Zombies in Marietta!

Actor Woody Harrelson helps his four-legged co-star get into character before filming a scene of "Zombieland" Monday morning.

The parking lots of Maple Avenue United Methodist Church and First Presbyterian Church of Marietta were packed this morning, and it’s not even Easter yet.

The occasion? The filming of Zombieland, a horror-comedy flick starring Woody Harrelson and Abigail Breslin.

A movie site scout stopped by the historic Kennesaw Avenue home of Mamie and Michael Hodnett a few months ago and liked what he saw. The crew arrived around 7 a.m. Monday, after setting up for a couple of days. Several scenes were shot at the Hodnett home, which is located right on the train track, and in the Methodist church parking lot across the street. Mercifully, trains did not thunder by during shooting.

The big news is the movie’s furry little co-star. You may have read about how Abigail recently adopted a sweet Australian shepherd mix named Ellie, who was rescued along with four siblings from a Bartow County animal shelter. Ellie was apparently born for the screen.

Harrelson and Ellie discuss method acting outside the historic Marietta home of Mamie and Michael Hodnett, where some scenes were filmed Monday.

Ellie was a pretty good sport about performing. She did wander away from her co-star a few times, tail wagging, to sniff around some. But a few bounces of the tennis ball and wags of a chew toy was all it took to keep her focused.

Zombieland is scheduled to be released later this year. (No word on whether the newly restored Earl Smith Strand Theatre on the Marietta Square will screen the premiere).

The Hodnetts, known for their legendary theme parties, are considering a Halloween bash to celebrate. 

Ellie was a good sport and seemed to enjoy herself. Recently rescued from a shelter, she was clearly born for stardom.