Film Featuring Historic Home Will Premiere Friday
The ghost-story thriller One Eye Open, shot at the Ludington-Thacher House, will begin a limited run in AMC theaters.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Filmmaker Michael Coffey will release his movie One Eye Open in select AMC Theatres starting Friday, October 16, 2026. The film features the historic Ludington-Thacher House in Lawrence as its primary setting.
Why it matters
The choice of the Ludington-Thacher House provides an eerie, authentic backdrop for the ghost-story thriller. The location, built in the 1860s, is recognized on the National Register of Historical Places.
The film is scheduled for a 6-day theatrical run in a limited number of AMC locations. The production setting, the Ludington-Thacher House, was originally constructed during the 1860s.
The players
Michael Coffey
He is the director of the ghost-story thriller film One Eye Open.
RJ Mitte
He was an actor who performed in the film and died at age 34.
Terry and Elaine Riordan
They are the owners of the Ludington-Thacher House who granted permission for the film crew to use the property.
The details
Director Michael Coffey obtained permission from owners Terry and Elaine Riordan to shoot the film over a two-week period beginning in late September 2024. Actor RJ Mitte, who appeared in the film, died Monday in Brownsville, Texas, at age 34.
Timeline
The Ludington-Thacher House was built in the 1860s.
The property was listed on the National Register of Historical Places in 1975.
Principal photography for the production began in late September 2024.
Actor RJ Mitte passed away on Monday, October 12, 2026.
The movie debuts in select AMC Theatres on Friday, October 16, 2026.
Market Landscape
Small-budget productions are increasingly leveraging real-world historic sites to compete with big-budget studio sets. This strategy allows filmmakers to capture authentic atmosphere while supporting local preservation efforts.
Moviegoers in the region can access tickets for the limited run through official AMC channels. The release schedule is fixed for six days, necessitating early planning for those wishing to attend the screenings.
The takeaway
Using historically significant sites like the Ludington-Thacher House can provide filmmakers with high-quality, authentic production value. Local residents interested in the project can support the limited theatrical run during its six-day availability.
What happens next
Director Michael Coffey is scheduled to appear at the 7:30 p.m. showing of the film on Friday, October 16, 2026, at AMC Studio 28 in Olathe.
Further reading
Find more information on local venue updates in the Lawrence Openings & Closings section.
More information
To book your seats for the limited engagement, visit the AMC Theatres ticket purchasing site.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Kansas City Star.
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