News Summary
Wilmington is alive with excitement as filming begins for the teen comedy ‘Driver’s Ed’. With a star-studded cast, including Sam Nivola, Molly Shannon, and Kumail Nanjiani, the film captures the antics of teenagers on a chaotic road trip. The production promises laughter and nostalgia, reminiscent of ‘The Breakfast Club’, as it explores the challenges of young love and friendship. Local filmmakers are eager to nurture new talent while transforming Wilmington into a hub for creative film projects.
Wilmington Welcomes a Hilarious New Film: “Driver’s Ed”
Wilmington is buzzing with excitement as the talented Sam Nivola, who captured hearts as Lochlan in HBO Max’s hit series The White Lotus, was spotted on the streets filming his latest project, a young-adult comedy titled Driver’s Ed. This happening took place on Monday, with fans flocking to South Sixth Street near Orange Street, where the action was sizzling!
Get Ready for Laughs with “Driver’s Ed”
Driver’s Ed, directed by the legendary Bobby Farrelly—the mastermind behind classics like Dumb & Dumber and There’s Something About Mary—is set to be a riot. In this film, Nivola plays the character Jeremy, a teenager who embarks on an adventurous illegal road trip with his friends using their high school’s driver-education car to visit his college-freshman girlfriend. Sounds like a recipe for chaos and fun!
The atmosphere during the filming was electric, as the crew transformed a beautiful mansion-style house at 510 Orange St. into a stunning set that mimics a rowdy fraternity house. Nivola was seen in a stylish brown jacket paired with a classic white T-shirt, looking every bit the high school heartthrob.
Star-Studded Cast Joins Nivola
The excitement doesn’t stop with Nivola! The film boasts a fantastic lineup, including comedy heavyweights like Molly Shannon, Kumail Nanjiani, and Alyssa Milano. Nanjiani will take on the role of the driver’s ed teacher, while Shannon will portray the well-meaning school principal. Together, this cast promises to deliver some unforgettable laughs.
A Fresh Perspective with New Talent
Filming for Driver’s Ed started on March 3 and is expected to roll on for about five weeks. The project is co-produced by Wilmington locals Jonas Pate and Jennifer Pate, who are also gearing up for their upcoming series, The Runarounds. This new show will focus on the journey of a young rock band chasing their big break, set to premiere in 2025.
Pate creatively describes Driver’s Ed as reminiscent of The Breakfast Club but with a twist—a group of diverse teenagers thrown together in a car, navigating the ups and downs of young love, friendship, and the wild road ahead. The script, penned by Thomas Moffett, captures the essence of high school life and the challenges of long-distance relationships with charm and humor.
A Bright Future for Wilmington’s Film Scene
Although casting for the younger roles in Driver’s Ed is still underway, the Pates are eager to bring in fresh faces to the film, emphasizing their commitment to nurturing new talent. With the same crew that worked on both Outer Banks and The Runarounds on board, the excitement is palpable for what’s next.
The filming of Driver’s Ed could potentially mark the beginning of a wave of young-adult films being shot right here in Wilmington, making the city a hub for creativity and talent. With scripts commissioned by the Pates, this could just be the start of something spectacular!
As the cameras continue to roll and the laughter fills the streets, Wilmington can’t wait to see the finished product of Driver’s Ed. Stay tuned for more updates as this exciting comedy film takes shape!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Filming of ‘Driver’s Ed’ Set to Begin in Wilmington
Wilmington Welcomes Filming of ‘Driver’s Ed’
North Carolina Supreme Court Halts Certification of Justice Riggs’ Election
Young Woman Tragically Killed in Road Accident in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina
Multi-Vehicle Accident Involving N.C. State Trooper Causes Major Traffic Disruption Near Outer Banks
Additional Resources
- Star News Online: Sam Nivola’s Latest Film
- WECT: Comedy Film Production in Wilmington
- Star News Online: Driver’s Ed Filming Update
- Port City Daily: New Comedy Film in Wilmington
- Gold Derby: Sam Nivola Interview
- Wikipedia: Driver’s Ed (Film)
- Google Search: Driver’s Ed Film Wilmington
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Driver’s Ed
