Movies Filmed in Winnipeg
Woody Harrelson’s newest movie, Champions — which hit theaters in March of 2023— was filmed right here in Winnipeg, joining the growing list of movies produced in the YWG, which includes Flag Day, Capote, and Nobody.
Winnipeg’s film scene is booming these days with more and more Hollywood production companies choosing the River City as the backdrop for their projects. These films are a boon to the local economy, and a big opportunity for local actors who often win supporting roles in movies produced here. And, every now and then, a Hollywood movie star walks into a local coffee shop or restaurant and causes a bit of a stir.
Today, we here at Rumor’s Comedy Club take a look at some of the notable movies that were shot in our own backyard.
More: Comedians Winnipeg saw before they were famous
Movies filmed in Winnipeg
With big tax incentives and Chicago-style architecture, Winnipeg has become a very desirable place for moviemakers to bring their visions to life. We’ve seen a seemingly non-stop flow of Hallmark movies filmed here, but here are some of the major Hollywood productions that were filmed right here in Winnipeg.
Champions
Winnipeg’s most recent silver screen appearance, Champions is a feel-good comedy starring Woody Harrelson (True Detective, Hunger Games) and directed by Bobby Farrelly (Dumb and Dumber, There’s Something About Mary).
During filming one of the film’s stars, Kaitlin Olson (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia) stopped by Rumor’s Comedy Club for a laugh. A few nights later, comedian A.B. Farrelly (Bobby’s son) popped by the club for a surprise set. Truly a great week here at Rumor’s.
Flag Day
In summer of 2019, Sean Penn (Dead Man Walking, Milk) made his way to Winnipeg to film Flag Day, a movie about a young woman who comes to terms with her father’s con-man past. Scenes for Flag Day were shot at the University of Manitoba’s Fort Garry campus, as well as in Winnipeg’s historic Exchange District.
During filming, Julia Roberts (Pretty Woman, Erin Brockovich) stopped in at one of Winnipeg’s favorite breakfast spots, Falafel Place. But when Robert’s and her family entered the restaurant, the owner, Ami Hassan, told the Hollywood leading lady that there were no seats for her, and that she should take a walk and come back in half an hour.
And she did!
Nobody
Bob Odenkirk, best known for his role as Saul Goodman on Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, made his action movie debut right here in Winnipeg, in the fall of 2019. The film, entitled Nobody, was like a cross between The Bourne Identity, John Wick, and Home Alone.
And it featured many recognizable Winnipeg landmarks and neighborhoods. One of the most memorable scenes is a fight sequence between Odenkirk and a handful of bad guys on a Winnipeg Transit bus.
While in town for the shoot, Bob and his co-star Christopher Lloyd (Back to the Future) dropped in at Rumor’s Comedy Club for a night out. If that wasn’t cool enough, our headliner that evening was none other than Tom Green.
Violent Night
One of the more recent releases to be filmed in Winnipeg was the Christmas action flick, Violent Night, starring David Harbour (Stranger Things). This riotous holiday shoot ‘em up follows Santa Claus through a Die Hard-esque hero’s journey.
If you look closely, you’ll recognize one of your favorite downtown watering holes in the film’s opening scene.
Capote
While many of the films made in Winnipeg have been action thrillers and madcap comedies, one particular film stands apart: Capote.
Doubling as Kansas, Winnipeg played host to the late great Phillip Seymour Hoffman who won the Academy Award for best actor for his portrayal of journalist Truman Capote. The film was nominated for five Oscars in total, including Best Picture and Best Supporting Actress (Catherine Keener).
A piece of the movie set still remains downtown to this day. At the intersection of Notre Dame and Ellice Ave., an entrance way on the old St. Charles Hotel had the words “Bar Entrance” painted on it specifically for the film.
More: Comedians coming to Winnipeg in 2023
Other movies with Winnipeg connections
While many movies have been shot in Winnipeg, other films have different connections to Winnipeg.
In 1993 eleven-year-old Winnipeg native Anna Paquin became the youngest person ever to win the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance opposite Holly Hunter in The Piano..
Nine years later, Winnipeg actress Nia Vardallas wrote and starred in the hit 2002 romantic comedy, My Big Fat Greek Wedding. The movie made $368 Million and earned Vardallas an Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay.
Most recently Winnipeg author Miriam Toews' novel, Women Talking, was adapted for film by Canadian actress and director, Sarah Polly. The film was nominated for Best Picture at the 2023 Oscars, and Polly herself walked away with Best Adapted Screenplay honors.
More: 10 things to do in Winnipeg this spring
Comedy shows in Winnipeg
Winnipeg has fostered growing connections to the film industry and Rumor’s Comedy Club has fostered our own connections with popular film stars. Some notable Hollywood stars that have performed on our stage include Tom Green, Marlon and Shawn Wayans, Jay Mewes, Tom Arnold, Rob Schneider, and the list goes on. Check out our events calendar to see who’s coming to Rumor’s next.
You can also find info on some of our great deals, like 2-for-1 Tuesday, Early Burg Wednesday, and Date Night Thursday. And if you’re planning a fundraiser or wedding social, we can help you plan your event to take place right here at Rumor’s.