The Peppermill Hotel and Casino in Reno, Nevada has an interesting history as a filming location for major Hollywood movies over the past few decades. With its distinctive neon lights, retro lounge decor, and casino gaming floors, the Peppermill provides an iconic Reno backdrop for various films looking to capture the city’s old school Vegas vibes.
The Peppermill first opened in 1971 and has since expanded to a Tuscan-themed hotel complex with over 1,600 rooms, multiple restaurants, bars, and 170,000 square feet of casino space. It’s centrally located on Reno’s South Virginia Street, known as the city’s primary gaming and tourism corridor.
With its visually striking exterior and interior design, the Peppermill caught the eye of location scouts and producers seeking distinctive Reno locations to shoot in. Over the years, it has hosted filming for major motion pictures, including comedies, dramas, and action thrillers.
Let’s take a look back at some of the most notable films shot on location inside the Peppermill Hotel and Casino:
The Muppets (2011)
The 2011 comedy film The Muppets features an all-star cast of celebrity cameos, including Jack Black, Zach Galifianakis, and Billy Crystal. One memorable scene takes place at the Peppermill, when the Muppets walk through the casino and past the iconic neon lights outside.
Director James Bobin chose Reno as a shooting location for its old school downtown feel. The city’s vintage look provided an ideal small-town backdrop to contrast with scenes filmed in Los Angeles.
Charlotte’s Web (2006)
The 2006 family film Charlotte’s Web is based on the beloved children’s book and tells the story of a young girl and her friendship with an extraordinary spider named Charlotte. It stars Dakota Fanning and the voices of Julia Roberts, Oprah Winfrey, and Steve Buscemi.
Part of the film was shot on location inside the Peppermill. The hotel lobby and casino floors can be spotted in scenes as the fair where Charlotte is on display and gains national attention.
The Cooler (2003)
In the 2003 drama The Cooler, William H. Macy stars as Bernie Lootz, an unlucky man employed by a Las Vegas casino to “cool” the gambling luck of big winning players. Much of the movie was filmed in Reno, with the Peppermill Casino standing in for the Shangri-La Vegas resort depicted in the film.
Key scenes showing Bernie walking the casino floor and interacting with co-stars including Alec Baldwin and Maria Bello were filmed inside the Peppermill. The movie takes advantage of the hotel’s neon-lit, distinctly retro aesthetic.
Kingpin (1996)
The 1996 bowling comedy Kingpin starring Woody Harrelson, Randy Quaid, and Vanessa Angel also chose the Peppermill as one of its Reno shooting locations.
In the film, Harrelson’s character Roy Munson is a former bowling prodigy who lost his hand. Scenes of Roy gambling and playing blackjack at the Peppermill were included in montages showing his downward spiral into a luckless lifestyle.
Melvin and Howard (1980)
The Peppermill’s film history dates back to at least 1980, when it was used as a location for the acclaimed drama Melvin and Howard. The movie tells the story of Melvin Dummar, played by Paul Le Mat, and his encounter with an elderly man who claims to be billionaire Howard Hughes.
Director Jonathan Demme shot scenes in the Peppermill to depict the Gold Dust Casino where Melvin first meets Hughes, played by Jason Robards. The neon “Gold Dust” sign was added for filming.
Other Notable Films
In addition to these major motion pictures, the Peppermill Hotel and Casino has been featured in the background or used for brief filming in several other movies over the years:
- Sister Act (1992) – Used for a few scenes showing the exterior at night
- The Muppets Take Manhattan (1984) – Brief background shots
- California Split (1974) – Shows some exterior shots with vintage marquee
- Heart Beat (1980) – Background scenes filmed in the casino
Unique Filming Advantages
So what makes the Peppermill such an appealing and frequently used filming location? There are a few key factors:
- Vintage aesthetic – With its retro neon lights and 1970s-era decor, the Peppermill provides unmatched old school Vegas flair.
- Iconic exterior – The pink neon and fountain out front are instantly recognizable Reno landmarks.
- Spacious casino – Open gaming floors and hotel lobby provide room for large crews.
- Nevada setting – Convenient Reno location allows films to easily capture the essence of Nevada’s gambling culture.
The Peppermill leans into its nostalgic vibe, making it the perfect period backdrop for films set in decades past. It exemplifies the classic casino experience many movies try to portray.
Recent Renovations and Upgrades
While the Peppermill still maintains its retro aesthetics, the property has undergone some major upgrades over the past 15 years. Developments include:
- A 587-room hotel tower addition in 2006
- Remodeling all rooms and suites with Tuscan-inspired decor
- Expanding the casino to over 100,000 square feet
- Building a spa, fitness center, and pool facilities
- Adding new bars and restaurants
Upgrades also brought the casino’s technology, amenities, and infrastructure up to modern standards while still preserving its vintage design and spirit.
Filming Within an Operating Casino
An interesting challenge of filming movies at the Peppermill is that, unlike a traditional Hollywood set, the hotel and casino must continue normal operations. Guests continue gambling and patronizing the bars and restaurants while shoots are taking place.
Careful planning by location managers allows film crews to work around the daily business. Most filming takes place at night or in blocked off sections. The flexibility allows the Peppermill to maintain its reputation as an active, high-energy casino.
Future Films and TV
While less filming has occurred in recent years as Las Vegas takes over as the primary casino destination depicted on screen, the Peppermill remains an iconic Reno filming site. Its classic aesthetic will likely continue attracting future period films and TV productions looking to portray Nevada’s gambling history.
Upcoming projects like Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, set in the 1940s, could potentially lens scenes within the Peppermill’s retro walls.
As cinema tastes and trends change over time, this Reno mainstay can shift its on-screen role and appearances to match.
Conclusion
For over 50 years, the Peppermill Hotel and Casino has served as a go-to filming location for major motion pictures set in Reno and Las Vegas. Its distinctive design and ambiance allow Hollywood productions to convey a sense of old school Nevada charm. From comedies to dramas, this iconic property has provided an unforgettable backdrop for a diverse range of films.
Even as the Peppermill expands and updates its amenities, its core retro style remains intact, ready to dazzle movie audiences for decades to come. The hotel will likely continue welcoming film crews seeking that perfect vintage casino look and spirit.