Why Jessica Biel’s ‘Candy’ Filmed in Georgia Although It Happened in Texas
The true crime drama on Hulu, featuring Jessica Biel, Candy, filmed its entire production in Georgia, although the setting is Wylie, Texas. Biel portrays 1980s housewife Candy Montgomery who lived in Texas with her husband, Pat Montgomery (portrayed by Timothy Simons). After having an affair with Alan Gore (Pablo Schreiber), the town and law enforcement accuse her of killing Alan’s wife, Betty Gore (Melanie Lynskey). Find out why the creators and producers chose to film Candy in Georgia, although it happened in Texas.
Where is ‘Candy’ on Hulu filmed?
In an exclusive interview with executive producer Michael Uppendahl, Showbiz Cheat Sheet found out that Candy filmed entirely in Georgia.
“We shot it in Georgia,” the EP began. “We were based in Atlanta, and we were able to shoot it around Georgia. I was shocked at how well the things were able to match up. We really found our version of Texas in Georgia.”
“I’m really proud of the look of it,” he continued. “I don’t feel it was compromised by the fact that we weren’t in Texas. We found these incredible houses. The Gore house really does match quite well with the actual Gore house; the exterior. And then our magnificent production designer, Jamie, built the inside, and she’s just a wonder. I was very happy about the way all of it looked.”
Why the producers filmed ‘Candy’ in Georgia instead of Texas
The co-creator of Candy, Nick Antosca, gave insight into why the producers filmed Candy in Georgia.
“So, I’ve shot in Georgia before,” he began. “The real answer is it can be anywhere. The crews are great, and there’s a tax credit. So it checked all the boxes.”
Antosca and Candy creator and writer Robin Veith worked together previously on another Hulu true crime series, The Act, which they also filmed in Georgia.
Jessica Biel on set for ‘Candy’ in Decatur, Georgia
On Feb. 16, 2022, reporters snapped photos of Jessica Biel filming Candy in Decatur, Georgia. The Daily Mail reported Biel wore a blue dress and square-frame glasses for the outdoor scene. She was spotted entering a courthouse after exiting from an old Chrysler.
The historic DeKalb County Courthouse in Decatur, Georgia, became the exterior location of the courthouse depicted in Candy.
The significance of that creepy owl wreath on Betty Gore’s door
While watching the Candy trailer, it’s evident that there’s something important about that owl wreath on Betty Gore’s door. EP Uppendahl felt that the production designer captured the Gore home accurately, so where did the inspiration for the owl wreath come from?
“There were some owl elements in Betty’s house,” the Candy EP began. “And we decided to kind of lean into it.”
Uppendahl explained that someone gave his mother a cow item, so others assumed she liked cows. They went with the cow theme when they needed to buy her a gift, although she didn’t love cows. After seeing the owls in Betty Gore’s home, the writers went with the theme when they filmed Candy.
“We thought the owl theme was interesting because they famously watch. And, it was a bit of a nod to Twin Peaks, where the owls are not what they seem, and that’s a big theme throughout. It’s a mysterious and scary element, and it was a little nod to David Lynch because we celebrate him.”
Although the creators and producers of Candy filmed in Georgia instead of Texas, it might be hard for viewers to surmise the location change.
Candy premieres on Hulu Monday, May 9, with the release of only the first episode at 9 p.m. PT/midnight ET. The remaining four episodes drop every day following the premiere, with the finale dropping on Friday, May 13.
