Move over, Punxsutawney Phil, there’s a new groundhog in town, and he’s got a movie credit to prove it.
Meet Smith Lake Jake, Alabama’s own weather-predicting rodent and now, bona fide movie star.
Here’s what to know about this fuzzy Alabama celebrity and how he got his big break in Hollywood.
Who is Smith Jake Lake?
He’s got the fluff of a teddy bear and the confidence of a seasoned weatherman. Since 2016, Smith Lake Jake has made nine official Groundhog Day predictions in Alabama.
According to local lore, if Jake sees his shadow, it’s six more weeks of winter. If not? Hello, early spring. In 2025, Jake did not see his shadow, calling for an early thaw.
But Jake’s talents don’t stop at weather. The Alabama groundhog, lovingly cared for by the Whitworth family, owns a wardrobe of more than 125 hats for public appearances (fashion matters when you’re a local celebrity). He’s also been tapped to predict baby genders, football game outcomes and even correctly called Taylor Hicks’ American Idol win back in 2006.
Clearly, Jake is not just a groundhog, but an icon with instincts.
Smith Lake Jake’s Hollywood credentials
It’s a brief cameo, but unforgettable. Smith Lake Jake makes his big-screen debut alongside Seann William Scott (yes, that guy from “American Pie”) in the indie dark comedy “Bad Man.”
The film, which premiered at the 2025 Sidewalk Film Festival in Birmingham before heading to streaming and video, features Jake about 15 minutes in, credited as “Colt Lake Jake,” sporting his signature hat and undeniable screen presence.
It’s a blink and you’ll miss it moment, but for Alabama’s favorite groundhog, it’s one giant leap from local legend to Hollywood newcomer.
Want to see Smith Lake Jake in action? “Bad Man” is available to rent on Apple TV, Amazon Prime, Fandango at Home for $5.99, and Google Play Movies & TV for $6.99.
Jennifer Lindahl is a Breaking and Trending Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Connect with her on X @jenn_lindahl and email at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Smith Lake Jake’s movie cameo with Seann William Scott in Bad Man
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