When a movie production comes to town, folks in Alabama get excited. Fans immediately start celebrity spotting, trying to catch a glimpse of stars while while they’re working on the set. Sometimes they make friends with crew members, appear as extras on camera, work behind the scenes or simply speculate like crazy on social media.

Then, when filming wraps and the celebrities make an exit, the excitement fades and it’s time to wait. Months or even years can pass before a movie is ready for release, screening in theaters or streaming on digital platforms.

Movie lovers at AL.com have been searching for news on five high-profile projects that filmed in the Birmingham area during 2023 and early 2024. Here’s the latest on those movies, and — spoiler alert! — only one of them has confirmed a release date.