Over time, a plethora of productions have rolled into Simcoe Muskoka, turning familiar small town locations into Hollywood style backdrops for big screen movies. From heartfelt dramas to comedies, to 2000s singalongs and iconic hockey reboots, celebrities and upcoming actors from all over the world have left their mark right here in our region. Here’s a look at some of the movies that were shot in Simcoe County, York Region and Muskoka over the years. Get Rich or Die Tryin’ (2005) - Starring 50 Cent and Joy Bryant This drama, starring rapper Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, tells the story of Marcus, a young drug dealer who dreams of escaping his violent surroundings and becoming a rapper. After surviving a brutal shooting, Marcus begins to reassess his life and pursue music. While much of the film’s story unfolds in the city, scenes were shot in Wasaga Beach, Ontario giving local landscapes a unique edge. Camp Rock (2008) - Starring the Jonas Brothers and Demi Lovato Camp Rock was filmed in two locations across Ontario. Most of the scenes were primarily recorded at the YMCA Camp Wanakita in Haliburton and Kilcoo Camp in Minden. The 2000s movie is about a popular teen idol who overhears a girl singing (Demi Lovato) and sets out to find who the voice belongs to. What he doesn’t know is that the girl is actually a camp kitchen worker with a fear of being heard. The Vow (2012) - Starring Rachel McAdams and Channing Tatum While The Vow was primarily set in Chicago, parts of this romantic drama were filmed in Newmarket, Ontario including hospital scenes at the Southlake Regional Health Centre. The movie, based on a true story, stars Rachel McAdams and Channing Tatum as a married couple whose relationship is tested when McAdams’ character loses her memory following a car accident. The movie was a box office success according to IMDb. My Old Ass (2024) - Starring Aubrey Plaza, Maisy Stella, and Maddy Ziegler Muskoka waters and cottage land served as the backdrop for this coming-of-age comedy drama directed by Megan Park. Inspired by her own summers in Ontario’s cottage country, Park chose the northern region to tell the story of Elliott, a queer teen played by Maisy Stella, who has a life changing trip that leads to a bizarre encounter with 39-year-old Aubrey Plaza. The film explores identity, family and the strange wisdom that can come from hindsight. Youngblood Remake (unreleased) - Adaption of Rob Lowe, Patrick Swayze, and Keanu Reeves movie Hockey fans may remember the 1986 cult classic Youngblood, which starred Rob Lowe, Patrick Swayze, and Keanu Reeves. Now, the story is getting a modern revamp as part of the filming happened right here in Barrie, Ontario. In February, crews shot scenes at Sadlon Arena using a crowd of extras to recreate the excitement of a hockey game. The reboot focuses on a young, Black player navigating the pressures and culture of high-level competitive hockey. Actor Ashton James, who plays the lead role, was eager to be part of the project from the jump. The release date for the reboot hasn’t been announced.
