By Laura D.C. Kolnoski
FORT MONMOUTH – Tuesday’s groundbreaking for Netflix Studios Fort Monmouth ended with a literal bang – the first strike of a wrecking ball, initiating demolition.
Gov. Phil Murphy and Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos donned hard hats and pushed a big red button to cue the spectacle, the finale of a program that included comments from elected officials and a traditional shovels-in-the-ground photo op. Sarandos brought a special guest, New Jersey native David Chase, creator of “The Sopranos,” who mingled with guests and took photos.
“We’re going to hit the ground running,” Sarandos told The Two River Times. “We’ve got productions waiting.” Netflix is on track to purchase 292 acres of the former Fort Monmouth’s overall 1,126 acres to create a 12-soundstage state-of-the-art production studio.
While still navigating a mandated approval process for the first phase of construction, Netflix received permission from the
Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority (FMERA) to demolish over 80 obsolete buildings. To date, approvals for the first 39 acres to be developed during Phase 1A have been obtained from Eatontown and Oceanport. Netflix is currently working toward Monmouth County approval. Phase 1A, primarily in Oceanport, will see the McAfee Center fronting Route 537 (Avenue of Memories through the fort) renovated and expanded, and the construction of four soundstages, a mill, support structures, and a backlot surrounded by a perimeter wall. The former bowling alley, within Eatontown’s borders, will be demolished. Netflix representatives will return to the borough this summer to present Phase 1B, which includes eight soundstages to be built in Eatontown.
Netflix’s contract with FMERA to purchase the property for $55 million is expected to be signed next year. Demolition should take approximately 13 months. Black construction fencing is now up along Route 537, and buildings are in the initial stages of demolition or, like Vail Hall, being readied for reuse. The studio is projected to open in 2028, sooner than originally predicted. Netflix plans to invest $1 billion into its East Coast production hub. A hotel, helipad and more are allowed, but not yet planned.
Under heavy security and a large tent, Tuesday’s invitees heard from Sarandos, Murphy and the mayors of Eatontown and Oceanport, the two municipalities the studio will span.
Recalling Thomas Edison’s 1893 Black Maria studio in West Orange, Sarandos said, “From the very first conversation, I was in love with this idea. The film industry is coming back to New Jersey in a big way.” Sarandos’ mother was from Red Bank, and he was born at Monmouth Medical Center.
“We estimate that these studios will create thousands of jobs for New Jersey residents, billions of dollars in economic output, and many cultural benefits to the region and state,” he continued, adding that over the past four years, Netflix has contributed $125 billion to the U.S. economy and hired over 140,000 cast and crew members.
“This is an evolution, but also a return to form,” Murphy said, emphasizing the fort’s notable technological advancements throughout its 100-year history. “Netflix Studios Fort Monmouth further solidifies New Jersey’s reputation as a global leader in film and television production, attracting some of the world’s top filmmakers and creators.”
Murphy said the studio has bipartisan support and called the economic incentives, tax credits and support programs the state offers “the single best in the country.” New Jersey has also introduced initiatives to help towns, businesses and future employees work with Netflix, while educational institutions like Brookdale Community College and Montclair State University now offer related courses.
“FMERA breathed life into the plan and gave it wings,” Eatontown Mayor Anthony Talerico Jr. said. “They could teach a master class in leadership.” All speakers praised and thanked FMERA staff and its executive director, Kara Kopach, for keeping the project on track and moving for ward.
Talerico grew up near the fort and recalled going there as a youth, as did Oceanport Mayor Tom Tvrdik and state Sen. Declan O’Scanlon (R-13).
“True visionaries believed Fort Monmouth could be rejuvenated, and we thank you for your commitment,” Tvrdik said, singling out recently retired county commissioner Lillian Burry, who helped create the original redevelopment plan for Fort Monmouth and stayed on to implement it after the fort closed in 2011. He also recognized the Fort Owners Group, businesspeople already operating on the fort, and some early investors.
“This is a very emotional day for those of us who are here, and some who no longer are,” said state Sen. Vin Gopal (D-11), whose mother worked on the former fort. “Netflix has been extraordinary, making sure everything is local, suggesting local businesses rather than others more well-known.”
O’Scanlon, who grew up a half mile from Fort Monmouth and could hear “Taps” played nightly, recalled New York Yankee Whitey Ford living and playing there after enlisting in the Army during the Korean War. “I saw movies in the theater and bowled at the bowling alley. We fought to save it and now we are here to celebrate.”
Monmouth County Commissioner director Thomas A. Arnone, recalling when he worked with his father’s company installing new heating systems in fort buildings as a teen, told Netflix brass the county would “make this process easy for you.”
Netflix has held two supplier networking events with local vendors to discuss opportunities at the studio, sponsored the Veterans Day cookout at Soldier On in Tinton Falls with JBJ Soul Kitchen, and engaged with young filmmakers at the Count Basie Breakthrough Filmmaker Festival Red Bank.
“With this groundbreaking, we’re not only building a studio; we’re also strengthening our ties with the community and paving the way for a vibrant production ecosystem in New Jersey,” a Netflix spokesperson said.
The article originally appeared in the May 15 – 21, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
