Naman Shrestha
Based on Charlaine Harris’ novels, Hallmark’s ‘Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: Death at the Diner’ is a part of the long-running ‘Aurora Teagarden’ film series. Under the direction of Jessica Harmon, the murder mystery film revolves around the titular amateur sleuth, who works at the RNR Diner while finishing her thesis. Her detective skills are called into action when the diner’s owner, Emilio Torres, is found stabbed to death.
As all the suspicions are cast on her boyfriend, Daniel, who is the diner’s cook, she must take matters into her own hands and get to the bottom of the murder. Joining forces with Detective Arthur, Aurora is able to bring out financial issues and family feuds within Emilio’s family to light. In the process of proving her boyfriend’s innocence, she is afraid that someone else close to her might be responsible for the crime. The suspense and mystery of the murder fill the atmosphere of the diner, which serves as an additional character in the narrative.
Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: Death at the Diner Filming Locations
Following the pattern from a few of the parts of the ‘Aurora Teagarden’ film series, ‘Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: Death at the Diner’ was also filmed in British Columbia, specifically in Victoria. According to reports, principal photography for the mystery drama got underway in early March 2024 and went on for several weeks before wrapping up in April of the same year.
Victoria, British Columbia
All the pivotal sequences for ‘Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: Death at the Diner’ were reportedly lensed in Victoria. Located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, it is the capital city of British Columbia. The production team set up camp in various neighborhoods and streets of Victoria in order to tape interior as well as exterior scenes against suitable backdrops. Since there are numerous closed spaces where the action takes place, including the diner, library, and the police station, the cast and crew members seemingly took over a few actual establishments within Victoria and a soundstage at one of the film studios located in and around the city.
The city’s diverse landscape containing plenty of attractions and landmarks fill the backdrop in many key outdoor scenes. Thus , you might spot the Craigdarroch Castle, the Float Home Village, Christ Church Cathedral, the Fairmont Empress hotel, and the British Columbia Parliament Buildings. Besides ‘Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: Death at the Diner,’ Victoria has served as a production location for movies and TV shows, such as ‘Riddled with Deceit: A Martha’s Vineyard Mystery,’ ‘A Beautiful Place to Die: A Martha’s Vineyard Mystery,’ ‘The Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Winemaker,’ ‘Poker Night,’ and ‘The Outer Limits.’
Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: Death at the Diner Cast Details
The cast of ‘Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: Death at the Diner’ features Skyler Samuels, Evan Roderick and Jordan Buhat. Skyler’s first foray into television was her stint as a junior correspondent for ‘Access Hollywood’ at just 8 years old. With over 35 credits to her name, she has built an impressive career in movies and television. Evan actually began his journey in the field of ice hockey at the age of 5. After devoting about 15 years to the sport, which included competing in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) for three seasons, a series of injuries ultimately halted his athletic run at 19. He then discovered a passion for acting and has carved out a successful career in it.
Jordan has also gained immense experience in a career spanning nearly a decade. Having worked together in ‘Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: A Lesson in Murder’ and ‘Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: Something New,’ the trio delivers layered performances and natural chemistry, adding a perfect blend of nuance, depth, and energy that’s essential to driving the narrative.
Skyler Samuels as Aurora Teagarden
Skyler Samuels essays the titular character of Aurora Teagarden in the film. She is known for her work in ‘Scream Queens’ as Grace Gardner, ‘The DUFF’ as Jess, ‘American Horror Story’ as Bonnie Lipton, and ‘The Gifted’ as Esme, Phoebe and Sophie Frost. She can also be seen in ‘Drake & Josh,’ ‘The Suite Life of Zack & Cody,’ ‘That’s So Raven,’ ‘Wizards of Waverly Place,’ ‘Showmance,’ ‘The Nine Lives of Chloe King,’ ‘The Gates,’ ‘The Gabby Petito Story,’ ‘Meg 2: The Trench,’ ‘The Rookie,’ and ‘My Dreams of You.’
Evan Roderick as Detective Arthur
Evan Roderick stars in the role of Detective Arthur in the mystery drama film. He is widely recognized for his performance as Justin Davis in ‘Spinning Out,’ Officer Nick Anastas in ‘Arrow,’ Prince Wendell in ‘Project Mc²,’ and Chaz Bryant in ‘BH90210.’ His talent is also put on display in ‘Secrets of a Marine’s Wife’ as Jon Cornyn, ‘Autumn in the City’ as Austin, ‘Leah’s Perfect Gift’ as Graham Westwood, ‘Sealed with a List’ as Wyatt Redmond, ‘Garage Sale Mysteries: Picture a Murder’ as Travis, ‘V.C. Andrews’ Landry Family’ as John, and ‘A Tale of Two Christmases’ as Max.
Jordan Buhat as Daniel
In ”Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: Death at the Diner,’ Jordan Buhat appears as Daniel. After a series of minor roles in several movies and shows like ‘Blurt’ and ‘Letterkenny,’ he finally sprang into the spotlight through his portrayal of Vivek Shah in ‘Grown-ish.’ It naturally paved the way for him to bag more prominent roles. Since then, he has proven his mettle as an actor through his work in ‘Margaux’ as Devon, ‘Prom Dates’ as Luca, and ‘Season’s Greetings from Cherry Lane’ as Julian.
The cast is also supported by a talented supporting ensemble, each delivering compelling performances. Marilu Henner as Aida, Steve Bacic as Detective Cook, Kimberley Sustad as Larissa Morse, Kurt Evans as Benjamin Powell, Kayla Heller as Sally, Crystal Balint as Professor Lindo, Sarah Strange as Lauren, Josh Zaharia as Stephen, Caitlin Stryker as Kathleen, Paul Moniz de Sa as Emilio, and Charlie Ross as Lawyer.
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