New Jersey is once again at the center of Hollywood’s biggest productions, as legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg has begun filming his latest UFO-themed thriller in Montville and Woodbine. With a star-studded cast including Emily Blunt, Wyatt Russell, Colman Domingo, Colin Firth, Eve Hewson, and Josh O’Connor, the project—reportedly titled The Dish—is shaping up to be one of the most highly anticipated films of 2026.
Filming is already underway in Montville, where Blunt and Russell were spotted shooting intense scenes at a gas station engulfed in smoke, setting the tone for what is expected to be a thrilling and mysterious story. Meanwhile, the production is set to move to Woodbine in March, where Spielberg himself is expected to direct scenes along the town’s historic railroad tracks.
From Small-Town New Jersey to the Big Screen
This isn’t Spielberg’s first time filming in New Jersey. The director has a deep history with the state, from spending part of his childhood in Haddonfield to previously shooting West Side Story (2021) in Paterson and War of the Worlds (2005) in Bayonne and Newark. His latest project follows in those footsteps, with New Jersey’s competitive tax incentives of up to 39% making it an increasingly attractive destination for major Hollywood productions.
David Koepp, who co-wrote Jurassic Park and War of the Worlds with Spielberg, penned the screenplay for The Dish. The film is being produced under Amblin Entertainment and is set for a June 12, 2026 theatrical release through Universal Pictures.
Why Woodbine? A Hidden Gem for Filmmaking
The decision to shoot in Woodbine, a small rural town near the Jersey Shore, has piqued curiosity. Mayor William Pikolycky believes its historic charm, former manufacturing and agricultural centers, and picturesque railroad locations made it a perfect fit for the film’s setting. The town is already feeling the economic impact, with 175 crew members arriving in advance of the March shoot, staying at hotels in Ocean City, Sea Isle City, and Avalon and supporting local businesses.
“This is a huge moment for our town,” Pikolycky said. “We’re thrilled to welcome Spielberg and his team. Woodbine has a unique history, and now, it’s stepping into the Hollywood spotlight.”
Local businesses, like the Dionysus Restaurant, are already benefiting from the influx of cast and crew members. Restaurant manager Jacki LaDouceur noted the excitement among the community, with film crews regularly stopping in for breakfast trays of bagels and pastries.
“It’s like the aliens have landed again,” LaDouceur joked, referencing Spielberg’s classic E.T.. “We’re all just excited to be part of something this big.”
Montville’s Moment in the Spotlight
Montville served as the first New Jersey filming location, with set photos capturing Blunt and Russell in a dramatic scene at a gas station, further fueling speculation about the film’s storyline.
The production has been operating under the code name “Non-View”, keeping plot details under wraps, but given Spielberg’s track record with sci-fi classics like Close Encounters of the Third Kind and War of the Worlds, expectations are sky-high.
Casting calls for extras in Cape May County suggest even more local involvement, and with filming continuing through mid-March, residents might catch glimpses of Spielberg in action.
Emily Blunt and Wyatt Russell seen shooting scenes in Montville, New Jersey.
Steven Spielberg and Emily Blunt on location in New Jersey.
