WILMINGTON — Locals found themselves star-struck at the sighting of major Hollywood actor Ben Stiller in downtown Wilmington over the weekend.

While camera crews were filming scenes outside the Murphy Theatre on Friday, locals broke out their cameras when they caught sight of the actor and comedian.

Barkers Barbersop for Dogs, located across the street from the Murphy, posted on its Facebook page: “Ben Stiller and Linda Cardellini are filming their new movie, Nutcrackers right across from Barkers – Wilmington. It’s so exciting to see all of the production equipment and the occasional celebrity right in our little town.”

Barkers posted that it was asked to keep its Christmas decorations up while the movie was being made, adding “maybe Barkers will have a little time in the spotlight.”

Other locals such as Kim Henry Law and Jim Gumley shared their snapshots of Stiller on Facebook. Gumley’s post included videos of the production which he took while eating at the General Denver.

The News Journal reached out to these individuals for comment but did not immediately hear back.

Stiller is currently the lead of the movie “Nutcrackers,” directed by David Gordon Green. According to IMDB.com, the plot of the film is listed as “in the most unlikely of places, four siblings find a loving shelter in an unexpected turn of circumstances.” It goes on to say the plot is inspired by actual events.

Stiller has starred in films such as “Tropic Thunder” (which he also directed), “Zoolander,” and “The Royal Tenenbaums.”

The News Journal spoke with the production team of the film, but they said they could not discuss the film officially at this time.

Filming is set to continue in the downtown area up until this Friday.

Reach John Hamilton at 937-382-2574