May 18, 2024

NORTH END BOSTON – Bova’s Bakery was closed for 5 days for the filming of the new Damon / Affleck project, causing crowds and onlookers all the way to City Hall. This has sparked renewed interest in the North End as a great backdrop for a movie.

Here is the partial list of locations we know of coming up, with rumored titles and cameos.

TRESCA – Netflix untitled Romantic Comedy starring Reese Witherspoon and Tom Brady (Second attempt at acting) about a retired athlete looking for love, will use balcony Table 77.

ANTICO FORNO – DISNEY+ Looking to build on the “Julie and Julia” popularity, is making a loosely based Bio Picture on owner Carla Agrippino-Gomes, starring Marisa Tomei.

CARMELINAS – HBO Cop buddy movie called “Harvard Cop” starring Kevin Hart as a new cop being trained by old cop Nick DiPaola with a cameo played by Chef Owner Damian DiPaola as his brother.

BRICCO – Hallmark Channel Christmas Movie “What’s a Matter Yule?” starring Candace Cameron Bure as a Yankee’s fan that falls in love with the son of a Boston restaurant owner. Frankie DiPasquale cameos as the dad.

MODERN PASTRY / MIKE’S PASTRY – PBS Documentary “Cannoli Wars” narrated by Morgan Freedman and Jim Braude.

MONICA’S – Directed by Quintin Tarentino, this untiled homage to remake Mr. Smith goes to Washington will star restaurant owner Frank Mendoza running for Mayor. Probably rated R.

STREGA –  HBO “Sex In The City Comes to Boston” Not much is known of the plot, but it is presumed Sarah Jessica Parker would have a scene with owner Nick Varano pouring her Grappa while playing a bartender giving friendly advice.

Boston’s North End has been a popular location for movies, from the original Thomas Crown Affair to The Town. It is only 0.36 square miles (0.93 km2), yet the neighborhood has nearly one hundred establishments and a variety of tourist attractions. It is known for its Italian American population and Italian restaurants.

Of course, this is just a joke. Just like saying you can film movies in the North End, but outdoor dining is too disruptive.