Bruce Willis movie filmed in Bessemer to release March 2023

Bruce Willis
Bruce Willis with his stunt double on the set of Assassin in Bessemer. (Claire Hancock / Bham Now)

Remember back in June 2021 when Bruce Willis was spotted filming a movie in Bessemer? Big news! The movie’s release date—now officially titled Assassin—has been revealed. According to an Instagram post by the movie’s director, Aaron Wolfe, the film is set to release on March 31, 2023. Read on for details.

Filmed in Bessemer

Bessemer
Some of the Assassin set in Bessemer. (Claire Hancock / Bham Now)

When you hear a Hollywood star like Bruce Willis is shooting a movie, heads turn. But in a small city like Bessemer, curiosity and excitement is quadrupled. So, of course, when sightings of Willis spread, we had to learn more (and witness it for ourselves). Sure enough, we learned the rumors were true. 

For more than two glorious weeks in June 2021, Willis was in Bessemer on the set of Assassin. Filming took place in the city’s downtown areas, including the historic Bessemer Train Depot, The Back Porch and Sam Dunn’s Saloon. Willis was also spotted by locals eating dinner at The Bright Star. 

About the movie

Bessemer
The Sam Dunn Saloon might also make its film debut. (Claire Hancock / Bham Now)

So what’s Assassin about and what is Willis’ role? 

IMDB states the movie is an action crime thriller. Consider me intrigued!

According to Saban Films, “Willis plays a leader of an elite CIA group called into service when an experimental human drone tech falls into the wrong hands.”

Assassin is one of the last movies filmed by Willis, who retired from acting in 2022 due to a diagnosis of aphasia, a disorder that affects how you communicate. While this is sad news, we are glad Willis got to spend some time in Bessemer. 

When and where to watch

Mark your calendar—Assassin will play in select theaters and video-on-demand beginning March 31, 2023. 

As of now, a movie trailer has not been released, so be on the lookout!

Bessemer on the big screen

This isn’t the first time the city of Bessemer has made it on the big screen and Willis definitely isn’t the first Hollywood star to shoot a film in the area. Others include:

  • John Travolta (Trading Paint)
  • Shania Twain (Trading Paint)
  • Mykelti Williamson (Run the Race)
  • Ron Perlman (Hell on the Border). 

Here are more movies where Bessemer has made an appearance. 

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Patience Itson
Patience Itson
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