Huntsville, October 12, 2025
News Summary
The Lucky Number 8 Production crew is currently filming ‘Eleven Days,’ an indie thriller based on the Carrasco siege at the Huntsville Unit penitentiary in 1974. The movie, directed by Peter Landesman and featuring Diego Luna, explores the complexities of hostages and captors during a tense 11-day standoff. Filming began under ideal weather conditions amid community excitement. The film draws inspiration from the book ‘Eleven Days in Hell’ by William T. Harper, with further production scheduled for September 2025.
Huntsville is currently buzzing with activity as the Lucky Number 8 Production crew continues filming for the upcoming film “Eleven Days.” This indie thriller is based on the infamous Carrasco siege that occurred at the Huntsville Unit penitentiary in 1974.
The filming took place on the morning of October 12, 2025, under clear skies with abundant sunshine and a high of 91°F. The low temperature for the night dipped to 62°F, contributing to ideal filming conditions. The production team had secured the necessary approvals to film in downtown Huntsville.
Director Peter Landesman, known for his previous work on “Concussion,” helms the project, with the screenplay written by Kevin Sheridan and further revised by Landesman. The film centers around a tense hostage situation in the summer of 1974, focusing on the events surrounding the Huntsville Penitentiary.
The lead role of Federico Carrasco, a prisoner who takes control during the siege, is played by Diego Luna. Taylor Kitsch stars as Jim Estelle, the head of the Texas Department of Corrections. The narrative emphasizes the complex dynamics between captors and captives as the standoff extends for 11 days.
“Eleven Days” draws inspiration from the book “Eleven Days in Hell: The 1974 Carrasco Prison Siege at Huntsville, Texas” written by William T. Harper. This production is part of a broader filming schedule that is set to take place in Texas in September 2025. Producers for the film include Vincent Newman and Vance Howard.
The filming has generated significant local interest, with the community eager to witness the portrayal of a significant yet turbulent event in Huntsville’s history. Further details regarding the film’s release and future production plans are expected to be announced soon. Interested parties are encouraged to contact Brenda Poe for more information.
Background Context
The Carrasco siege represents a pivotal moment in Texas history, marked by intense emotional and psychological struggles between inmates and law enforcement. This film aims to depict the complexities involved in such high-stakes situations, utilizing dramatic storytelling to create a gripping cinematic experience.
Weather Conditions During Filming
| Condition | Details |
|---|---|
| Weather | Abundant Sunshine |
| High Temperature | 91°F |
| Low Temperature | 62°F |
| Winds | Light South Winds |
Key Production Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Film Title | Eleven Days |
| Director | Peter Landesman |
| Screenplay | Kevin Sheridan (Revisions by Landesman) |
| Notable Cast | Diego Luna, Taylor Kitsch |
| Filming Location | Huntsville, Texas |
| Scheduled Production | September 2025 |
| Producers | Vincent Newman, Vance Howard |
| Inspiration | Seven Days in Hell: The 1974 Carrasco Prison Siege at Huntsville, Texas by William T. Harper |
FAQ
What is “Eleven Days” about?
“Eleven Days” focuses on a hostage situation at the Huntsville Penitentiary during the summer of 1974, centering on the tension between captor and captive as the siege lasts for 11 days.
Who stars in “Eleven Days”?
Diego Luna stars as Federico Carrasco, a prisoner leading the siege, while Taylor Kitsch plays Jim Estelle, the head of the Texas Department of Corrections.
What inspired the film?
The film is based on the book “Eleven Days in Hell: The 1974 Carrasco Prison Siege at Huntsville, Texas” by William T. Harper.
When did filming for “Eleven Days” take place?
Filming took place on Friday morning, October 12, 2025.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Item Online: Big Screen Movie Filming in Huntsville
- Wikipedia: Carrasco siege
- Deadline: Eleven Days Casting News
- Google Search: Eleven Days movie filming
- Hollywood Reporter: Taylor Kitsch in Eleven Days
- Google Scholar: Eleven Days Carrasco siege
- Variety: Eleven Days Survival Thriller
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Huntsville Penitentiary
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
