The Peach State’s film scene is heating up this fall, and leading the charge is none other than Academy Award-winning powerhouse Jessica Chastain.
The star of The Help and Zero Dark Thirty has touched down in Atlanta to headline Netflix’s latest mystery thriller, Heartland, which kicked off principal photography on September 29 under the secretive code name HTLD.
Heartland Filming in Atlanta
Production is buzzing at Shadowbox Studios in nearby Gwinnett County, with crews capturing key scenes through mid-November, before wrapping up loose ends in Nashville, Tennessee.
For Atlanta’s thriving entertainment ecosystem, Chastain’s arrival feels like a homecoming. The actress, who previously filmed parts of The Huntsman: Winter’s War in Georgia back in 2015, brings her star power to a project that’s already generating local buzz.
Directed and co-written by Shana Feste (Country Strong, Endless Love), Heartland dives into the shadowy underbelly of the country music world. Chastain stars as Misty Jones, a reclusive former country superstar who steps out of hiding to unravel the mysterious disappearance of her rising young niece, played by up-and-coming singer-songwriter Carter Faith in her acting debut.
As Misty navigates Nashville’s glittering yet treacherous scene, she confronts buried secrets and faces a web of deception where loyalties are as fleeting as a hit single. Oscar nominee John Hawkes (Winter’s Bone, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri) joins the cast in an undisclosed role, adding his signature intensity to the mix.
The film’s production is a collaborative effort between Chernin Entertainment and Sandbox Entertainment, with producers Peter Chernin, Jenno Topping, Jason Owen, Randall Poster, and Tracy Cook at the helm.
Casting director Richard Hicks has been on the hunt for local talent, issuing open calls for background extras to portray everything from Nashville bar patrons to Atlanta roadies.
One Atlanta-based actor shared, “Landed a spot on the Heartland set today—Chastain was gracious and the vibe is electric. Georgia’s the place to be for film right now!”
Beyond the glamour, Heartland underscores Georgia’s status as a production powerhouse. The state hosted over 400 film and TV projects in 2024 alone, generating more than $4 billion in economic impact.
Shadowbox Studios, a 250,000-square-foot facility with 11 soundstages, has become a go-to for streaming giants like Netflix, offering tax incentives and cutting-edge tech that keep crews coming back. “We’re seeing a surge in thrillers and genre pieces,” noted Little. “Atlanta’s diverse locations—from urban grit to Southern charm—make it ideal for stories like this.”
As filming enters its final stretch, locals are encouraged to keep an eye out for road closures around Shadowbox and increased activity in Midtown. While plot details remain under wraps to preserve the suspense, early word from set insiders promises a taut, emotionally charged ride that could rival Chastain’s standout performances in Molly’s Game or The Eyes of Tammy Faye.
Netflix has yet to announce a release date, but with Chastain at the forefront, Heartland is poised to strum its way onto must-watch lists worldwide.
For aspiring extras or crew, check AtlantaFi.com/casting for the latest opportunities—your big break might just be a stone’s throw from the Varsity.
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