Summit Train Station Featured in Netflix's 'The Whisper Man'

Netflix's 'The Whisper Man' premiered on Friday, August 28, 2026, bringing Hollywood to the screen—and to Union County. The thriller stars Robert De Niro, Adam Scott, Michelle Monaghan, and Michael Keaton and is based on Alex North's novel. But for Summit residents, the film is personal: it features the Summit train station as a key location, captured during production in spring 2025.

Union County Life readers in Summit and five other Union County municipalities may recognize local streets and landmarks throughout the production. Plainfield, Rahway, Scotch Plains, Springfield, and Westfield all served as filming locations alongside Summit.

The production brought substantial economic benefit to New Jersey. Executive producer Marcus Viscidi reported that nearly $30 million of the film's estimated $60 million to $70 million budget was spent in the state. Over 42 days of filming, the production hired more than 140 cast and crew members, used approximately 1,400 extras and daily hires, and worked with more than 650 vendors and businesses across seven counties and 22 municipalities.

Summit's Common Council recognized the opportunity and took action. On July 7, 2026, the council unanimously adopted Ordinance 26-3391, updating the city's filming rules, fees, and public safety requirements. The ordinance aligns with state guidance and positions Summit as a consistent, welcoming location for future productions.

Councilman Dan Crisafulli, who spearheaded Summit's participation in the Film Ready New Jersey certification program, described the ordinance as forward-thinking. "The proposed ordinance is a model recommended by New Jersey EDA to make the rules and process more uniform," Crisafulli said.

Councilman Jamel Boyer offered his perspective on the arrangement. "We open our doors with a little movie magic, and the studios pay their own way and cover their own risk, and Summit pockets the difference. That's a good deal for the folks who actually live here," Boyer said.

Film Ready New Jersey is a five-step certification program administered by the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission. The program trains local officials and helps communities attract productions through a more consistent permitting process. Netflix is expanding its East Coast presence: the company is developing a production campus on 292 acres at the former Fort Monmouth military installation in Monmouth County. The planned campus includes 12 soundstages, backlot areas, offices, and other production facilities and is expected to open in 2028. Union County Life covers Summit events, arts, business, and community news. Find more Summit stories and local updates on Union County Life.

Photo Credit: Netflix

FAQ

Q: Where can I watch 'The Whisper Man' and what is it about?
A: The film premiered on Netflix on Friday, August 28, 2026. It stars Robert De Niro and Adam Scott and follows a widowed writer whose 8-year-old son is abducted. De Niro plays a retired detective who previously captured a serial killer connected to the case.

Q: What Union County locations were used in 'The Whisper Man'?
A: Six Union County municipalities served as filming locations: Summit, Plainfield, Rahway, Scotch Plains, Springfield, and Westfield. The Summit train station is prominently featured, filmed during production in spring 2025.

Q: How much of the film's budget was spent in New Jersey?
A: Approximately $30 million of the film's estimated $60 million to $70 million budget was spent in New Jersey. The production hired over 140 cast and crew members, used approximately 1,400 extras and daily hires, and worked with more than 650 vendors and businesses.

Q: What is Film Ready New Jersey?
A: Film Ready New Jersey is a five-step certification program administered by the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission. The program trains local officials and helps communities attract film and television productions through consistent permitting processes. Summit adopted the program to align with state guidance.

Q: Is Netflix expanding production in New Jersey?
A: Yes. Netflix is developing a production campus at the former Fort Monmouth military installation in Monmouth County, expected to open in 2028. The 292-acre campus will include 12 soundstages, backlot areas, offices, and production facilities.

Q: Where can I find more Summit arts and entertainment news?
A: Union County Life covers Summit arts, film, events, and community stories. Visit unioncountylife.com for local updates.