The Wildman of Shaggy Creek is a 2025 American family adventure film directed by Jesse Edwards and based on the first book of the Frightland series by R.H. Grimly. This heartfelt and suspenseful movie is scheduled to hit theaters on August 1, 2025, distributed by Family Movie Events and BMG-Global.
Set in a small Southern town, the story follows Scott, a young boy who relocates to Georgia and uncovers rumors of a Bigfoot-like creature—known locally as the Wildman—roaming the woods behind his house. Locals warn of those who disappeared in those woods, never to be seen again. As Scott begins to explore the mystery, he must confront his deepest fears, challenging the truth of the legend and discovering courage along the way.
The cast includes Hudson Hensley as Scott, Allee Sutton Hethcoat (Miss Tennessee 2017) as Charlotte, Josh Futcher, Ayla Bullington, Brycen Patterson, and David Dupre.
Now let’s dive into the main highlight—the filming locations of The Wildman of Shaggy Creek.
WHERE WAS THE WILDMAN OF SHAGGY CREEK FILMED?
THE WILDMAN OF SHAGGY CREEK was filmed in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, during Fall 2024, with production wrapping before December. The shoot lasted just eight days, accomplished with a small but highly efficient crew.
Filming captured the spirit of the story using authentic local settings. Director Jesse Edwards and his team averaged an impressive 16 pages of script per day, working with limited resources and a hands-on approach.
The film’s authenticity comes not only from its rural themes but also from its deep ties to the local community. Edwards chose locations that reflected the eerie, small-town atmosphere of the story—including parks, private homes, and even his own daughter’s bedroom—to create a grounded and emotionally resonant environment.
OAKLANDS PARK WOODS, MURFREESBORO, TENNESSEE
Much of the forest footage was filmed in Oaklands Park, a key location that became the eerie woodland setting for the Wildman’s lair. The house pictured is located at 2229 Brandywood Dr, Murfreesboro, TN 37130. Edwards compares the vibe of Oakland to Dagobah, the foggy and mysterious planet from The Empire Strikes Back.
“It’s foggy, it’s big, it’s dark,” Edwards said. “There are weird sounds, and it’s an intimidating setting and scene for the characters.”
Oaklands Park was recommended by a barista at Shelli’s Coffee who had hiked there. The filmmakers were impressed not just with the visual appeal, but also with how smoothly the permitting process went.
“Oaklands made the permitting process really easy and we loved being welcomed by everyone we met,” Edwards added.
LASCASSAS PIKE – PRIVATE HOME TURNED MOVIE SET
A key home used in the film is located just off Lascassas Pike, a quiet road in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This private residence served as Scott’s family home and played a central role in the film’s emotional arc.
The production team also converted the director’s own daughter’s bedroom into a set to film an important emotional scene. This level of personal involvement underlines the passion and dedication behind the project.
“We shot a critical scene in my daughter’s bedroom, turning our family space into a movie set,” said Edwards.
RUTHERFORD COUNTY – COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Filming wasn’t limited to parks and houses—Rutherford County as a whole became a character in the film. The production invited local students to be extras, and many residents opened their homes for the shoot. Rockvale High School’s Brycen Patterson was cast in a lead role and later won an award for his performance.
“We were able to create movie magic because of the incredible support and resources right here in Murfreesboro,” Edwards said.
This collaboration between filmmakers and the local community was key to bringing The Wildman of Shaggy Creek to life.
WHY TENNESSEE WAS THE PERFECT BACKDROP
Jesse Edwards emphasized that location was crucial in shaping the film. Inspired by R.H. Grimly’s book, Edwards immediately saw Tennessee—not Georgia—as the right setting.
“So when I looked at that book, it was right away I knew this was something that I can make in Tennessee and that I would want to make close to where I am,” Edwards said.
His goal was to create a family-friendly adventure in the spirit of The Iron Giant, balancing suspense and heart without compromising on narrative quality.
“I try to find a theme I want to explore, an argument I want to make, and then build the story around that,” he explained. “Filmmaking begins with a core idea and a meaningful setting.”
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Stay tuned to Netfilming.com for more exclusive updates on filming locations and production details.
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