Netflix Shoots Stephen King Film At Ridgefield Playhouse

RIDGEFIELD, CT — The Ridgefield Playhouse was transformed into a high school set for a new Netflix film, based on a Stephen King novella.

Six scenes for the Ryan Murphy production "Mr. Harrigan’s Phone," starring Donald Sutherland and Jaeden Martell, were shot at The Playhouse Monday.

The transformation began on Sunday with the replacement of The Ridgefield Playhouse sign above the front entrance with a sign that read "Gates Falls High School." Early Monday morning crews descended on the Playhouse lot at 80 East Ridge to finish the work.

"Mr. Harrigan’s Phone" is based on a novella collected in King's latest collection, "If It Bleeds." The story follows a young boy Craig, living in a small town, who befriends an older, reclusive billionaire, Mr. Harrigan. The two form a bond over books and an iPhone, but when the man passes away, the boy finds himself able to communicate with his friend from the grave through the iPhone that was buried with him.

The film is directed by John Lee Hancock ("The Blindside," "The Rookie," "Saving Mr. Banks") and expected to be released in 2022.