If you’ve ever caught yourself smiling when a movie unexpectedly mentions Delaware, or spotted a familiar landmark on screen, you’re not alone. From cult classics to award-winning dramas, the First State has quietly played a role in film history for decades. Who could forget the iconic “Hi, I’m in Delaware” moment from Wayne’s World, or the sweeping classroom scenes from Dead Poets Society, filmed at Delaware’s own St. Andrew’s School?
Delaware has even served as a cinematic backdrop for Hollywood romances, including scenes filmed at Cape Henlopen State Park in Failure to Launch. Beyond locations, the state has also produced notable talent, including Aubrey Plaza, Valerie Bertinelli, and Ryan Phillippe, proof that Delaware’s creative influence reaches far beyond its borders.
Today, Delaware’s relationship with film is entering an exciting new chapter, with major productions choosing the state not just as a backdrop, but as a central character in their storytelling.
A Murder Mystery Rooted in Place: Death on the Brandywine
One of the most buzz-worthy recent projects filmed in Delaware is Death on the Brandywine, a feature-length murder mystery that leans heavily into the region’s historic estates, dramatic landscapes, and unmistakable sense of place. Set against the storied backdrop of the Brandywine Valley, the film highlights Delaware’s ability to feel both elegant and enigmatic, a perfect setting for suspense-driven storytelling.
By grounding its narrative in real locations, Death on the Brandywine showcases what locals already know: Delaware’s blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty offers filmmakers a visually rich and logistically accessible place to work.
Spotlight on Wilmington: The Conspiracists
Delaware’s film momentum continues with The Conspiracists, an independent comedy mockumentary produced and filmed almost entirely in the First State. Directed by Michael Perrie Jr. and created in partnership with Wilmington-based creatives, the film is both a celebration of local collaboration and a love letter to Delaware…