The Gulf of Mexico welcomed an unexpected newcomer on the evening of November 11, 2026. After more than seven decades of service, the legendary SS United States was gently lowered onto the seabed, destined to become the planet’s largest artificial reef. At the same time, the indie film world celebrated a different milestone: the coming-of-age drama Mouse wrapped principal photography in its creator’s hometown of Little Rock, Arkansas, setting the stage for a November theatrical release.
Both stories share a common thread – the transformation of iconic American symbols into fresh experiences for new audiences. One does so beneath the waves, inviting divers and marine life alike, while the other does so on the screen, inviting viewers to relive a pivotal summer in the early 2000s. Below, we explore the details that turned these projects from concepts into reality.
From Record-Breaking Liner to Underwater Habitat
Preparing the vessel for a controlled descent
Organizers from Coleen Marine, led by president Coleen O’Malley, spent $13.5 million to ready the 990-foot behemoth for its final voyage. Workers stripped the ship of its 65-foot smokestacks, removed more than 400 portholes, and cut numerous 10-by-10-foot openings in the decks to ensure an even settlement on the Gulf floor. To comply with federal environmental and explosives regulations, the scuttling relied solely on gravity and ballast – crews filled 128 fuel and lubricant tanks with water, allowing the hull to flood naturally once valves were opened.
Impact and legacy of the new reef
The vessel now rests in roughly 180 feet of water, with its highest deck only 60 feet below the surface, making it accessible to novice divers and seasoned anglers alike. Located about 25 miles southwest of Destin, between Panama City and Pensacola, the ship joins a network of over 500 artificial reefs that already populate the Gulf. Its size surpasses the previous record-holder, the USS Oriskany carrier, and promises to attract tuna, marlin, and swordfish, bolstering both recreation and marine biodiversity. As Nick Tomecek, spokesperson for Okaloosa County, observed, “She’s a big ship, and she will become a landmark for divers worldwide.”
Mouse: An Arkansas Story Brought to Life
Choosing home as the film’s backdrop
Co-directors Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson insisted on shooting the drama in the very community that inspired it. After scouting alternatives such as New Orleans, Shreveport, and suburban Chicago, they settled on Little Rock and North Little Rock, where O’Sullivan grew up. Principal photography kicked off on September 16, 2024, with the cast – including Sophie Okonedo as Helen Bell and katherine mallen Kupferer as Minnie Dunn – lodging in local Airbnb rentals and often walking to set. This immersive approach allowed the production to enlist local extras, crew members, and even O’Sullivan’s former high-school dance teacher, choreographer Christen Pitts, for a pivotal ballet sequence.
From summer 2002 to the big screen
Set in the summer of 2002, Mouse follows best friends Minnie and Callie as they navigate senior year and a sudden tragedy that reshapes their bond. After wrapping filming in April 2025, the film premiered in the Panorama section of the Berlin International film festival on February 13, 2026, before traveling to festivals in Chicago and NewFest. IFC Films secured U.S. distribution, scheduling a nationwide theatrical launch for November 2026. The movie’s authentic Arkansas backdrop, combined with a cast that includes Chloe Coleman, Tara Mallen, Iman Vellani, and David Hyde Pierce, promises to resonate with audiences seeking genuine, character-driven storytelling.
Both the underwater transformation of the SS United States and the on-location production of Mouse illustrate how historic and cultural assets can be repurposed for contemporary enjoyment. Whether divers explore a colossal reef or moviegoers watch a heartfelt drama rooted in real places, these initiatives underscore a broader American tradition of reinventing legacy for future generations.
