Clooney and Laurie in Okanagan for movie

George Clooney will be in the North Okanagan shooting the movie "Tomorrowland"

Image Credit: Flickr

August 15, 2013 - 9:11 AM

With stars like George Clooney and Hugh Laurie in the North Okanagan shooting a major Disney film, you can expect lots of star struck fans making a visit to the Armstrong and Enderby areas.

After almost a year of helping Walt Disney Pictures scout locations in the Okanagan, the movie "Tomorrowland" will begin shooting Aug. 19. The crews are already in the area getting ready for the stars to arrive. Filming will continue in the North Okanagan until mid-September.

The science fiction/mystery is directed by two-time Oscar winner Brad Bird ("Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol," "The Incredibles") and produced by Damon Lindelof ("Star Trek into the Darkness," "Prometheus").

Along with Clooney and Laurie, the film stars Britt Robertson from "Under the Dome" which is currently airing on Global TV.

The movie, which is also shooting in Vancouver, has been surrounded by mystery and rumour for months. It's about Walt Disney himself and the mythology surrounding Tomorrowland in the Disney theme parks.

If you're hoping to visit the set, think again. It won't be open to the public. But that likely won't stop people from travelling to the area, trolling for chance encounters with the Hollywood stars.

The production is expected to be a huge boost to the economy in the region.

Armstrong's John Trainor, who is also on the Okanagan Film Commission's board, is relieved he can finally talk about the project.

"Without the Film Commission working tirelessly on this project there is no doubt the movie would have located elsewhere."

Working on this project, "is a highlight in my career so far," film commissioner Jon Summerland says. He feels it's going to increase the popularity of the Okanagan for filming.

"Tomorrowland" will be in the theatres Dec. 12, 2014.

To contact the reporter for this story email halexander@infotelnews.ca, or call 250-309-5230.