Is Brightburn Set in a Real Kansas Town?
Brightburn, directed by David Yarovesky, reinterprets superhero narratives through the story of Brandon Breyer. This extraterrestrial child crash-lands in a fictional Kansas town, adopted by Kyle and Tori Breyer. As he grows up, Brandon discovers his supernatural abilities on his twelfth birthday, leading to catastrophic consequences for those around him.
Is Brightburn Set in a Real Kansas Town?
Brightburn is primarily set in a town that shares its name with the film. This fictional setting serves more than just a backdrop; it plays a pivotal role in Brandon’s development and the ensuing chaos. Interestingly, Brightburn draws inspiration from the famous fictional town of Smallville, the childhood home of Superman. Although Brightburn is a creation of writers Brian and Mark Gunn, it retains a parallel essence to Smallville, which was first introduced in comic books in 1949.
Similarity to Smallville
Both Brightburn and Smallville are depicted as small, rural towns in Kansas. Their close-knit communities and country landscapes enhance the narrative, fostering an atmosphere that resonates with themes found in superhero origin tales. However, while the similarities are evident, no official connection exists between the two towns. The creators of Brightburn intentionally crafted an original storyline, exploring the dark potential of a child with extraordinary powers.
Location of Filming
While Brightburn is a fictional Kansas town, much of the movie was filmed in Georgia. Key filming locations included:
- Newnan: The Breyer residence was filmed at a historical property on Poplar Road.
- Stockbridge: Brightburn Eagles, the fictional school, was filmed at the now-closed Patrick Henry High School.
- Jonesboro: Additional scenes were shot around this area to enhance the film’s visuals.
The production team aimed to capture a Midwestern aesthetic. They enhanced the realism by adding fictional signs and preparing vehicles to fit the portrayal of Brightburn.
Inspiration Behind the Name Brightburn
The film’s name, Brightburn, may have some roots in Kansas, reflecting small farming communities like Burns and Burrton. However, it likely represents an original creation by the writers, deliberately designed to evoke the film’s overarching themes.
In summary, while Brightburn is set in a fictional Kansas town, it draws heavily on real American themes of rural life and dark, superhero narratives. The filmmakers’ choice to shoot in Georgia adds a unique visual dimension to this engaging horror-sci-fi story.
