Guns Up is a 2025 action-comedy film starring Kevin James like never before — in a gritty, explosive role that mixes humor and heart-pounding moments. Directed by Edward Drake, this film also stars Christina Ricci, Luis Guzmán, and Melissa Leo.
The story follows Ray Hayes, a former cop and mob enforcer who wants to leave his dangerous life behind and open a diner. But when his final job goes wrong, Ray must protect his family from mobsters who want him dead.
The film is set to release in U.S. theaters and on Video On Demand (VOD) on July 18, 2025. It has already premiered in some parts of Europe.
Let’s take a look at the filming locations used in Guns Up and when the movie was shot.
| Movie Title | Guns Up (2025) |
|---|---|
| Genre | Action, Comedy |
| Director | Edward Drake |
| Main Cast | Kevin James, Christina Ricci, Luis Guzmán, Melissa Leo |
| Release Date | July 18, 2025 |
| Streaming Platform | VOD + Select U.S. Theaters |
| Filming Locations | Bayonne, Kearny – New Jersey, USA |
| Filming Period | Early to Mid 2024 |
Guns Up Filming Locations
| Location Name | City/Town | State/Country | Key Scenes Shot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broadway Bistro Diner | Bayonne | New Jersey, USA | Diner scenes, Ray’s dream location |
| Holy Family Academy | Bayonne | New Jersey, USA | Scenes at Ray’s kids’ school |
| Residential/Urban Areas | Kearny | New Jersey, USA | Action sequences, warehouse scenes |
Bayonne, New Jersey
Guns Up was filmed largely in Bayonne, a city in Hudson County, New Jersey. Real streets, diners, and school buildings were used to give the film an authentic feel.
Broadway Bistro Diner
A major location in the film is the Broadway Bistro Diner, located at 226–232 Broadway, Bayonne. Though the diner has now closed (as of June 2025), it was featured heavily in the movie.
This location is special because it represents Ray Hayes’s dream — he wants to open his own diner and start a new life. Filming here added emotional weight to the character’s story.
Holy Family Academy
Another key filming site is the Holy Family Academy at 239 Avenue A, Bayonne. This old school served as the set for Ray’s kids’ school.
The building is historically significant. It was once a Catholic high school for girls, founded in 1925 and closed in 2013. Its classic architecture added a nostalgic touch to the scenes filmed here.
Kearny, New Jersey
Some scenes were also filmed in Kearny, another town not far from Bayonne. Kearny has a mix of residential streets, old factories, and open spaces — perfect for car chases and action sequences.
Because Bayonne and Kearny are close together, the film crew had no trouble moving between locations.
When Was Guns Up Filmed?
Filming for Guns Up took place in early to mid-2024. The crew used real neighborhoods, diners, and schools in New Jersey to create a gritty, grounded look for the movie.
The choice of real locations gave the movie a more believable and heartfelt setting, especially as the main character tries to leave crime behind and build a normal life.
FAQs
Q: What is Guns Up about?
A: The movie follows Ray Hayes, an ex-cop and mob enforcer who wants to open a diner and leave his criminal life behind. But his final mission goes wrong, and he must fight to protect his family.
Q: Where was Guns Up filmed?
A: It was filmed mainly in Bayonne and Kearny, New Jersey, using real buildings like Broadway Bistro Diner and Holy Family Academy.
Q: What is the diner shown in the movie?
A: The diner scenes were filmed at Broadway Bistro Diner in Bayonne. Though the diner has closed, it plays a major role in the story.
Q: Who plays Ray’s wife in the movie?
A: Christina Ricci plays Alice Hayes, Ray’s wife. She also takes part in some intense scenes.
Q: When will Guns Up be released?
A: It will be released in the U.S. on July 18, 2025, by Vertical Entertainment, in select theaters and on Video On Demand.