The Gun on Second Street is an upcoming drama written and directed by Rohit Karn Batra. The story centers on two police officers responding to a domestic-violence call; after a tragic accident leaves one dead and one haunted by the consequences, the surviving partner and the widow of the fallen officer must come to terms with grief, guilt, and redemption.
The cast includes several recognizable names: Poppy Delevingne, Tom Arnold and Dianna Agron (as of earlier this month) among others.
Much of the filming has taken place in Wheeling, West Virginia, with the city’s historic architecture, in particular the Victorian-era homes and downtown buildings, doubling for the film’s gritty, small-town / urban-blend settings.
The production reportedly brought significant economic activity to the area during the shoot, including local hiring and the use of local businesses and services.
Why this film matters for West Virginia filmmaking
• Big-name cast + national-level production values
Having recognizable actors like Poppy Delevingne, Tom Arnold, and Rumer Willis, under the direction of Batra — helps draw national attention. When a film with established talent picks WV locations, it signals to the broader film industry that West Virginia isn’t just a “backdrop,” but a viable, attractive place for serious, mainstream film production.
• State-level incentives and infrastructure finally finding real traction
The recent efforts by the West Virginia Film Office to make the state competitive, through tax credits and building a supportive environment for productions, appear to be paying off. The Gun on Second Street offers concrete proof that those incentives aren’t just drawing small indie shoots, but films with significant scope.
• Local economic injection + demonstration effect for other productions
Shooting a movie like this brings money into local economies — hotels, catering, hiring locals for crew or extras, business for services. That immediate injection can help communities see tangible value in welcoming film crews. It also creates local awareness and builds infrastructure: skilled labor, local contacts, relationships with city officials.
• Visibility + cultural momentum for the state’s film community
As major productions come in, awareness and interest in filmmaking may rise among locals. Combined with growing support from the West Virginia Film Office and local organizations (festivals, guilds, film-friendly policies), this kind of film can help build a sustainable, long-term film ecosystem.
• A gateway for future projects — raising West Virginia’s profile in film circuits
If The Gun on Second Street is successful it may encourage other directors, producers, and studios to view West Virginia as a legitimate alternative to traditional hubs. That could mean more jobs, more films, and growth in associated industries (crew, services, infrastructure).