'Barracuda' Wraps in Las Cruces, Creates More Than 700 Jobs

Michelle Lujan Grisham

Governor

Rob Black

Cabinet Secretary

Steve Graham

Director

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

Contact: Jey Bernal

Jey@NMFilm.com

Feature film ‘Barracuda ’ employs more than 700 New Mexicans

Anthony Mackie-led production wraps filming in southern New Mexico

LAS CRUCES - The action thriller “Barracuda,” starring Anthony Mackie recently wrapped filming in Las Cruces — employing more than 700 New Mexicans as crew, cast and background performers.

"Barracuda,” directed by Neil Burger and produced by R obert Zemeckis, Kia Jam, Todd Lundbohm and Arianne Fraser, filmed for nearly two months across locations in and around Las Cruces. The film employed approximately 80 New Mexico crew members, 29 New Mexico resident principal cast members and more than 600 background performers.

“Productions like ‘Barracuda’ demonstrate New Mexico’s ability to support large-scale projects across the state,” said Steve Graham , director of the New Mexico Film Office. “This project is creating jobs while bringing meaningful production activity to southern New Mexico.”

The film follows a former wheelman pulled back into the criminal world to rescue an abducted woman, leading to a high-stakes pursuit toward the U.S. border. The film explores themes of loyalty, survival and redemption set against the stark desert landscapes of southern New Mexico.

“ ‘Barracuda’ is the perfect production to show off everything Las Cruces has to offer,” said State Senator Jeff Steinborn, president of Film Las Cruces. “From diverse locations to our amazing crew and strong incentives, we are proud to help make productions like this a reality.”

Film and television production supports thousands of jobs and has generated more than $3 billion in direct economic impact over the past five years in New Mexico.

The New Mexico Film Office (NMFO), a division of the Economic Development Department, works to ensure the longevity and progress of New Mexico’s film incentive, grow the film, television, and digital media industry, and expand entertainment economic opportunities for New Mexico businesses and residents.

Three New Mexico cities were selected as ““2026 Best Place to Live and Work as a Moviemaker” Best Place to Live and Work as a Moviemaker” by MovieMaker Magazine for the fourth consecutive year.

To learn more, visit nnmfilm.com .

A division of the New Mexico Economic Development Department

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