Wayside Inn Prepping for Arrival of Tom Hanks, Film Crew

The Town of Sudbury has been abuzz since word got out that Oscar-winning actor Tom Hanks would be in town later this month to film scenes from the Columbia Pictures movie "Captain Phillips."

And once word was spread that the historic would be used in at least one scene, calls from residents and patrons began to flood the office of Innkeeper John Cowden, Jr.

But Cowden says the hype of the movie visiting the inn is all part of the excitement of Hollywood visiting the historic town.

"It is exciting," he said. "There have been a couple of movies filmed here in the past. But Tom Hanks is a big draw."

According to Board of Selectmen Chairman Larry O'Brien, film crews will arrive on March 29. Administrative Assistant to the Selectmen Mary McCormack said filming is planned to start late in day, with the driving scene going through Town Center. After that, the crew will head to the inn for further filming.

Cowden said the director, Paul Greengrass, will be in town next week to finalize what parts of the inn will be used in the movie. Scenes will be shot both inside and outside of the inn.

The day of filming has not been finalized, but the inn will be closed on that day. Despite having to close, Cowden said he's not worried how it will affect the business.

"I'm in negotiations with Columbia Pictures on a number that will satisfy the loss of business for that day," he said. "We're gonna have to choose a day where there isn't a group booked. Those are hard to move."

Cowden said his staff is excited the inn will be filmed for the movie, even though they won't be there the day of filming.

"They're excited to see the movie and see the scenery of the inn that will be used," he said.

And despite not having been asked about using staff as extras, Cowden is trying to stay optimistic.

"I'm hoping to get a part," he said, laughing. 

"Captain Phillips" is based on a book real-life Capt. Richard Phillips wrote about his rescue from Somali pirates in 2008, titled "A Captain's Duty: Somali Pirates, Navy SEALs, and Dangerous Days at Sea." The film is scheduled for release March 23, 2013.

Hanks, who will play Capt. Richard Phillips, won consecutive Academy Awards for Best Actor for his roles as Andrew Beckett in "Philadelphia" and as the title character in "Forrest Gump."

The last time a Hollywood movie was filmed in town was for "Ghosts of Girlfriends Past," starring Matthew McConaughey and Jennifer Garner in 2009. A wedding scene was taken at Martha & Mary Chapel.