7 Insider Facts About The Fabelmans

Going into awards season for 2023, the “king of entertainment,” Steven Spielberg, is back with his semi-autobiographical film, The Fabelmans. Highly regarded as the most personal film Spielberg has ever released, this coming-of-age film was written and produced by Tony Kushner and Steven Spielberg. From the cast to the cameras used to create the movie, I hope you enjoy 7 Insider Facts about The Fabelmans.

1) What Is The Fabelmans About?

Dedicated to his late parents, Leah Adler and Arnold Spielberg, The Fabelmans explores Spielberg’s early and teen years as he grew up in the 40s and 50s through the eyes of Sammy Fabelman. As Sammy discovers film and filmmaking, it helps him make sense of his dysfunctional family and world problems.

Let’s have a look at the Official Trailer:

As a young boy growing up at the end of WWII, Sammy lives in Arizona with his parents and three younger siblings. His father, Burt, is a computer engineer, and his mother, Mitzi, is an artist and pianist. After a trip to the movies, Sammy comes to life, exploring filmmaking and films. Over his teen years, Sammy struggles to find acceptance and support from his family and friends in his pursuit of filmmaking. Sammy’s dedication to filmmaking helps him make sense of critical moments in his life and moments with his family.

Spielberg intentionally didn’t explore his own story until 2021, worried about hurting his parents. After his mother passed in 2017 and his father passed in 2020, he decided to pursue this decades-long passion project. Opening up home photographs and videos to the cast portraying his family, Spielberg spent much of pre-production creating authenticity.

2) Release Date of The Fabelmans

Premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 10, 2022, The Fabelmans went on to win the People’s Choice Award. In the United States, the Fabelmans theatrical release was on November 11, 2022. Internationally, The Fabelmans release was November 23, 2022. The Fabelmans was released on VOD on December 13, 2022. On February 7, 2023, The Fabelmans is expected to be released on Blu-Ray and 4K UHD.

3) Cast of the Fabelmans

The main ensemble cast includes Michelle Williams, Paul Dano, Gabriel LaBelle, Mateo Zoryon Francis-Deford, Judd Hirsch, Jeannie Berlin, and Seth Rogen.

Gabriel LaBelle

Gabriel LaBelle stars as Sammy Fabelman. Gabriel LaBelle has also starred in American Giglio, Dead Shack, and Brand New Cherry Flavor.

Michelle Williams

Michelle Williams stars as Sammy’s mother, Mitzi Fabelman. Michelle Williams also stars in Blue Valentine, Dawson’s Creek, The Greatest Showman, and Manchester By The Sea.

Paul Dano

Paul Dano stars as Sammy’s father, Burt Fabelman. Paul Dano also stars in The Batman, Little Miss Sunshine, There Will Be Blood, and Swiss Army Man. Side note: I think Paul Dano was brilliant in There Will Be Blood.

Mateo Zoryon Francis-Deford

Mateo Zoryon Francis-Deford stars as young Sammy Fabelman. Mateo Zoryon Francis-Deford also stars in The Best Things In Life.

Judd Hirsch

Judd Hirsch stars as a distant uncle of Mitzi, Uncle Boris. Judd Hirsch also stars in Taxi, Ordinary People, Dear John, and Running on Empty.

Jeannie Berlin

Jeannie Berlin stars as Sammy’s grandmother, Hadassah Fabelman. Jeannie Berlin also stars in The Heartbreak Kid, In The Spirit, and Margaret.

Seth Rogen

Seth Rogen stars as Bennie Loewy. Bennie is Burt’s coworker and best friend. Seth Rogen also stars in Superbad, Pineapple Express, Knocked Up, and Pam & Tommy.

4) What Was the Fabelmans Filmed On?

According to The Fabelmans IMDB page, The Fabelmans was filmed on Arriflex 16 ST, Panavision Primo Lenses, Arriflex 416, Panavision Primo Lenses, and Panavision Panaflex Millenium XL2, Panavision Primo and PVintage Lenses.

5) What Was The Budget of The Fabelmans?

The Fabelmans budget is estimated to be $40 million.

6) When Did Filming Take Place for The Fabelmans?

Filming for The Fabelmans lasted for 59 days, from July 17, 2021, through September 27, 2021.

The Fabelmans were filmed around Tucson, Tucson National Park, and the Sonoran Desert in Arizona.  The Fabelmans was also filmed on location in Whitter, Santa Clarita, and Point Dume, Malibu, California.

7) Who scored The Fabelmans?

Steven Spielberg teamed up with his frequent collaborator and composer, John Williams, for their 29th film together. The Fabelmans marks 50 years since Steven Spielberg and John William’s first collaboration, The Sugarland Express. John Williams has scored Spielberg films such as Jaws, E.T., Saving Private Ryan, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Jurassic Park, and Schindler’s List. 

During the summer of 2022, John Williams revealed that Indiana Jones 5 would likely be the last film he scored before retiring.

And Those are the Facts About The Fabelmans

While being a decades-long passion project for Steven Spielberg, The Fabelmans is a beautiful ensemble coming-of-age film. With defining staples of a Spielberg film – beautiful story, inspired cinematography, and attention to every detail- The Fabelmans will surely capture the hearts of audiences and award juries.

If you haven’t had a chance to watch this semi-autobiographical film, be sure to catch it in theaters or on VOD. I hope you enjoyed my article about 7 Insider Facts about The Fabelmans. Let me know your favorite parts of The Fabelmans in the comments below.