Where was Casper filmed?
1995
City Locations
Universal City (USA), Rockport (USA), Camden (USA)
Location Types
Film Studio, Mansion, Unusual
Location Styles
Victorian, Old Hollywood
About Casper
Casper is a 1995 fantasy film about the adventures of the friendly ghost Casper, created by Harvey Comics. When Casper's efforts to make friends are rejected by the living, he turns to ghost psychologist Dr. James Harvey and his daughter, Kat, for help. Harvey and Kat move into a haunted mansion, where Casper lives with three troublesome ghosts, whom Casper must befriend to pass on to the afterlife.
As Casper embarks on a quest, he unravels why he cannot find peace and acquires invaluable insights about friendship, bravery, and comprehending death. The film's lead cast includes Bill Pullman portraying Dr. James Harvey, Christina Ricci as Kat Harvey, Eric Idle as Dibs, and Cathy Moriarty as Carrigan Crittenden. Making his debut in feature films, Malachi Pearson plays the titular role of Casper, while Dewon Sawa fills in some of the scenes.
Casper was the first movie to have a fully CGI-animated lead character. It also features an all-star voice cast, including Joe Nipote, Joe Alaskey, and Brad Garrett, who lend their voices to some of the most memorable characters in this classic family flick. It was directed by Brad Silberling (also his feature film directorial debut) and is a testament to this movie's success since its initial release almost 25 years ago.
Universal Pictures released Casper in theaters on May 26, 1995. The film garnered a mixed response from critics, who praised its fidelity to its source material (specifically the titular character's portrayal), visual effects, music score, and performances. However, they criticized the story's dark tone and humor. Despite receiving mixed reviews, the movie earned $287.9 million on a $55 million budget. Additionally, it gave rise to two indirect prequels, Casper: A Spirited Beginning (1997) and Casper Meets Wendy (1998), released by 20th Century Fox directly to video or made-for-TV. The franchise also includes an animated television spin-off, The Spooktacular New Adventures of Casper.
Casper Locations
The 1995 film Casper was shot primarily in the picturesque coastal town of Camden, Maine. This quaint seaside village provided the perfect backdrop for the supernatural story of a friendly ghost and his human family. The quaint streets of Camden served as the primary setting for much of the movie, offering a variety of stunning beaches, rolling hills, and lighthouses to explore. The crew also chose to shoot some scenes at nearby Friendship, Maine, providing additional scenic beauty and charm to tie in with the small-town feel of the story.
A visit to Camden and Friendship should be a must for any movie fan. In Camden, visitors can take in all its historic downtown has to offer, from quaint shops and galleries to museums and art centers. Not far away, you'll find several beaches with spectacular views out into Penobscot Bay, plus nature trails winding through lush forested areas full of wildlife for those looking to explore further afield. For those who make it up Friendship Way, there's even more spectacular scenery like rocky coasts, colorful sunsets, and plenty more outdoor activities such as fishing charters or kayaking tours around nearby islands.
Whether you want to relive all your favorite moments from Casper or enjoy some beautiful natural sights while exploring on your terms, there's no doubt that Camden and Friendship have something special for anyone who visits them.
Carrigan wants the treasure scene in Casper
Camden, Maine
After her father's demise, a neurotic and pampered heiress named Carrigan Crittenden (Cathy Moriarty) realizes she has been bequeathed Whipstaff Manor in Friendship, Maine. Carrigan and her attorney, Dibs (Eric Idle), stumble upon a map while going through the will's papers, which leads them to believe a treasure could be hidden within the mansion. However, they discover that the property is haunted by Casper (Devon Sawa), a friendly ghost, and his mischievous uncles, the Ghostly Trio.
Located in Maine, USA, Camden is a quaint coastal town with a rich maritime history, known for its breathtaking views, picturesque village, and charming appeal. The town attracts visitors from across the globe who are drawn to its unique culture, outdoor activities, and natural beauty. The Camden Hills State Park is a must-visit attraction that showcases the town's stunning natural scenery and features Mount Battie, offering mesmerizing views of the bay and surrounding mountains. Hiking, camping, and picnicking are popular activities in the park, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers.
The nearest airport to Camden is the Knox County Regional Airport (RKD), located approximately 10 miles from the town center. Another nearby airport is Portland International Jetport (PWM), about 85 miles from Camden. Camden is located on US Route 1, which connects it with other towns and cities in Maine. Visitors can also take Interstate 95 to Augusta and drive eastward to reach Camden.
Halloween school party scene in Casper
Stage 12, Universal Studios, Main St, Studio City, CA
After Casper (Devon Sawa) serves the Harvey family breakfast and accompanies Kat (Christina Ricci) to school, the Harveys begin to trust him. Kat's popularity surges when her classmates discover she resides in Whipstaff Manor, and she agrees to host their Halloween bash at the mansion. Unfortunately, her jealous classmate Amber Whitmire (Jessica Wesson) teams up with Vic DePhillippi (Garette Ratliff Henson), who has a crush on Kat, to hatch a plan to embarrass her at the event.
Stage 12 at Universal Studios is a legendary soundstage home to some of the most iconic movies and television shows since 1929. It is one of the oldest stages at the studio complex and has hosted numerous productions over the years. Originally built to house the production of the classic movie "All Quiet on the Western Front," the stage has since been used to film some of Hollywood's most famous movies, including "Jaws," "Back to the Future," "Psycho," "Jurassic Park," and "The Sting."
Visitors can drive to Universal Studios and park in the designated parking lots. It is easily accessible by several major highways, including the 101 and 134 freeway. Alternatively, the Metro Red Line subway stops at Universal City/Studio City Station, directly across from the theme park entrance. Additionally, several bus routes connect to the Universal Studios lot.
Casper and Kat dancing under the moonlight scene in Casper
Rockport, Maine
Casper (Devon Sawa) and Kat (Christina Ricci) dance together in the moonlight. The scene takes place on a beautiful hilltop overlooking the picturesque harbor with the full moon shining brightly above. The backdrop features several picturesque lighthouses and stunning Victorian mansions that have retained their original charm.
This scene was filmed on-location at Rockport. Nestled in Knox County, Maine, USA, Rockport is a delightful coastal town renowned for its rich maritime history, captivating natural beauty, and inviting harbor. The town's welcoming atmosphere and friendly locals entice visitors worldwide to immerse themselves in its unique culture and laid-back lifestyle. Rockport's harbor is a prominent attraction, bustling with fishing boats and yachts. Visitors can indulge in scenic boat tours of the bay or lobster boat tours. The harbor is also dotted with many restaurants serving fresh seafood and stunning views.
The nearest airport to Rockport is the Knox County Regional Airport (RKD), approximately 6 miles away. Alternatively, Portland International Jetport (PWM) is another nearby airport situated around 80 miles away from Rockport. Visitors can access Rockport via US Route 1, which runs through the town center. The town is well-connected to other cities and towns in Maine, and visitors can drive to Rockport using Interstate 95 or other major highways.
Conclusion
Casper is a comedic tale about a therapist in the afterlife, his daughter, Kat, and their spooky adventures. The movie was filmed in Friendship, Maine, and the nearby resort town of Camden, which helped bring authenticity to the film. The production crew praised Camden for its natural beauty and charm, which allowed them to capture the essence of the small-town life depicted in the movie.
Casper's adventure is filled with humor and heartfelt moments that uplift viewers after watching the movie. It's a perfect mix of supernatural elements with real-life issues such as loneliness and self-discovery, which allows viewers to connect more with the characters on screen.