Disney+ Halts Production of Halloween-Themed Movie In Dedham, Norwood

DEDHAM, MA - A Disney+ Halloween-themed movie scheduled to be filmed in Dedham and Norwood in August has been put on hold - at least for the time being.

Dedham Public Information Officer Amanda Smith confirmed Friday afternoon that town officials received notification Thursday night that the project faced delays that stalled the effort.

"We were notified that it was an issue on the production side," Smith said in a Patch interview. "There were scheduling issues as well as issues with casting that are preventing it from going forward at this time."

She added that "it does seem hopeful that the company will return" to the area for filming in Dedham and Norwood, but that Dragon Force Productions, the production company, has not specified a timeline.

"Dedham is such an awesome community," Smith continued. "It also has some beautiful architecture. It was clear that they loved the location, but sometimes the best-laid plans don't come through. They were definitely huge fans of Dedham."

The Dedham Select Board approved the filming request a few weeks ago, and Norwood's Board of Selectmen approved a month-long filming shoot the following week that would have transformed the Town Common into a Halloween scene.

There were two Dedham locations where the movie was scheduled to be shot: the Marion Street neighborhood and the area where High and Pearl streets intersect.

In a statement received Friday afternoon, Norwood General Manager Tony Mazzucco expressed disappointment over the decision along with gratitude for consideration.

"We are saddened to inform the community that the Disney Halloween-themed movie has been delayed and will not film in town next month as planned," he said. "We were looking forward to welcoming the production team to Norwood and for audiences across the world to be able to see all our town has to offer through this film.

"We are grateful to the production company for its consideration of Norwood and recognition of the many historic and quaint aspects that make our town an ideal filming location," he continued. "We hope that similar opportunities to showcase Norwood will present themselves in the future."

Matt Melia, the assistant production manager, confirmed in a phone interview Friday afternoon that "it was technically a cancellation, unfortunately."

"There were some conflicting schedules, and we didn't have the time to put it together," he explained, noting that he recently moved to Dedham.

While he said he was "really looking forward to the project happening," he was also hopeful that the area would be the location for future filming opportunities.

Melia also shared that future episodes for the sitcom "Julia," which was filmed in Dedham, may resume taping later this year.

"But for now, the show must go on," he said.