Directed by Donald Petrie ("How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days," "Miss Congeniality") from a screenplay by Tom Schulman ("Dead Poet’s Society") and based on a story by Doug Richardson, "Welcome to Mooseport" is produced by Tom Schulman and Basil Iwanyk. Moritz Borman and Rory Rosegarten are executive producers. David Coatsworth is the co-producer.
In "Welcome to Mooseport," former President Monroe "Eagle" Cole (Hackman) is, after two very successful terms in office, looking forward to retiring to the sleepy vacation town of Mooseport where he plans to work on his golf handicap, write his memoirs, and entertain corporate offers. Apart from going through a divorce with the former first lady, Cole intends to enjoy a relaxed and prosperous retirement.
When the town fathers ask him to fill a mayoral seat that has recently become vacant, a position to which he’ll be acclaimed, Cole sees no reason not to accept. That is until Harold "Handy" Harrison (Romano), the popular owner of the local hardware store, decides to run against him. Cole, who has never lost an election in his entire political career, finds himself facing a potentially embarrassing defeat. Fate ups the ante when he unknowingly makes a move on Harrison’s girlfriend, and the campaign becomes a race not just for the job, but for the girl. Not even Cole’s high popularity ratings and years of political experience have prepared him to take on "Plumber Power," and what began as a sure thing quickly accelerates into a raucous campaign of clashing egos, misunderstandings and political conniving in the formerly benign and civilized environs of Mooseport.
The film also co-stars Fred Savage ("Austin Powers: Goldmember"), Rip Torn ("Men in Black I &II"), and Christine Baranski ("Chicago").
The director of photography is Victor Hammer ("Down Periscope"), production designer is David Chapman ("High Fidelity") who re-teams with Petrie for a third time, costume designer is Vicki Graef ("Focus") and the editor is Debra Neil-Fisher who previously collaborated with Petrie on "How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days."
"Welcome to Mooseport" is being filmed on location in and around Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
