Five flicks filmed in Lakeland

A professional camera sits on the floor of a basketball court filming.

We’re rewinding through some of our favorite movie-centric content.

Photo by Indie Atlantic Films

Table of Contents

Poll

When you think of Hollywood, Lakeland may not come to mind – but we’re actually just as starstruck as Tinseltown. Swan City has been the backdrop for some pretty famous movies + we rounded up a few of our favorites to give you all the behind-the-scenes scoop on just how famous our town is.

🎬 Eccentric director Tim Burton brought the world of Edward Scissorhands to LAL. The 1990 film is about a scientist-created being named Edward Scissorhands, who is forced to navigate the human world after his creator suddenly dies before completing his project.

🎬 Mr. Baseball was filmed at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium in 1992. The film features Hollywood icon Tom Selleck, who plays a veteran player traded to a team in Japan.

🎬 Prior to its closing in 2009, Cypress Gardens served as a location for the film Grace is Gone starring John Cusack.

🎬 The Waterboy, featuring Adam Sandler, Kathy Bates, and Henry Winkler, was filmed in various locations throughout the city. One scene in particular was shot in Edge Hall at Florida Southern College, and used students as extras in the background.

🎬 Just last year, Disney filmed The One and Only Ivan in LAL. The movie is based on Katherine Applegate’s novel of the same title, which won the John Newbery Medal. The production company also leased space at Southwest Elementary School. The film includes actor Brian Cranston of Breaking Bad fame.

– LALtoday team (Jessica, Kaylee, Mackenzie + Cassie)

More from LALtoday
Whether you’re hosting at home or bringing your team to a sports bar, we’ve got a game plan that will have your guests naming you the MVP.
Grab your boo or your bestie to celebrate love, friendship, and everything in between at these Valentine’s Day events around Swan City.
The Polk Senior Games will draw 2,000 competitors and 700 volunteers to this year’s events. Learn how you can compete, help, or cheer people on.
We’re digging through the Lakeland Public Library photo archives to relive winter memories from years gone by.
Several familiar names were nominated for Catapult’s biggest night of the year. See who won big at the Lakeland Entrepreneur Awards.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
Did you get your hands on the popular Strawberry Season Passports before they sold out? If not, no worries — just follow along with our editor’s tasty travels.
The rest of the country is feeling the effects of Winter Storm Fern, but Central Florida won’t get off that easily. Stay up to date — and warm — with Lakeland’s top winter weather stories.
Born & Bread made the shortlist for the Outstanding Bakery category, becoming the first in the Lakeland area to be recognized by the prestigious James Beard Awards.
This Catapult member business has gone nationwide. Find out what happened when its owners appeared on “Shark Tank.”