Actor known for role in ‘The Walking Dead’ to film movie about OCD in Anderson, what to know

Adam Minarovich will return home to Anderson to film his latest feature, “Once Upon a Time in Macon,” starting in late September.

The movie is written, directed, and starring Minarovich, who appeared in the first season of “The Walking Dead” as Ed Peletier, the abusive husband of Carol Peletier.

He is also known for writing the screenplay for the black comedy “Pawn Shop Chronicles,” which starred Paul Walker and Elijah Wood.

“Once Upon a Time in Macon” is produced by fellow Anderson resident Kevin Woods, with whom Minarovich has collaborated on independent projects for years. Roman Weaver will serve as director of photography.

Movie to tackle OCD, motor tics

According to a press release, the comedy-drama follows Keith, a man dealing with severe OCD and quirky motor tics, especially an uncontrollable need to tap people when stressed. His coping mechanism? Metal detecting Civil War relics in rural Macon. However, when he falls in love and his father unexpectedly returns home from prison, his fragile world threatens to unravel.

The film has received support and community engagement backed by a Kickstarter campaign launched in early July. The project has already garnered support from 179 backers who pledged $40,371 to help bring this project to life.

“I always knew I wanted to make a film touching on a certain subject,” according to Minarovich. “One that has affected me my entire life.

Minarovich hopes to accurately represent OCD in his film, aiming to clear up common misconceptions. “We hear people say they have OCD all the time,” he said. “The magnitude of this disorder is far beyond what people think.

“It’s not like a crooked picture is OCD,” he said. “This disorder is sometimes interwoven with tics, much like Tourette’s syndrome. Some of these symptoms can be controlled, and some cannot. However, they can all be managed in one way or another.”

Minarovich’s connection to OCD was the inspiration for the story. “I wanted to deal with it like I do most things in life,” he said. “A bit of humor to keep people entertained long enough to get the message out, not just for people with the disorder but for those who don’t have it, so maybe they understand it a little better.”

What to know about cast of ‘Once Upon a Time in Macon’

The production will feature several local people in supporting roles. Many crew members are also from the region.

“Once Upon a Time in Macon” cast members include:

• Keith Brooks (“Strays,” “Renfield,” “The Tomorrow War”).

• Duane Whitaker (“Pulp Fiction,” “The Feast,” “The Devil’s Rejects”).

• Daniel Roebuck (“The Fugitive,” “Terrifier 3,” TV’s “Lost” and “Matlock”).

• Eddie Deezen (“Grease,” “The Polar Express”).

Meet writer, director, and actor Adam Minarovich

Minarovich may be best known to TV fans as Ed Peletier on AMC’s “The Walking Dead.”

His work spans a variety of projects both in front of and behind the camera.

“My entire life has been about making movies,” he said. “Some of my greatest memories are watching movies with my dad as a kid, my wife, and now with my daughter.

“I have been making movies my entire life, from the day my dad got a camcorder in the ’80s, to shooting an indie feature on 16mm film onto digital video, and then going on to study more about writing, acting, and directing,” he said.

Minarovich has had roles in several television dramas and films, including:

• “The Walking Dead” (2010): Appeared in the first season as Ed Peletier, the abusive husband of Carol Peletier.

• “Pawn Shop Chronicles” (2013): Played the character George.

• “One Tree Hill” (2012): Had a guest role in the episode “Catastrophe and the Cure.”

• “Banshee” (2013): Appeared as a corrections officer.

• “Rectify” (2014): Played the role of Jake Johnson.

• “MacGyver” (2016): Played the character Kosta.

• “Blackbear” (2019): Appeared as the character Scorch.

Screenwriter

• “Pawn Shop Chronicles” (2013): He wrote the screenplay for this black comedy, which starred Paul Walker and Elijah Wood.

• “Chop” (2011): He wrote the script and also acted in this film.

Director

Minarovich has also directed several low-budget horror films, often taking on multiple roles behind the scenes.

• “Ankle Biters” (2002): Wrote, directed, and acted in this horror film.

• “Wiseguys vs. Zombies” (2003): Directed and wrote this direct-to-video feature.

• “Buy Sell Kill: A Flea Market Story” (2004): Served as director, writer, and editor.

Travis Rose covers Anderson County for the Independent Mail. Reach him via email at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Anderson Independent Mail: Actor, known for ‘The Walking Dead’ role, to film movie in Anderson