Hollywood stars filming in Stonington

Stonington, CT (WTNH) - A film being shot in Stonington, starring Meryl Streep and Tommy Lee Jones, is also putting a Connecticut man in the spotlight.

Laurent Mullen, of Branford, who is the same height and weight as Jones, is his stand-in for the film entitled "Great Hope Springs," based in a fictional town in Maine. Today Mullen spoke with News 8 about how cool it is to work with such big stars.

"Tommy Lee Jones is a very quiet guy so yes we met," Mullen said. "Meryl Streep is of course in the film too and she is very sweet and delightful."

A hollywood transformation, a faux movie marquee, a mural painted outside Noah's Restaurant turning it into the Nor'easter Diner where filming will take place inside, and Water Street is watered down to enhance the shot.

"Because I'm not in the movie business it's interesting to see how the whole process is," said Bob Williams of Stonington.

Residents and businesses are welcoming the off-season interest.

When News 8 asked Lori Taylor, of Yellow House Coffee & Tea Room, if she thought the Hollywood stars might stop in at her store she gave a hopeful response.

"I hope so but I don't know," replied Taylor. "I'm gonna get too nervous, but I'd love it if they did."

The filming in the Stonington and Mystic areas will continue through next week.