Hollywood Returns to Key West for Coastal Comedy-Horror Shoot

Filming for Key of Bones: Curse of the Ghost Pirate has brought a Hollywood production almost entirely to Key West, with a schedule running through Jan. 20. Production crews worked at Houseboat Row in Garrison Bight on Jan. 7 and have staged scenes aboard houseboats and at local businesses such as Half Shell Raw Bar. The shoot also uses several well-known island locations, including the Key West Firehouse Museum, Fort Zachary Taylor, the Key West Lighthouse, and the local cemetery, among other haunted sites.

Writer-director Tony Armer framed the film’s tone by describing it as 'Pirates of the Caribbean meets Shaun of the Dead' with local references, drag queens and 'lesbian pirate ghosts' set in Key West. The project, billed as a comedy-horror, is staffed in part by local residents and producers and is expected to reach audiences in 2027.

For residents, an extended on-location production delivers both visible impacts and quieter ones. Businesses hosting scenes or providing services to the crew can expect a short-term boost in customers and revenue, while increased activity in public spaces can create temporary changes in traffic patterns, parking availability and access to waterfront areas. Use of cemeteries, parks and historic properties for filming also draws community interest in how those sites are treated and preserved during production activity.

Large shoots in Monroe County often prompt local questions about coordination between film companies and municipal or county officials: schedules and road closures, use of public land, noise mitigation, and how economic benefits are shared with community vendors and workers. Residents concerned about disruptions or seeking specifics on filming notices and any temporary access restrictions can contact city and county offices for the official schedules and advisories.

Beyond immediate logistics, the production highlights how cultural portrayal and tourism promotion intersect with local identity. A film that leans heavily on Key West’s haunted lore, drag scene and other island-specific references can amplify interest in the community, but it also places a premium on accurate, respectful representation and on ensuring that local stakeholders have a voice in how their locales are portrayed.

Filming remains active through Jan. 20, and the production plans a 2027 release. Local residents and business owners will likely see continuing activity as the shoot progresses and as post-production creates longer-term opportunities tied to the film’s publicity.