“Freaky Tales” is an upcoming American action comedy film written and directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck. The film is structured as an anthology, presenting four interconnected stories that unfold in 1987 Oakland, California. These narratives are set against real historical events and locations, offering a vibrant depiction of the city’s culture during that era.
The film features an ensemble cast including Pedro Pascal, Ben Mendelsohn, Jay Ellis, Dominique Thorne, Normani (in her film debut), Angus Cloud, and even Hollywood icon Tom Hanks. Premiering at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, Freaky Tales is set to hit theaters on April 4, 2025. In this article we’ll explore the Freaky Tales filming locations:
Where Was Freaky Tales Filmed?
The entire movie was filmed in Oakland, California using real locations to create an authentic 1980s atmosphere. Let’s explore some key filming spots!
Telegraph Avenue
A major filming location, “Telegraph Avenue” is one of Oakland’s most iconic streets—known for its historic music venues, indie shops and urban energy. The filmmakers chose this spot to showcase the cultural heartbeat of the city.
“We wanted to capture the true essence of Oakland’s past and Telegraph Avenue gave us exactly that,” said director Ryan Fleck.
This famous street has also been featured in films like Sorry to Bother You (2018) and Fruitvale Station (2013), making it a well-known cinematic landmark.
Downtown Oakland
With its mix of old and modern architecture, Downtown Oakland served as another important filming location. The city’s vintage buildings and historic landmarks helped recreate the feel of 1987 Oakland.
“Downtown Oakland is a character in itself. You walk through the streets, and you feel the history,” said lead actor Pedro Pascal.
Other movies shot here include Blindspotting (2018) and The Last Black Man in San Francisco (2019), both of which highlight the city’s evolving landscape.
Local Basketball Courts
Since one of the stories revolves around NBA star Sleepy Floyd, the production team filmed scenes at real basketball courts across Oakland. These locations add realism to the film’s sports-driven storyline.
“Playing in the same places where legends once played—it gave an extra layer of authenticity to my role,” said Jay Ellis.
When Did the Filming of Freaky Tales Take Place?
The movie Freaky Tales was filmed from November 14, 2022 to January 12, 2023. To keep the movie’s nostalgic feel—the production team worked hard in many areas of Oakland, especially along Telegraph Avenue.
Freaky Tales Plot Summary
Set in the gritty, vibrant streets of 1987 Oakland, California, Freaky Tales is a wild ride that weaves together four interconnected stories, each packed with action, humor, and a touch of something almost magical. Directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck—this action comedy pulls inspiration from real Oakland spots and history, giving it a nostalgic yet fresh feel.
The movie kicks off with two punk rock teens, Tina and Lucía (Ji-young Yoo and Dominique Thorne) who run a record store by day and fight back against Nazi skinheads by night. Their scrappy rebellion sets the tone for the chaos to come. Then we meet Clint (Jay Ellis) and Danger (Normani), an aspiring rap duo chasing their big break in the hip-hop scene. Their hustle is all about beats and dreams—but trouble’s never far behind. Meanwhile Sleepy (Jack Champion), a lowlife henchman for a shady collector (Ben Mendelsohn), starts questioning his life after a bloody encounter with an NBA legend, Lew Alcindor (a.k.a. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, played by himself). Sleepy’s arc takes him from thug to reluctant hero, tying into the film’s bigger picture. Finally there’s The Guy (Pedro Pascal), a mysterious figure whose path crosses everyone else’s, hinting at a strange, glowing force linking these tales.
Each story jumps between genres—punk brawls, rap battles, crime drama, and sports revenge—all while capturing Oakland’s ‘80s vibe. The plots collide in unexpected ways, fueled by a killer soundtrack and a cameo from Tom Hanks that’ll make you do a double-take. It’s messy, bloody, and fun, with a heart that beats for the underdog. Dedicated to the late Angus Cloud, Freaky Tales is a love letter to a city and a time where anything could happen—and usually did.
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Behind the Scenes of Freaky Tales
Directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, the duo behind Captain Marvel, this film marks a return to their indie roots with a passion project steeped in nostalgia. It all started with Fleck’s love for his hometown, Oakland, California, where he grew up in the ‘80s. The idea was to craft a love letter to the city’s vibrant culture—punk rock, hip-hop, sports, and all—using real locations and historical moments from 1987 as the backbone. Oakland native and rap legend Too Short even jumped on board as an executive producer, adding authentic Bay Area flavor.
Filming kicked off in November 2022, with the crew hitting the streets of Oakland to capture its raw energy. The cast including Pedro Pascal, Jay Ellis, Normani and the late Angus Cloud, brought their A-game to this chaotic anthology. Pascal who plays a retiring debt collector, raved about the intimate vibe of indie filmmaking, calling it a refreshing break from big-budget blockbusters. He even shared how a standout moment was shooting a scene with Tom Hanks, who pops up as a video store owner—a cameo that’s pure ‘80s gold.
The four interconnected stories demanded a mix of styles—think punk brawls, rap battles, and bloody showdowns—which meant the crew had to get creative. Music, costumes and editing leaned hard into that retro vibe, with Boden and Fleck blending VHS filters and ‘80s hits to set the mood. One challenge? Balancing the film’s pulpy madness with its emotional core. The dedication to Angus Cloud, who passed away in July 2023, added extra weight to the process—his role as a punk kid is one of his last, making it a bittersweet tribute.
From late-night shoots to Pascal’s “psychic ninja warrior” energy (as some crew called it), Freaky Tales was a labor of love that embraced Oakland’s underdog spirit. It’s set to hit theaters April 4, 2025—mark your calendars!
Freaky Tales Cast Details
- Pedro Pascal as Clint
- Jay Ellis as Sleepy Floyd
- Normani as Entice
- Dominique Thorne as Barbie
- Ben Mendelsohn as The Guy
- Ji-young Yoo as Tina
- Angus Cloud as Travis
- Jack Champion as Lucid
- Keir Gilchrist in an undisclosed role
- Marteen as Kohlrabi
- Tom Hanks as Hank, Video Store Owner
- Too Short as Cop
Freaky Tales Official Trailer
The official trailer for Freaky Tales is expected to drop soon. Stay tuned and check out the latest updates on the film’s release!
If you’re fascinated by Freaky Tales filming locations, this film will transport you straight into the heart of 1987 Oakland. Be sure to catch it in theaters on April 4, 2025!
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