CAMDEN, N.J. – This city will be the spotlight as comedic actor Adam Sandler films scenes here for “Hustle,” an upcoming movie that he and NBA great LeBron James are producing for Netflix.
Production crews for “Hustle” have already filmed across the river in Philadelphia, but the N.J. Motion Picture & Television Commission confirms more scenes are going to be filmed in and around Camden in August and September.
Besides Sandler, the movie’s cast includes Jersey native Queen Latifah, film heavyweight Robert Duvall, actress Maria Botto, and former NBA player Kenny “The Jet” Smith, now a TNT sports commentator. There’s a chance some Camden residents may appear as extras.
“Most importantly, they will broadcast images of Camden that (reverse) stereotypes some outsiders may have of our city, demystifying a stigma that has followed the city for years,” Cappelli said.
“There’s no question, a reduction in Camden’s violent and overall crime is driving private and public investments, creating a more attractive landscape as a backdrop for movie and TV production,” says county Police Chief Gabe Rodridguez. “It’s another strong indicator the city is improving and heading in the right direction.”
According to Deadline, Sandler stars in “Hustle” as a down-on-his-luck basketball scout who finds a once-in-a-lifetime player while he’s traveling abroad. Sandler brings him back to the U.S. and, against the odds, they have one final shot to prove they have what it takes to make it in the NBA.
Camden has had few ‘on-camera’ roles. In 2016, Jersey rocker Bon Jovi filmed two music videos at Camden High School for his songs “Living With the Ghost” and “Reunion” on his “This House is Not For Sale” album. The city also got featured that year in Bon Jovi’s documentary “This House is Not For Sale – Camden, NJ.”
Before that scenes for the 1995 sci-fi movie “Twelve Monkeys,” starring Bruce Willis, were filmed inside and near the old Oasis Motel along Admiral Wilson Boulevard.
