Production Crew Transforms Gothic Landmark (Image Credits: Nypost.com)
Stockton – The ivy-clad grounds of the University of the Pacific doubled as a fictional New England liberal arts college for Steve Carell’s latest HBO comedy series, ‘Rooster,’ which drew strong early reviews upon its March 8 premiere.[1])[2]
Production Crew Transforms Gothic Landmark
Filmmakers selected the University of the Pacific’s Stockton campus for its rare collegiate Gothic architecture, the only such style on the West Coast, spanning 175 acres with towering spires and lush lawns.[3] Crews spent two weeks there in June 2025, capturing exterior shots around landmarks like Knoles Hall, Faye Spanos Concert Hall, and the iconic Burns Tower.[4]
To mimic an East Coast fall semester amid Stockton’s scorching 100-degree heat, teams sprayed concrete paths with faux foliage, piled artificial leaves, and swapped Pacific’s orange accents for “Ludlow blue” banners and benches.[4] Extras donned heavy coats and scarves while production provided shade and water breaks. The campus, previously featured in films like ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ and ‘Flubber,’ accommodated trailers in parking lots and even used the president’s office for script rewrites.[3]
Family Drama Unfolds on Familiar Turf
‘Rooster’ follows Greg Russo, a bestselling thriller author played by Carell, who takes a writer-in-residence job at Ludlow College to reconnect with his daughter Katie amid her marital crisis.[2] Katie, portrayed by Charly Clive, faces turmoil after her husband Archie cheats with a graduate student. The 10-episode series explores themes of identity, masculinity, and generational gaps through sharp humor.[4]
Supporting cast includes Danielle Deadwyler as Dylan Shepherd, Phil Dunster as Archie, Lauren Tsai as the grad student Sunny, and John C. McGinley as college president Walter Mann.[1]) Created by Bill Lawrence and Matt Tarses, known for ‘Ted Lasso,’ the show earned an 86% Rotten Tomatoes score shortly after debut.[1]) New episodes air Sundays on HBO and stream on Max.
Local Students Land Dream Roles
Pacific students, faculty, and staff filled background roles, turning everyday campus life into on-screen magic. Sociology major Elizabeth Elliot called the production effort for a single scene “mind blowing,” especially spotting familiar actors up close.[4] Communication student Juli Alexander filmed with her sister, playing a biker student and professor; she recalled Carell’s approachable vibe, including a spontaneous game of rock, paper, scissors.[5]
Alexander noted the initial listing as an “untitled college project,” leading to surprise when Carell arrived. Music management major Rose Krueger attended the New York premiere, interviewing creators Lawrence and Tarses. President Christopher Callahan hailed the opportunity as “amazing” for the community.[4]
- Over 100 locals served as extras in crowd scenes lasting up to three hours.
- Smaller setups took 40 minutes with six actors pantomiming to marks.
- Campus marquis featured custom Ludlow College flyers.
- Janet Leigh Theatre held props and actors.
Spotlight on Stockton’s Evolving Story
Long known for high murder rates, Stockton recorded declines in 2025, with homicides down and violent crime at a 15-year low by early 2026, according to police.[6] The production injected energy into the Central Valley city, drawing crowds hoping to glimpse Carell and highlighting its architectural treasure.
Filming minimally disrupted classes, as students carried on amid the bustle. Lawrence praised the campus as a “really good fit” for the New England vibe, conveniently near Los Angeles for interiors.[4]
Key Takeaways
- UOP’s Gothic campus perfectly evoked an elite East Coast school.
- Students gained rare Hollywood access, from extras to premieres.
- ‘Rooster’ blends family reinvention with campus satire, airing now on HBO.
As ‘Rooster’ gains traction, the University of the Pacific emerges from the shadows, proving its timeless appeal endures. Will this boost put Stockton on the entertainment map? Share your thoughts in the comments.
