Has ‘Cherry’ picked Cleveland after all? (Update: It has)

Tom Holland joins the Russo Bros for 'Cherry'

For a while, it looked as though Cleveland’s own Russo Brothers (Avengers: Endgame, Community) and Tom Holland (Spider-Man: Far From Home) were headed to Cleveland to shoot the drama Cherry, based on Nico Walker’s semi-autobiographical novel.

Then, in mid-August, it was announced that the film would shoot in Los Angeles instead, the Russos citing concerns over whether the Ohio Film Tax Credit would remain in the state budget. The film received application approval for the tax credit in late July.

"While we believed there was a chance that the tax incentive was going to be re-instated in Ohio, we didn't know for sure, and we had to develop some plan B's,” the Russos said. “We ended up qualifying for the California tax incentive and being able to shoot in L.A. We also ended up qualifying for the Ohio tax incentive, but by the time they reinstated it, it was too late for us to change tracks."

Then, on August 27, a social media post from a local casting agent suggested the film may be headed back to Northeast Ohio.

Angela Boehm Casting announced on its Facebook page that it is searching for barbers “for the feature film ‘Cherry’ directed by the Russo Brothers here in Cleveland, Ohio, with a date still to be determined between mid October and mid December.” The agency also posted a request on Sept. 25 for people experienced in "military color guard" for the film.

The casting notice suggested the movie may be shooting more than establishing shots of the city. 

Last week, Midwest Movie Maker reached out to both AGBO Films and the Greater Cleveland Film Commission for comment.

Then, on Oct. 3, AGBO Films announced it would indeed shoot Cherry in Cleveland. 

"We were drawn to Cherry given our personal experience from Cleveland, as well as the important need to share stories like these," said Anthony and Joe Russo in the press release. "As Cleveland natives ourselves, it means a lot to us to be able to film in our hometown. We shot the exteriors for 'Winter Soldier' here, we are excited to return home to our roots."

The movie stars Holland and Ciara Bravo (Wayne and Red Band Society). Additional supporting cast includes Bill Skarsgård (IT), Jack Reynor (Midsommar), Forrest Goodluck (The Revenant), Jeff Wahlberg (Dora and the Lost City of Gold), Michael Gandolfini (The Deuce) and Kyle Harvey (The After Party).

As an aside, the Russo Bros were spotted in Lakewood, Ohio, on Sept. 26 to support their sister, Gabriella Rosalina, who is running for Appeals Court Judge.