Movie officials: Ferriday has been great

Published 12:06 am Friday, June 17, 2016

FERRIDAY — Ferriday was chosen for the “Wolverine” film sequel because of its “pretty blue skies, silos and cornfields.”

Location manager Maria Bierniak said the four-lane highway was also important.

“The road is crucial for the stunts we are filming,” she said. “The (Louisiana) department of transportation, Ferriday Police Department and the sheriff’s office have been a great help. We’ve been fortunate they have rolled with our changes.”

Email newsletter signup

The people in Ferriday have all been helpful, Bierniak said.

“We ordered 45 pizzas from Sonny’s Pizza, and the team just thought it was great,” she said. “When we needed some last-minute parking because of all of the trucks coming in, Mrs. (Joyce) Russ at the high school stepped up. We made a donation to the school.”

Principal Russ said the school was happy to help the filmmakers.

“I think it is great for the Ferriday area,” she said. “I think it will bring more movies to the area to film as well.

“It is beautiful here and there is just a lot to be gained for coming to areas like this.”

Young Ferriday residents are also proud to have the movie filming in the area.

“I think they are excited about it,” Russ said. “When it comes out, I think they will have some ownership of the fact that it was filmed here in town.”

People have been super excited to meet the actors, Bierniak said.

“Everyone wants to meet Hugh Jackman,” she said, laughing. “There are five to six ladies up and down this road (E.E. Wallace Boulevard) who want to make him a hamburger.”

Local farmers have also contributed to the crew, which totals approximately 330 people.

“There is a farm stand not far from where our caterers are and they have been bringing fresh vegetables,” she said. “I think we will have the hook up even when we head toward Sicily Island.”

Despite the impression Mayor Gene Allen had gotten about the crews staying in the area longer than expected, Bierniak said Thursday would likely be their last day in Ferriday before they pack up and move filming to Sicily Island.

“The folks here have been really nice,” she said. “Everyone has been wonderful.”

The sequel is rumored to be Jackman’s last time performing in the role of the superhero based on the Marvel comic book character of the same name. The Australian actor posted on Instagram in March: “Wolverine … One last time.”

Not much is known about the film, but the studio revealed it “takes place in the future… it is an R-rated movie. It’s violent, it’s kind of like a western in its tone. It’s just a very cool, different film.”

The budget of the sequel has been reported to be $127 million. It also stars Patrick Stewart and Boyd Holbrook. The movie is being directed by James Mangold.

The third “Wolverine” film, which has a working title of “Juarez,” is scheduled to be released on March 3, 2017.