James Franco Spotted At Johnny’s Pizzeria And The Irish Haven For HBO Show

Hollywood actor James Franco filmed several scenes at Johnny’s Pizzeria and The Irish Haven in Sunset Park on June 30 for his new HBO show “The Deuce.”

The Academy Award nominee and his Golden Globe winner costar Maggie Gyllenhaal hit up Sunset’s beloved businesses. Director Martin Scorcese filmed 2006’s The Departed at The Irish Haven, which has served a film location for other shows like “Gotham,” and “Inside American Mob.”

Johnny Pizzeria’s owner John Miniaci told the Brooklyn Reporter that he was thrilled Franco featured his restaurant on the show. “The filming was an incredible experience,” Miniaci said. “Franco was a great, down to earth guy. He’s strictly business when he puts his headphones on and is completely focused.”

“The Deuce” — set to premiere in 2017 — looks into New York City life during the 1970s and ’80s — an era dominated by crime and prostitution in Manhattan.

Franco, dressed in a green “Irish Haven” T-shirt,  spoke to locals in the pizzeria and wished Miniaci’s wife a happy 40th birthday in a video. “It was a super experience,” he said.

Residents consider Sunset Park a “hidden gem,” but when stars like Franco and Gyllenhaal make appearances, Miniaci says it makes the neighborhood a “household name,” and he’s happy to be a part of it.