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Everything we know about ‘Eenie Meanie’ on set in Cleveand, Toledo and Sandusky

Samara Weaving as Edie in 'Eenie Meanie'

Before James Gunn and the cast and crew of Superman took over Cleveland, another star-studded feature film was laying claim to the sights and sounds and gritty streets of Northeast Ohio: Shawn Simmons Eenie Meanie, debuting today on Hulu.

While both films tell the tale of a misunderstood hero just trying to live an honest life, each production brought an entirely different vibe to Cleveland’s neighborhoods. And I say this from personal experience.

As a cinephile working downtown during Superman’s shoot, getting a peek behind the scenes was an exercise in watching from a distance, peering through second-story grocery store windows, or finding hidden spots in parking decks looking over Progressive Field.

Eenie Meanie? Well, all you had to do was ask, and the crew would point you to a good spot on set to watch the action. The set was so open and friendly on the one day I went exploring in Ohio City, I was too self-conscious to take pictures for fear I was breaking some unspoken promise.

While Superman showcases Cleveland all spiffy and clean (think that final shot of Superman and Lois floating in The Arcade), Eenie Meanie takes a peek at its messy rooms and complicated history.

I can’t think of a better drive-in movie double header. Hear that Autorama?

Samara Weaving shares a behind the scenes image from 'Eenie Meanie' on her Instagram

What is the Eenie Meanie movie about?

Eenie Meanie follows Edie, played by Samara Weaving, a former teenage getaway driver pulled back into her unsavory past when an ex-boss offers her a chance to save the life of her ex-boyfriend, John, who owes money to the wrong people.

The offer disrupts Edie’s new life working as a bank teller and attending college in Cleveland, but she’s not keen on handing John over to the bad guys, so she reluctantly agrees to help a high-stakes casino robbery involving a Dodge Charger filled with $3 million.

Karl Glusman and Samara Weaving as John and Edie sitting on the shores of Lake Erie.

Where was Eenie Meanie filmed in Ohio?

Eenie Meanie was shot principally in Northeast Ohio over the spring of 2024. Principal photography (under the working title Stickshift) began in Cleveland on April 24, 2024, and wrapped on June 29, 2024 – roughly nine weeks in all. A short second-unit shoot took place in January.

In Toledo, the shoot spent about two weeks filming at the Hollywood Casino Toledo with a 200-person crew. Eenie Meanie also shot in Sandusky. Film locations include:
  • Cleveland’s Slavic Village
  • Ohio City, corner of Fulton & Bridge
'Eenie Meanie' on-location at the corner of Bridge and Fulton in Ohio City with a redressed Johnny Mango's.

  • Lakeview Estates, one of the country’s oldest public housing complexes
John and Edie make a run for it from Lakeview Estates in Cleveland's Industrial Valley.

  • River Road near Ontario Stone
Car chase down River Road in Cleveland near Ontario Stone.
  • Hollywood Casino Toledo
The Hollywood Casino in Toledo, Ohio
  • Westmoreland neighborhood in Toledo
  • Sandusky Speedway
Thrills and chills - and car crashes - by the Sandusky Speedway in Sandusky

Who stars in Eenie Meanie?

Samara Weaving, known for her breakout role in the horror-comedy Ready or Not and Netflix’s The Babysitter series, plays Edie, a former teenage getaway driver trying to live a normal life in Cleveland. Her character is pulled back into the criminal world for one last heist, showcasing Weaving’s signature blend of intensity and charm in action-driven roles.

Karl Glusman, who gained attention for his role in Gaspar Noé’s Love and appeared in Nocturnal Animals, The Neon Demon, and Greyhound, plays John, Edie’s impulsive and loyal ex-boyfriend. His reckless choices force Edie back into the criminal world.

Steve Zahn, known for his roles in Reality Bites, Rescue Dawn, and his Emmy-nominated performance in The White Lotus, plays Edie’s father. In Eenie Meanie, Edie’s father is a reformed criminal who taught Edie how to drive and introduced her to the underworld. He now regrets the path he set her on.

Andy Garcia, an Oscar nominee for The Godfather Part III and widely recognized for Ocean’s Eleven and The Untouchables, plays Nico, a ruthless local crime boss. He’s the one who nicknamed Edie “Eenie Meanie” and forces her back into crime to settle her ex-boyfriend’s debt.

Randall Park, beloved for his role as Louis Huang in Fresh Off the Boat and appearances in Veep, Always Be My Maybe, and the MCU, portrays Leo, a professional card shark working for Nico. His involvement in a side gig with John sets off the film’s central conflict

Former NFL star Marshawn Lynch, known for his comedic turn in Bottoms and appearances in Westworld, plays Perm Walters, a rival getaway driver. Perm has thrived since Edie left the criminal life and becomes a wildcard in the heist.

Mike O'Malley, known for Glee, Yes, Dear, and as the creator of Survivor’s Remorse, plays George, Nico’s consigliere and longtime friend. Their dynamic adds humor and depth to the film’s criminal ensemble

Kyanna Simone, recognized for her roles in Black Lightning, Chambers, and Grown-ish, plays Baby Girl, Edie’s best friend and confidant. She supports Edie emotionally throughout the film’s tense journey.

Jermaine Fowler, known for Coming 2 America, The Blackening, and Ricky Stanicky, plays The Chaperone, a criminal associate of Nico tasked with coordinating the casino heist.

Chris Bauer, best known for The Wire, True Blood, and The Deuce, plays Gary, a supporting character whose role in the heist adds grit and realism to the ensemble.

Filming in Ohio City near Nico's garage

Who directed Eenie Meanie?

Shawn Simmons makes his feature directorial debut with Eenie Meanie. Simmons is best known as the creator and showrunner of the Amazon series Wayne. He also co-created the John Wick spin-off series The Continental.

Simmons grew up in Brockton, Mass., a working-class town near Boston. Much of his work draws upon that blue-collar upbringing. Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick (of Deadpool and Zombieland fame) produce.
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