Utah Film Commission approves five new productions, bringing $12.6M

Utah Film Commission announced five upcoming projects to film in Utah in 2025, from star-studded thrillers to cheesy holiday movies. Photo: Vanilla Bear Films

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Film Commission announced on Friday, Feb. 14, five new film productions have been approved for state film incentives, totaling an estimated economic impact of $12.6 million and over 400 jobs. Productions will film in Grand, Salt Lake, San Juan, Summit, and Wasatch counties.

Approved projects include “Wild Horse Nine,” a new thriller from Academy Award-winning writer/director Martin McDonagh (“The Banshees of Inisherin,” “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”). The film stars John Malkovich, Sam Rockwell, Parker Posey, Mark Ruffalo, and Tom Waits. Produced by Blueprint Pictures, Searchlight Pictures, and Film4, McDonagh will direct the film. Producer Anita Overland cited Utah’s landscapes and skilled crew base as factors in choosing the state for filming.

“(Saint) Peter,” a new film from writer/director Josh Klausner (“Date Night”), also received approval. The film follows the story of a 14-year-old boy. Klausner, who grew up in Salt Lake City, expressed a personal connection to the state and its landscapes, which he believes will enhance the film’s world.

Two Hallmark productions, “Christmas on Duty” and “Home Turf,” from local producer David Wulf (“Haul Out the Holly”), also received incentives.

Additionally, an action-adventure film titled “Zeus” was approved for the Rural Utah Film Incentive. Producer Eric McLeod (“The Lone Ranger”) commented that the breathtaking backdrop of Utah provided the perfect locations for capturing pivotal moments of the film.

The Utah Film Commission, part of the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, actively promotes Utah as a filming destination.

The state has a history of attracting film and television productions, including such notable films as “Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid,” “Thelma & Louise,” and “Forrest Gump,” and such popular series as “Yellowstone,” “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series,” and “Westworld.”