, news broke that actor Anthony Mackie planned to build a film and television studio in his hometown of New Orleans. The buzz was exciting – a Hollywood A-lister investing in the city’s burgeoning film industry. But since then, information about the project has been scarce.

So, what’s the hold-up with Anthony Mackie’s New Orleans studio?

The Original Plan

Reports in 2022 detailed Mackie’s purchase of 20 acres of land in the New Orleans East area, near the I-10 service road. His vision for “East Studios LLC” extended beyond just a filming location. The studio aimed to encompass the entire filmmaking process – intellectual property acquisition, development, production, and marketing. This comprehensive approach, Mackie hoped, would solidify Louisiana’s position as a film and television powerhouse.

Local Enthusiasm

News of the project was met with enthusiasm from local leaders. Mayor Latoya Cantrell took to Twitter to express her excitement about the economic growth and job opportunities the studio would bring. City Councilman Oliver Thomas echoed this sentiment, highlighting the potential for New Orleans to become a true “Hollywood South.”

https://twitter.com/mayorcantrell/status/1504913026255884296

Radio Silence

Since the initial flurry of reports, there haven’t been any substantial updates on the studio’s development. One thing’s for sure, Marvel has been keeping him very busy on the acting front. Mackie is one of the longest tenured performers in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, having joined the sprawling superhero franchise as Sam Wilson in 2014’s “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” and continuing to play Chris Evans’ loyal sidekick through “Avengers: Endgame.” He remained a Marvel fixture as the series tried to reinvent itself after the climactic 2019 film, shoehorning himself into picking up the Captain America mantle by starring in the Disney+ series “Falcon and Winter Soldier” and the upcoming “Captain America: Brave New World.”  But the reasons for Studio’s delay remain unclear. It’s possible that the project is still in the early stages of planning and permitting. Film studio development can be a complex process, involving construction, infrastructure, and business negotiations.

Looking Ahead

While details are scarce, Anthony Mackie’s commitment to his hometown and the film industry suggests the project isn’t shelved. New Orleans residents and movie fans alike will likely continue to monitor the situation with anticipation. The potential impact on the city’s film scene and job market is undeniable.