LYNN — Ryan Reynolds is in Lynn. And he brought some friends.
The Canadian-American actor, famously known for his role as “Deadpool,” is working on a new movie called “Free Guy,” which was filmed Tuesday and Wednesday at Lynn’s historic Armory building. Also in the film is Newburyport native Joe Keery, known for his role in “Stranger Things,” Jodie Comer from “Killing Eve,” Lil Rel Howery from “Get Out,” Taika Waititi from “Avengers: Endgame,” and Utkarsh Ambudkar from the “Pitch Perfect” franchise.
“Free Guy” will be directed by Shawn Levy, known for his work in the “Night at the Museum” trilogy and “Stranger Things.” It tells the story of a lonely bank teller who discovers he is actually a background character in the open-world video game Free City, according to a press release from 20th Century Fox Film Corp.
Charles J. Gaeta, executive director of Lynn Housing Authority & Neighborhood Development (LHAND), said a location scout for the film reached out to him about four months ago. LHAND is a nonprofit that oversees Neighborhood Development Associates Inc., which took ownership of the armory last November in an effort to build housing for veterans.
“I believe it gives the Armory additional attention towards the larger goal, which is the development of affordable veterans housing,” Gaeta said.
This isn’t the first time Hollywood stars and film crews have flocked to film in Lynn. Last November Mark Wahlberg took over Washington Street for his Netflix film “Wonderland,” and Denzel Washington shot various “Equalizer 2” scenes throughout the city in 2017.
Jeff Wheeden of LHAND said he was unable to disclose specific details about the “Free Guy” film set and what the Lynn Armory’s purpose in the movie would be.
The film and production crew is expected to wrap up on Thursday. Parking restrictions for South Common Street, from 50 S. Common St. to 8 S. Common St., and Pleasant Street, on both the east side and west side, will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday.
“Free Guy” is set to be released by The Walt Disney Studios on July 3, 2020.
