Hollywood comes to Wareham: 'Ted 2' to film at diner
Hollywood is coming back to Wareham.
With parts of “Grown Ups” filmed here in 2010 and “The Way Way Back” set in Onset and at Water Wizz, the town has seen its share of film crews. They’re set to be here again today and tomorrow.
On Aug. 7 and 8, Boston’s own Mark Wahlberg and company will be on location at the newly renamed Tremont Mill Pond Diner to shoot a portion of “Ted 2,” a sequel to the edgy 2012 comedy “Ted.” That film saw a potty-mouthed, talking teddy bear named Ted get between Wahlberg’s character and his girlfriend, played by Mila Kunis.
The diner, which recently changed ownership, was among a few other Massachusetts diners in the running for the filming, according to manager Diane Mestieri.
Mestieri said that production scouts for the movie first came into the diner, a Wareham staple, in June. After some deliberation, they chose the double-box, old-fashioned, stainless-steel 1950s-style eatery for two or three days of filming, which they expect to take place in the first week of August.
“They wanted an old-fashioned diner,” said Mestieri, “and we’ve got it. They loved it, and they wanted to use us.”
She said the restaurant, which just recently changed hands, will be closed for business during the entire time of filming, including during the setup and breakdown of the movie set. Joe Zeadey officially took over ownership from Lorrain Goyette last week. Her husband, William “Biff” Goyette, owned and operated the diner for nearly 40 years until he passed away in 2011.
Mestieri said that she was particularly excited because, “it’s Mark Wahlberg. I grew up in Boston, and I love his movies. I’m very excited.”
So is Nicole LeBlanc, kitchens operations supervisor at the diner, as well as other members of the staff at the diner.
“We’re excited about this adventure,” said LeBlanc. “The Tremont Mill Pond Diner is a diamond in the rough, and now people will be able to see what it really is.”
The original "Ted" was co-written, co-produced, and co-directed by Connecticut native and Rhode Island School of Design graduate Seth McFarlane of "Family Guy" fame. "Ted 2" will see McFarlane return again for several roles, including the voice of Ted. The movie grossed over $500 million worldwide according to IMDb.com. Filming is currently underway in Malden, with other parts to be filmed in Boston, Gloucester and elsewhere in Massachusetts.
The diner itself is no stranger to the movies, either. In 2011, the indie film "Seraph" was filmed there.
Mestieri said that she’s anxiously awaiting the filming, and hopes it will bring new business to the restaurant.
“It’s been exciting," she said. "I can’t even believe they chose us.”