Braintree has found itself as the main character in Apple TV’s newest movie: “Weekend Warriors.” This film, starring Boston native Mark Wahlberg, follows a father and his son with autism as they visit every NBA team in order to discover their favorite. 

Starring alongside Wahlberg is Vera Farmiga, known for her roles in “The Conjuring” movies. The film was also written and directed by Stephen Chbosky, who directed films such as “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” and “Wonder.”

Unexpectedly, Apple saw value in Braintree’s old South Middle School, using it as a filming location for the upcoming movie. When they called for real-life basketball referees to be used as extras, BHS math teacher Mr. McKinnies answered.

“There was an ad on social media looking for a referee and my wife signed me up,” said McKinnies. “My daughters thought it would be funny to put my name in for it, and then I got an email the next day saying I got it.” 

McKinnies encountered some of the star-studded cast himself.

“It was so cool. I was on scene with Mark Wahlberg. We were in the gym together, but I didn’t have any lines with him.”

The movie has brought a sense of excitement to Braintree residents, even those not featured themselves.

“I think it’s so cool how they chose South as a filming location,” says neighbor Maureen Cawley. “I know they’ve used it before to film things like commercials, but this is a real movie. I can’t wait to see it and see Braintree featured.”

Filming for the movie is expected to wrap on November 5th, but a confirmed release date is yet to be announced.