From Small City to the Big Screen: How Weirton Became the Heart of J.J. Abrams’ “Super 8”
The industrial city of Weirton, West Virginia was brought into the spotlight when it starred as the fictitious town of Lillian, Ohio in J. J. Abrams’ sci-fi thriller, Super 8. Set in 1979, the story centers on a group of young teenagers who witness a mysterious train derailment while making their own Super 8 movie. As strange happenings begin to unfold in their small town, they realize that something dangerous was set free from the train.
Weirton’s path to the big screen began in February 2010 when a location manager reached out to the West Virginia Film Office to explore possible filming sites. Soon after, pre-production commenced, with multiple visits from various location scouts, and even from J.J. Abrams himself. By August 2010, Paramount officially selected Weirton as the filming location for Super 8, as the city’s expansive central steel mill provided an ideal backdrop for the film.
Paramount recruited 700 local residents to serve as extras in nearly every scene of the film. Filming for Super 8 kicked off in September 2010 and lasted for 23 days into October. The production took place at approximately 25 locations in and around Weirton, including Hancock County, Weirton Heights, Marland Heights, New Cumberland, New Manchester, Brooke County, Follansbee, and the Wheeling-Ohio County Airport.
Weirton’s Main Street served as the primary setting for the film. One notable scene filmed there features a car salesman informing the Deputy that all the cars have missing engine parts under the hood.
Cathy’s Pies and Sandwiches, a local deli at 3073 Main Street, was featured prominently when it stood in for the diner where the kids shared a meal. Its interior already had a 1970s vibe, so Paramount simply repainted the exterior and added extra booths for seating.
Another local business owner of Mystic Mountain Crafts at 3053 Main Street, allowed her three storefronts to be modified for Super 8. While the storefronts are connected inside, Paramount transformed them to resemble three distinct shops for the 1979 setting—a women’s fashion store, a pawn shop, and a hobby shop.
Weirton Heights also served as a key location in the film, housing the homes of Joe and Charles, two significant characters. This neighborhood also featured the action scenes involving armored military units.
DeStefano’s Spaghetti House & Restaurant, located at 545 Main Street in Follansbee, made a brief appearance at the beginning of the movie, where Joe and his father had a meal and discussed Joe attending summer camp instead of making zombie movies.
Some other film locations include:
- Weirton Millsop Community Center, 3420 Main Street: holding site for extras and storage.
- 3000 Block of Main Street: numerous scenes near bus terminal, camera shop, diners, auto sales lot, and more, including battle scenes and fictional water tower.
- Taylor Avenue, Orchard and Elm Streets: car crash and evacuation scenes.
- ArcelorMittal, Main Street: doubled for Lillian Steel Company as backdrop in various scenes.
- Weir Avenue, Mendel Street, and Sharp Street: montage of scenes, including boy searchingn for dog.
- Tri-State Church of God, 3519 West Street: exterior doubled for Lillian Town Hall.
- Salvation Army Church, 794 Cove Road: interior doubled for Lillian Town Hall.
- Marland Heights Community Church, 3900 Brightway Street: exterior doubled for Lillian Middle School, located next to ball field.
- Marland Heights Deli, 3815 Brightway Street: doubled for 7-Eleven convenience store.
- Weirton Heights neighborhood of South 17th, South 20th, Mineral Avenue, and South 22nd Street: house explosion, houses on fire, playground, evacuation and tank battle scenes.
- Weirton Heights neighborhood of South 22nd Street, and alley way between Wayne Street and Mineral Avenue: battle and evacuation scenes.
- Saint Paul’s Cemetery, South 24th and Greenbrier Streets.
- Neighborhood of Fernwood Avenue and Crystal Lane: Joe’s and Charles’ homes.
- Neighborhood of Avenue F: Alice’s home over-looking steel mill.
- Intersection of Shepard Valley Road and Murray Road near Tomlinson Run State Park, New Manchester region: hillside overlooking train crash site.
- Along Route 2, between Cabot Lane, 2 miles north of the Route 2 – Route 8 intersection, and Roadside Park, 4 miles north: evacuation sequence, including the Cowl Farm.
- Wylie Ridge Road, New Cumberland: town evacuation sequences.
- DeStefano’s Spaghetti House & Restaurant, 545 Main Street, Follansbee: scene with father and son conversation.
- Wheeling-Ohio County Airport, Rural Route 5 – Box 5 and Girty’s Point, Brooke County: doubled as military compound.
The filming of Super 8 not only transformed Weirton into the fictional town of Lillian but also showcased the rich backdrop and vibrant community of this area. The collaboration between Paramount and local residents created an unforgettable experience that brought the small town into the cinematic limelight. As the story unfolds amidst the familiar streets and landmarks of Weirton, the city’s charm and character shine through, leaving a lasting legacy that connects its residents to the magic of film.