The Hallmark Channel’s newest movie, “The Groomsmen: First Look,” premieres on Saturday, September 6, at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central. The movie stars BJ Britt, Jonathan Bennett and Tyler Hynes. It’s the first in a trilogy of films that originally premiered last year on Hallmark+, the premium streaming service. But this will be their first time to air on The Hallmark Channel itself.
Read on to learn where “The Groomsmen” movies were filmed and see behind-the-scenes cast stories.
‘The Groomsmen’ Was Filmed in Greece, Italy, and Bulgaria
Hallmarkies, the award-winning movie trilogy that starts with “The Groomsmen: First Look” is finally airing on TV! Because of its stunning European settings and the genuine friendship between its cast, you’ll love these movies if you’ve never seen them before.
All three movies were filmed in beautiful locations in Greece, Italy, and Bulgaria, People reported. Bennett said these films marked “the first time we’ve had a gay wedding on Hallmark as the lead storyline.”
In fact, the films were shot together, giving the actors more time to form genuine relationships both on and off screen, adding even more sweetness to the trilogy. Britt, Hynes, and Bennett shared inside jokes, laughter, and impromptu dance parties while filming, which started in early 2024 and wrapped in July of 2024, Parade reported.
In a Facebook Live session on October 15, 2024, moderated by Deidre Behar of Entertainment Tonight, all three stars said that they hope to do more movies in the franchise.
“It’s the story of Pete, Danny and Jackson — three characters that the audience falls in love with and wants to hear more about and wants to see more about,” he said. “Because our goal was that when the third movie was over, you wouldn’t say, ‘Oh, that’s a great ending.’ You would say, ‘What are the boys up to next?’”
Director Ron Oliver’s Instagram has a behind-the-scenes picture from filming that’s captioned: “Sir Ronald is happy to report that making ‘The Groomsmen’ movies was very much like a pleasant walk in the forest – well, except for these three nitwits lurking behind him always getting in the way;) … Seriously, folks, if you have half as much fun watching these movies as they had making them, you’re in for a real treat.”
On July 11, 2024, he could finally reveal the trilogy he was working on, after hinting about it on his Instagram page.
Filming wrapped in July 2024, which Oliver commemorated with a post, writing: “Sir Ronald’s latest epic has officially wrapped. This photograph is one of hundreds taken on set during this riotous adventure, and it is one of his favorites as it shows the passion, the fun and the absolute madness of movie making. He will never be able to thank his brilliant crew enough for their courage, their drive and their love during this incredibly challenging adventure; suffice to say he feels today, as he called ‘cut’ for the last time (and rang the ceremonial “end of scene” bell, also for the last time), like the luckiest man in the world.”
He shared numerous behind-the-scenes moments.
Bennett wrote on October 30, 2024, that the “long days” were “worth it.” He said it took two years of Zoom calls and creative calls to make the project a reality.
And he posted a behind-the-scenes video by Hallmark showing beautiful locations where they flimed.
Britt posted a series of behind-the-scenes photos, writing, “Lots of laughs, adventures, and maybe love…”
And in a series of photos tagged in Santorini, Greece, Bennet wrote that “lifting each other up and making each other laugh is what we do best.”
Meet the Cast
The movies were made under the direction of prolific director Ron Oliver. The first movie follows the story of Britt’s character Pete, a pediatrician who falls for a woman portrayed by Heather Hemmens.
The second movie focuses on Bennett’s character, a baseball coach named Danny. And the third movie focuses on Hynes’ character Jackson, a social media agent.
Jonathan Bennett portrays Danny. He first gained popularity for his role in “Mean Girls,” and he’s been a fan favorite ever since, with appearances on “Dancing with the Stars,” “Celebrity Big Brother,” “Battle of the Decades,” “Halloween Wars,” and more. On Hallmar, he’s known for works like “The Christmas House,” “Wedding of a Lifetime,” “The Holiday Sitter,” and more.
Tyler Hynes portrays Jackson. Hynes is a fan favorite, with a prolific Hallmark history. His many Hallmark films include the “Three Wise Men” trilogy, “Always Amore,” “Roadhouse Romance,” “Time for Him to Come Home for Christmas,” and more.
BJ Britt portrays Pete. He’s known for “Peaceful Warrior” opposite Nick Nolte and “Heavens Fall” opposite Anthony Mackie. He also had a long-running role on “Agens ot SHIELD” and “Being Mary Jane.” He’s known for his holiday romcoms as well, like “Chrsitmas Dilemma” and “Rediscovering Christmas.”
According to IMDb, also starring in the “First Look” movie are:
- Heather Hemmens (Chelsea)
- Atanas Atansaov (airport guard)
- Anne Bird (Kate)
- Wendy Mae Brown (Georgia)
- Owen Davis (check-in clerk)
- Lily Dodsworth-Evans (Elizabeth)
- JR Esposito (Mr. Otto)
- Michael Fleming (Rev. Oswitt)
- Laura Fuino (officiant)
- Niki Iliev (security manager)
- Valentina Kamenova (Celeste)
- Alexander Lincoln (Zack)
- Boyan Mladenov (hotel security guard)
- Brucella Newman-Persaud (Jane)
- Orlin Pavlov (Wyatt)
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