Released on June 12, 2026, Steven Spielberg’s latest science fiction thriller, “Disclosure Day,” has quickly captivated audiences worldwide. Starring Emily Blunt and Josh O’Connor, the highly anticipated film explores a terrifying global event involving unexplained extraterrestrial threats, advanced alien technology, and long-held government secrets. While Blunt’s character, Margaret Fairchild, navigates this crisis as a local television meteorologist based in Kansas City, the $115 million production utilized diverse and stunning real-world locations across New Jersey and New York to bring its vision to life. As the movie garners massive attention—grossing an impressive $92.9 million globally in its opening weekend alone—travelers and cinema enthusiasts are eager to uncover the actual settings that provided the backdrop for this epic story.
Historical Charm and Urban Action in New Jersey: Morristown and Jersey City
To create a grounded environment that contrasts sharply with the film’s spectacular alien phenomena, the production team relied heavily on the distinct landscapes of New Jersey for filming between February and May of 2025. One of the standout locations is the historic Fosterfields Living Historical Farm in Morristown. This operational late-19th-century farming site offered an authentic, rural backdrop that beautifully anchors the narrative before the otherworldly chaos ensues.
In addition to the quiet historical setting, the production transformed McGinley Square in Jersey City to shoot intense, urban sequences. The dynamic streetscapes of Jersey City provided the perfect fast-paced environment for the high-stakes action and conspiracy-unraveling scenes involving O’Connor’s character, a whistleblower attempting to expose the truth to the world. By utilizing these diverse New Jersey locales, the film seamlessly bridges the gap between everyday reality and an overwhelming sci-fi spectacle.
The Mysterious Atmosphere of New York’s Catskill Mountains
To capture the eerie, suspenseful mood necessary for a Spielberg alien invasion film, the crew also headed north to the picturesque Catskill Mountains in New York. Specifically, Haines Falls served as a pivotal location for some of the movie’s most mysterious moments. The towering trees, dramatic waterfalls, and isolated natural beauty of the region perfectly echo the unsettling tension of uncovering hidden truths about humanity’s place in the universe.
The rugged terrain of the Catskills is no stranger to outdoor enthusiasts, but its portrayal in “Disclosure Day” adds a fresh layer of sci-fi mystique to the area. The majestic isolation of Haines Falls mirrors the characters’ feelings of vulnerability when faced with a world-changing extraterrestrial threat, making it a truly memorable visual component of the blockbuster.
Predicting the Future of “Disclosure Day” Film Tourism
The intersection of popular cinema and international travel has proven to be a massive economic driver in recent years, and “Disclosure Day” is perfectly positioned to create a significant film tourism boom for both New Jersey and New York. With the movie taking in $44 million domestically and nearly $100 million worldwide right out of the gate, its widespread visibility guarantees a new wave of culturally motivated visitors.
In the near future, heritage sites like the Fosterfields Living Historical Farm can expect increased foot traffic from moviegoers looking to step into the exact spots where Emily Blunt and Josh O’Connor performed. Similarly, local businesses around McGinley Square and Haines Falls will likely see a notable boost in revenue as fans undertake road trips to experience the cinematic atmosphere firsthand. Local tourism boards have a golden opportunity to capitalize on this trend by developing guided “Disclosure Day” location tours. As the film secures its place as one of Spielberg’s highest-performing original titles in recent years, these real-world destinations will enjoy a long-lasting economic impact, easily cementing their status on the ultimate film-lover’s travel itinerary for 2026 and beyond.
