Oscar-winning actor set to star in New Bedford movie filming in April — here's who

NEW BEDFORD — The Whaling City has a chance to see a mega Oscar-award winning Hollywood star in action as two more names have been announced to star in the movie "Finestkind," filming in the New Bedford area later this month.

"The Fugitive" star Tommy Lee Jones is set to lead the film based on the city, which starts filming April through June.

On March 28, Ryan Cook, supervising location manager for the movie shared filming locations during a presentation to the Fairhaven Board of Selectmen that included spots such as Rasputin's Tavern, Hedge Street, Moriarty Liquors and Union Wharf.

Additional New Bedford locations in consideration are the New Bedford and Fairhaven Bridge, the hurricane barrier and Custom House Square.

Calling all locals: Casting company seeks commercial fishermen and locals for Hollywood film

"Finestkind" is about two half-brothers reunited as adults after being raised by different fathers. When one discovers his estranged father has only months to live, he strikes a dangerous deal with a crime syndicate, putting him and his brother on a collision course with the Boston underworld.

Who will star in 'Finestkind'

"Hell and High Water's" Ben Foster and "The Society's" Toby Wallace star opposite Jones. Jenna Ortega, best known for her role as Young Jane in "Jane the Virgin" and Zoe in Netflix's "You," will also star.

The film is written by New Bedford native and UMass grad Brian Helgeland. He is best known for co-scripting the crime drama "L.A. Confidential," winning an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay.

“I come from a long line of commercial fishermen and have experienced their hard-working world firsthand." said Helgeland in a statement. "...We will be able to accurately capture their endeavors at sea, as well as honor them for their immense contribution to society.

"I feel privileged for the opportunity to tell this story to audiences globally."

Paramount+ will debut the film in late 2022.

Movie brings Tommy Lee Jones back to Massachusetts

Earlier this week, Kendall Cooper Casting announced it was seeking experienced commercial fishermen as well as New Bedford locals of all ethnicities who are interested in working as extras for the film.

Welcome to town: These Hollywood actors will be coming to film the movie 'Finestkind'

Jones, born in San Saba, Texas and best known for Oscar-award winning performances such as "JFK," "In the Valley of Elah" and "Lincoln," has ties with Massachusetts. He attended Harvard University, rooming with future Vice President Al Gore and played offensive guard in the famous 29-29 Harvard-Yale football game of '68 known as "The Tie."

In 1969, he received a B.A. in English literature and graduated cum laude.

In 2012, Jones filmed in parts of Stonington Borough in southeastern Connecticut, opposite Meryl Streep in "Hope Springs." The actor is currently filming "The Burial" with Jamie Foxx and Jurnee Smollett in New Orleans.

Jones isn't the only one in the cast with Massachusetts connections: His co-star Foster was born in Boston.

Standard-Times staff writer Seth Chitwood can be reached at schitwood@s-t.com. Follow him on twitter: @ChitwoodReports. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Standard-Times today.

This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Tommy Lee Jones to star in "Finestkind" shooting in New Bedford, MA