In 1995, Edward Burns introduced audiences to The Brothers McMullen, a low-budget independent film about three Irish American brothers balancing love, family, and personal challenges. Burns wrote, directed, and starred as Finbar “Barry” McMullen, with Michael McGlone as Patrick, Jack Mulcahy as Jack, and Connie Britton as Molly, Jack’s wife.
Filmed partly in Burns’ family home in Valley Stream, Long Island, the project became an unexpected success. It won the Sundance Film Festival’s grand jury prize and the Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature, eventually grossing more than $10 million at the box office.
This fall, Burns continues the story with The Family McMullen, set three decades later. Barry is now in his 50s with children in their 20s, Patrick returns to the fold, and Molly is a widow following Jack’s death. The new film explores how the McMullens face fresh struggles with relationships and family bonds.
- The Family McMullen, filmed in New Jersey, will premiere nationwide for one night only on October 15 through Warner Bros. and Fathom Entertainment.
- The 19-day shoot spent $8.4 million in New Jersey and received a $3 million tax credit, with locations in Jersey City and Little Falls.
- Original stars Edward Burns, Michael McGlone, and Connie Britton return, joined by Tracee Ellis Ross, Brian d’Arcy James, Pico Alexander, Juliana Canfield, and Halston Sage.
Filming The Family McMullen Across New Jersey Locations
The sequel was filmed across New Jersey in April and May, with a 19-day production schedule. Locations included Montgomery Street in Jersey City, Franklin Social Tavern on Barrow Street, and The Ties at Woodford Hall in Little Falls.
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority reported that the shoot spent $8.4 million in the state and qualified for a $3 million tax credit. Burns described the sequel as a project meant to leave audiences smiling and to show the idea that home is defined by the people one shares it with.
Returning Cast Members and New Additions to the Sequel
Several original actors reprise their roles: Edward Burns as Barry, Michael McGlone as Patrick, and Connie Britton as Molly. They are joined by new cast members Tracee Ellis Ross, Brian d’Arcy James (Spotlight), Pico Alexander (Gossip Girl), Juliana Canfield (Succession), and Halston Sage (X-Men: Dark Phoenix).
This release follows another New Jersey-based film from Burns earlier this year. In February, Millers in Marriage premiered with an ensemble that included Julianna Margulies, Gretchen Mol, Minnie Driver, Benjamin Bratt, Morena Baccarin, Campbell Scott, Brian d’Arcy James, Erica Hernandez, Montclair’s Patrick Wilson, and Livingston’s Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer.
Nationwide One-Night Screening on October
The Family McMullen will be released nationwide on October 15 for one night only, distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures and Fathom Entertainment. Tickets and showtimes are available through fathomentertainment.com.
