Amazon Prime’s romantic comedy “Space Cadet” stars Emma Roberts, who also worked as the film’s executive producer. In the movie, Emma plays Rex Simpson, a lively and free-spirited party girl. The film is written and directed by Liz W. Garcia. It tells the story of how Rex’s life changes unexpectedly when she is picked for an astronaut training program by NASA. Even though Rex does not have the qualifications and experience that other candidates have, her confidence, wit, heart, and determination help her find different ways to achieve her dreams.
Rex is supported by her friend Nadine (played by Poppy Liu), who writes fake accomplishments in Rex’s resume to impress NASA. Rex also gets guidance from NASA directors Pam Proctor (Gabrielle Union) and Logan O’Leary (Tom Hopper). Together, they help Rex pursue her childhood dream of going to space. The film shows both the literal and figurative journey to the stars, using beautiful visuals and various filming locations to enhance the story.
Where was “Space Cadet” Filmed?
Most of the movie is set in Florida, with scenes of Rex partying on Cocoa Beach and training at the Kennedy Space Center. She also gets her big break at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. However, the actual filming did not take place in these locations. Instead, New Jersey and certain areas of Alabama were used to represent these places. Filming started in late August 2022, continued through the fall, and ended on November 7, 2022.
Monmouth County, New Jersey
Monmouth County in New Jersey was very important for the filming of “Space Cadet”. Many scenes that show the Johnson Space Center in Houston were filmed here. Bell Works, a business center at 101 Crawfords Corner Road in Holmdel Township, was used to represent NASA’s famous facility. In late September, child actresses were cast for flashback scenes showing Rex and her mother. Several locations around Jersey Shore in Union Beach were used to show Florida’s Cocoa Beach. The Rock Cafe at 522 Amboy Road in Keyport was also used.
The film features a creepy 19th-century mansion at 226 Main Street in Matawan that is known locally as “Big Blue House” and “Ryer House.” This house is a revered monument that the residents wish to preserve. The dining hall Shore Casino at 1 Simon Lake Drive in Atlantic Highlands was also utilized to replicate Cocoa Beach’s Marriott Bonvoy. The production team also recorded at JakeaBob’s Bay bar, located at 525 Front Street in Union Beach, where Rex works before heading to the Kennedy Space Center.
Essex County, New Jersey
Essex County, around 50 miles from Monmouth County, served as another key filming location for “Space Cadet”. The lobby and runway of Essex County Airport in Fairfield have been transformed into Florida’s Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Signature Fitness, located at 471 Cortlandt Street in Belleville, became the fictional Muscle Explosion Gym, where Rex and Nadine discussed Rex’s entry into the astronaut program.
According to Jon Crowley, executive director of the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission, the movie generated enthusiasm and attention in the local community. He also said that “Space Cadet” invested roughly $14 million in New Jersey, creating numerous job prospects.
Huntsville, Alabama
After finishing filming in New Jersey, the “Space Cadet” team relocated to Alabama in late October for some crucial shots. The US Space and Rocket Center (USSRC) at 1 Tranquility Base in Huntsville, Madison County, was an important location. It was used to represent the Johnson Space Center. The USSRC campus and its renowned rocket feature in multiple sequences during the film’s climactic minutes.
Rex and other characters receive astronaut training in the USSRC. The Space Camp’s resources and gateways are conspicuously shown. The cast utilized the Multiple Axis Space Test Inertia Facility, which added credibility to the film’s space adventure scenes. The historical significance of the USSRC contributes to the film’s mood and the development of the main character.
Emma Roberts also received astronaut training at the center’s Intuitive Planetarium and the legendary Saturn V launch rocket. A sequence was recorded inside the underwater astronaut training tank, and the cast and crew spoke with Space Camp alumni to learn more. As a result, the renowned research facility not only contributed to the film, but also provided an educational opportunity for the actors and crew of “Space Cadet”.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Space Cadet
Q: Where was “Space Cadet” filmed?
A: “Space Cadet” was filmed in multiple locations. Although the movie is set in Florida and Houston, Texas, most of the filming took place in New Jersey and Alabama. Monmouth County and Essex County in New Jersey were used to represent places like Cocoa Beach, the Kennedy Space Center, and the Johnson Space Center. Additionally, the US Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, served as a key filming location.
Q: What locations in New Jersey were used for filming?
A: In New Jersey, several key sites were used for filming “Space Cadet.” Monmouth County locations include Bell Works in Holmdel Township for NASA scenes, various Jersey Shore areas around Union Beach to represent Florida’s Cocoa Beach, and the Rock Cafe in Keyport. A spooky 19th-century house in Matawan and Shore Casino in Atlantic Highlands also appeared in the film. In Essex County, the Essex County Airport in Fairfield was transformed into Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, and Signature Fitness in Belleville became the Muscle Explosion Gym.
Q: What Alabama locations were used for filming?
A: In Alabama, the US Space & Rocket Center (USSRC) in Huntsville was a major filming location for “Space Cadet.” This center was used to stand in for the Johnson Space Center and featured prominently in the movie’s climax and astronaut training scenes. The USSRC’s iconic rocket and Space Camp’s facilities were key elements in these scenes.
Q: When was “Space Cadet” filmed?
A: Filming for “Space Cadet” began in late August 2022. The production continued through the fall and concluded on November 7, 2022. During this period, the cast and crew worked in New Jersey and Alabama to capture the film’s various scenes.
Q: When is the release date for “Space Cadet”?
A: “Space Cadet” was released in on July 4, 2024 on Amazon Prime Video.
