The magic of cinema lies not only in its stories but in its ability to transport us to incredible places. With the upcoming release of Steven Spielberg’s sci-fi thriller, ‘Disclosure Day,’ on June 12, 2026, audiences will be taken to Kansas City—or so they’ll think. The reality is that the film’s compelling backdrop was crafted from a diverse tapestry of locations across New Jersey and New York, and these destinations are now poised for their own moment in the global spotlight.
The Unlikely Stars: New Jersey and New York as Kansas City
For travelers and film enthusiasts, the choice of filming locations for ‘Disclosure Day’ offers a fascinating glimpse into the versatility of the American landscape. The production, starring Emily Blunt and Josh O’Connor, masterfully used these East Coast settings to build its Midwestern world.
New Jersey’s Cinematic Transformation
The Garden State provided the backdrop for some of the film’s most dynamic scenes.
- Fosterfields Living Historical Farm (Morristown, NJ): This historic site, known for preserving turn-of-the-century farm life, was chosen for key action sequences. Visitors to Fosterfields can typically experience a working farm with historical interpreters, but soon they will also be able to walk the grounds where Spielberg’s thrilling narrative unfolded. The farm’s open fields and rustic architecture provided a unique canvas for the film’s high-stakes moments.
- McGinley Square (Jersey City, NJ): To capture the urban feel of Kansas City, the production team turned to Jersey City’s McGinley Square. This vibrant, historic neighborhood offered the architectural depth and bustling energy needed for the city scenes, showcasing its potential to stand in for other major American urban centers.
Long Island’s Coastal Charm
For the film’s more intimate and personal moments, the setting shifted to the serene coast of Long Island.
- Huntington, New York: This picturesque town on Long Island’s North Shore, celebrated for its beautiful beaches, lively village, and maritime history, provided a contrasting atmosphere. The choice of Huntington highlights its appeal as a place of quiet reflection and natural beauty, an element that will likely add emotional depth to the film and entice viewers to explore its charming streets and coastline.
The Power of Film Tourism: A Proven Phenomenon
The practice of visiting locations featured in movies and television series, known as “film tourism” or “set-jetting,” is a powerful driver of local economies. History is filled with examples of locations that have experienced a massive influx of visitors after a successful film release.
New Zealand saw its tourism numbers surge by an estimated 50% following the global success of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, an effect that has sustained for decades. Similarly, locations in Croatia and Northern Ireland became must-visit destinations for fans of Game of Thrones. This phenomenon is driven by the emotional connection audiences form with a story, inspiring them to experience the real-world settings for themselves.
Future Impact: Economic Boom and a New Identity
With a director like Steven Spielberg at the helm and a star-studded cast, ‘Disclosure Day’ is virtually guaranteed to be a global blockbuster. This puts its filming locations in an enviable position.
Economic Projections
The economic impact on Morristown, Jersey City, and Huntington is expected to be significant. Following the film’s 2026 release, these areas can anticipate a substantial increase in tourism.
- Increased Visitor Spending: Studies on film tourism have shown that featured destinations can experience a rise in tourism revenue ranging from 25% to over 300% in the years following a release. This translates to more business for local hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and shops.
- Job Creation: A sustained increase in tourism often leads to the creation of new jobs in the hospitality and service sectors, providing a long-term boost to the local economy.
A Global Showcase for Local Charm
Beyond the direct financial benefits, ‘Disclosure Day’ will serve as a massive marketing campaign for these communities. It will showcase the diverse landscapes of New Jersey—capable of portraying both rural farmland and a bustling city—and the idyllic coastal appeal of Huntington, New York, to millions of viewers worldwide. This exposure can reshape public perception and put these destinations on the travel maps of a new international audience, attracting visitors who might have otherwise overlooked them.
As the release date approaches, local tourism boards and businesses would be wise to prepare for the coming wave of interest. By creating film-themed tours, maps, and experiences, they can capitalize on this unique opportunity, ensuring that the legacy of ‘Disclosure Day’ extends far beyond the silver screen.
