Marblehead On the Big Screen: Grown Ups 2 Coming Soon

Did you happen to catch a sighting of Adam Sandler last summer, while the A-list actor was in town shooting scenes for ‘Grown Ups 2’? (Or maybe it was just this guy…)

Maybe you bumped into one of the film’s other stars, Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade, Salma Hayek, Steve Buscemi, or a host of other cast and crewmembers.

Marblehead was the site of filming for at least half of the movie, due to be released in theaters July 12. According to the film’s location manager, the town was chosen because it of the 30 or 40 towns scouted, Marblehead was a favorite of both Sandler and director Dennis Dugan. Other scenes for the film were shot in nearby Swampscott, Salem and Peabody.

Scenes were filmed in Old Town and along Atlantic Avenue, as well as at several schools both while school was in session and after school let out for summer.

Casting directors called on locals to audition for walk-on roles as extras, and Sandler’s choice in headwear sparked interest in a local high school rivalry: He was seen on-set, wearing baseball caps from both Marblehead and Swampscott high schools.

Stars were often spotted out on the town, like Sandler playing a game of pick-up basketball at Seaside Park, or shopping at Crosby’s Market. He and the crew were often sighted shooting hoops at the Jewish Community Center. Sandler and Hayek treated themselves to some froyo at Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt on Atlantic Avenue. Area residents flocked to locations where scenes were being shot, hoping to catch a glimpse of the action.

Check out the trailer for the film, and tell us: Will you be in line for ‘Grown Ups 2’ tickets on opening night? What icons and landmarks will you be on the lookout for?