Reviewed by: Caleb Turrentine
Beloved Alabama groundhog featured in recently-released movie ‘Bad Man’
Reading time: 2 minutes
Alabama’s very own hat-wearing celebrity groundhog, Smith Lake Jake, has made his way to the silver screen, making his cinematic debut in a recent feature-length film.
The movie, “Bad Man,” starring Seann William Scott of “American Pie” fame, is an action/comedy about a former local sports star turned deputy who takes on a drug-related murder case in a small town.
Smith Lake Jake’s role in ‘Bad Man’
“Bad Man” premiered at the Sidewalk Film Festival this year, and locals may have noticed the beloved marmot about 15 minutes into the film.
Smith Lake Jake took the screen as “Colt Lake Jake” in his signature hat. “Bad Man” is set in a fictional Tennessee small town, “Colt Lake.”
How Smith Lake Jake made it to the film
The groundhog is no stranger to fame. He has appeared in commercials, guest-starred in local television and been a guest on national talk shows.
But in 2023, his owners, Grayville residents Ginger and Heath Whitworth, were approached by the filmmakers, who asked if they could use their home — and groundhog — for the movie.
So Smith Lake Jake headed to his closet to consider which of his many hats he would wear — he has somewhere around 125 groundhog-sized hats, according to Bham Wiki. Of course, he landed on his signature gingham style.
Where to watch ‘Bad Man’
Want to catch Smith Lake Jake on the screen? You can rent it for $6.99 or less on the following services:
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