Are you wondering if Havenport is a real town in The Waterfront and where the hit Netflix series was filmed? While Havenport is a fictional location, it draws inspiration from real-life coastal towns in North Carolina, creating a vibrant backdrop for the Buckley family’s thrilling saga. Let’s uncover the truth about Havenport and the stunning North Carolina locations that bring it to life.
### Is Havenport a Real Town in The Waterfront?
In Netflix’s The Waterfront, Havenport is indeed a fictional town. The series creator, Kevin Williamson, has confirmed that he crafted this setting specifically for the show. He revealed, “I grew up in North Carolina, in a very small town that is very much like Southport, where we filmed this show” (via Screen Rant). While Havenport itself doesn’t exist, it embodies the essence of real towns like Southport and Wilmington, which are close to Williamson’s heart. Born in New Bern and educated in Greenville, Williamson infused Havenport with the cultural landscape and sensibilities of the region, giving it an authentic feel despite its fictional roots.
### Filming Locations for The Waterfront’s Havenport
The production team primarily filmed The Waterfront in the charming towns of Wilmington and Southport, North Carolina. These picturesque coastal towns provided the perfect backdrop, complete with scenic waterfront views, fishing docks, and quaint small-town architecture that brought the fictional Havenport to life. Kevin Williamson has a long-standing history with this area, having filmed his previous works like Dawson’s Creek and I Know What You Did Last Summer in the same locations.
Interestingly, even though Dawson’s Creek is set in Massachusetts, it was filmed entirely in North Carolina. Williamson’s deep connection to the region influenced his storytelling, as he shared, “My dad was a fisherman – and there was a time in the ’80s when he did some drug trafficking to support his family during a tough period.” This personal history helped shape the character of Harlan Buckley in The Waterfront.
In summary, The Waterfront blends the unique characteristics of Wilmington and Southport to create the fictional Havenport. The series stylizes this composite town to reflect the rich visual and cultural essence of life along the stunning coast of North Carolina. So, while Havenport may not be real, its vibrant spirit certainly is, thanks to the beautiful locations that inspired it.
