See Actor Callum Turner Filming 'Possession' Action Scene in Westfield

English actor Callum Turner was filming an action scene for a Paramount Pictures remake of the 1981 horror classic "Possession" on Westfield's Highland Avenue on Friday afternoon. The production marks a significant moment for Westfield's profile in major film production, bringing Hollywood-scale action filming to the neighborhood.

Union County Life covers Westfield entertainment, film production, and community events across all 21 Union County municipalities.

Behind the Scenes

Turner's face was covered in cuts and smudged with blood for the scene, filmed before a sudden deluge of rain. The 36-year-old actor carried an AR-15-style rifle prop and squared off against actors playing a gang of men, using an overturned tractor trailer as a shield on the hot and humid day. He took breaks to cool down with an electric fan during production.

The choreographed action included a smoldering red car as part of the wreckage on set. Director Parker Finn, who wrote and directed the "Possession" remake, was also present on set in Westfield on Friday, overseeing the production.

The Film

"Possession" is a Paramount Pictures production starring Callum Turner and Margaret Qualley as Anna and Mark. The film is scheduled to release in 2027. The remake reimagines the original 1981 "Possession," helmed by Polish director Andrzej Żuławski, which starred French actor Isabelle Adjani and New Zealand actor Sam Neill. Adjani won the award for best actress at the 1981 Cannes Film Festival and the 1982 César Awards in France for her performance.

Local Production Activity

The Westfield production is one of several New Jersey locations being used for "Possession." In late July, the cast filmed at the James Ward Mansion in Westfield. Additional filming has taken place in Paterson and Jersey City. The production has been using the codename "The Bureaucrat."

The ensemble cast includes Paul Dano, Madeline Brewer (a New Jersey native from Pitman), Diego Calva, Emory Cohen, and Nicholas Alexander Chavez, a former Rutgers student.

Turner has dual project momentum: "Possession" arrives in 2027, while he also stars alongside Monica Barbaro in the rom-com "One Night Only," which opened in theaters Friday.

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FAQ

Q: Is a movie being filmed in Westfield?
A: Yes. Actor Callum Turner was filming an action scene for Paramount's "Possession" remake on Westfield's Highland Avenue on Friday. The film also filmed at the James Ward Mansion in Westfield in late July.

Q: What is Possession?
A: "Possession" is a 2027 Paramount Pictures remake written and directed by Parker Finn. The film stars Callum Turner and Margaret Qualley and reimagines the 1981 horror classic of the same name.

Q: Who stars in the Possession remake?
A: Callum Turner and Margaret Qualley star as Mark and Anna. The ensemble cast includes Paul Dano, Madeline Brewer, Diego Calva, Emory Cohen, and Nicholas Alexander Chavez.

Q: Are there New Jersey connections to the cast?
A: Yes. Madeline Brewer, who appears in the film, is from Pitman, New Jersey. Nicholas Alexander Chavez, also in the cast, is a former Rutgers student.

Q: When does Possession release?
A: The film is scheduled to release in 2027.

Q: What is Callum Turner currently working on?
A: Besides "Possession," Turner also stars in "One Night Only," a rom-com opposite Monica Barbaro, which opened in theaters on Friday.

Q: Where else in New Jersey is the film being shot?
A: The production is using locations in Paterson and Jersey City in addition to Westfield.

Q: What was the original Possession film?
A: The original "Possession" was released in 1981 and directed by Polish director Andrzej Żuławski. It starred French actress Isabelle Adjani, who won Best Actress at the 1981 Cannes Film Festival and the 1982 César Awards for her performance.