A look at recent events in Seattle: the new horror film Passenger brought up to $10 million to the city, a Mariners pitcher released a bobblehead featuring his cat Matilda, and baseball star Corbin Carroll returned home to Seattle to meet family and friends.
Seattle-shot horror Passenger boosted local economy by up to $10 million
The new supernatural horror film Passenger has been released, and it’s not only scaring audiences but also delivering a noticeable boost to Seattle’s economy. KOMO, citing the city’s Office of Economic Development, reports that filming left between $5 million and $10 million in the region. Passenger tells the story of people who set out on road trips and vanish without a trace. The lead roles are played by British actor Jacob Scipio and Spanish-Zimbabwean actress Lou Lobell as a young married couple.
City officials actively supported the production by granting permits to film at some of Seattle’s most recognizable locations. According to the office’s report, the camera captured the historic Pioneer Square neighborhood, the scenic Lincoln Park, and the industrial enclave Georgetown. These locations have long been popular with filmmakers for their atmosphere and architectural variety. The shoot used the municipal film-permit program, which charges a nominal $25 per day, and rented local office space from M5 Creative for six months.
The economic effect from the film was considerable: the production hired 325 local actors and crew members. The KOMO article emphasizes that Passenger is a vivid example of how the film industry can diversify the city’s economy. Beyond direct spending on wages, fees and rentals, the shoot generated revenue for local hotels, restaurants and transportation companies. It’s worth noting that a $5–10 million budget is modest for this type of film, but even projects of that size can create hundreds of jobs and support small businesses. Seattle’s authorities appear to be betting on attracting film productions as a steady revenue source, especially as major Hollywood studios increasingly look for alternatives to expensive Los Angeles and New York.
Matilda the cat and baseball: how a Mariners pitcher became a bobblehead star
Sometimes truly touching stories happen in the world of American baseball, and one of them is unfolding right now in Seattle. It concerns standout Mariners pitcher Andrés Muñoz, who is famous not only for his powerful pitch but also for his tender affection for his fluffy companion — a cat named Matilda. On July 21 at T-Mobile Park there will be an unusual game called “Take Meow’t to the Ballgame,” where each fan who buys a special ticket will receive a collectible bobblehead featuring Muñoz together with his whiskered friend. Five dollars from each such ticket will go to Seattle Area Feline Rescue, which rescues homeless cats. It’s important to note that despite the cat-themed event, live pets are not allowed in the stands — this is emphasized to avoid misunderstandings.
Andrés Muñoz, affectionately called “the cat dad” by fans, has long won hearts not only with his on-field play but also with his story. He and his wife adopted Matilda in Mexico, and the cat has since become a full member of the family. Matilda has her own Instagram account that racks up thousands of likes, and, amazingly, she travels with her owner to road games. She’s not just a pet but a true mascot who seems to bring good luck — Muñoz is putting up strong numbers on the field, and his devotion to the cat earns genuine respect from fans.
A bobblehead is more than a toy; it’s a cultural phenomenon. These figurines with wobbling heads have long been given to fans as souvenirs and become collectible items. When we speak of the “Andrés and Matilda bobblehead,” we mean a miniature of the player holding the cat — an incredibly cute symbol of how sports and love for animals can go hand in hand. As of late May, only about 200 of these figurines remained on sale, making them a true rarity. To get the coveted keepsake, you must buy a ticket via a special link and, on game day, present your ticket at the top of left field before the end of the third inning to exchange it for the toy. One person can claim multiple bobbleheads if they have the corresponding number of themed tickets, but note that the offer applies only to purchases made through the official promo channel.
This event goes far beyond ordinary sports entertainment. It shows how professional athletes can use their popularity for charity. Muñoz has previously worked with Seattle Area Feline Rescue, and now fans have the chance not only to enjoy a cute keepsake but also to contribute to animal rescue. Five dollars per ticket is a small sum for an individual, but multiplied across a stadium it can become a significant aid for Seattle’s homeless cats. For those unfamiliar with local organizations: Seattle Area Feline Rescue is a large nonprofit that provides medical care, spay/neuter services and adoption placement for cats, and a partnership with the Mariners gives them valuable exposure and financial support.
According to KING 5, the game starts at 6:40 p.m., and Seattle’s opponent will be the Cincinnati Reds. The game itself will, of course, remain the main event of the evening, but the cat bobblehead has become a sensation among collectors. Such marketing moves are common across MLB, but when they’re tied to a sincere animal-rescue story, they take on special meaning. You could say Matilda has become an unofficial team mascot, and Andrés Muñoz embodies the idea that even in big professional sports there’s room for soft paws and purring. It’s a clear example of how simple humanity and love for our smaller companions can build remarkable brands and unite thousands around a good cause.
Arizona star Corbin Carroll returns home: an emotional reunion in Seattle
When 25-year-old outfielder Corbin Carroll of the Arizona Diamondbacks takes the field in Seattle, it isn’t just another regular-season series. For Carroll, it’s a return to his roots — the city where he was born, raised and took his first steps in baseball. The story of this athlete, who was selected in the first round of the 2019 draft after graduating from Lakeside and then quickly rose to National League Rookie of the Year status and became a two-time All-Star, is full of touching details and a deep personal connection to the place. In his interview with The Seattle Times, Carroll shares what these weekends mean to him — the chance to sleep in his childhood home instead of a hotel, and to meet family and old friends.
Part of what gives this story its charm is that Carroll once sat in the stands at this very ballpark, T-Mobile Park. He grew up in the Queen Anne neighborhood and was an avid Mariners fan. Pointing to the section behind home plate, he recalls: “We had season tickets in that area. That was my view of the game.” Much has changed since then, but he smiles that the famous Ivar’s clam stand is still operating, and now, as a visiting player, he can enjoy a special perk — ice cream from the vending machine in the visiting clubhouse, which players rave about. Food is an important part of Carroll’s life. His former high school coach, Kellen Sandin, remembers that they could spend hours arguing about where to eat. In Seattle, which Carroll calls “a great food city,” the problem isn’t finding somewhere to eat but choosing from a wealth of excellent options. Recently they picked up takeout from Wild Ginger and had a picnic at Gas Works Park.
Despite fame and seven-figure contracts, Carroll places enormous value on his ties to the past. It’s been nearly seven years since he graduated from Lakeside, but his closest friends are still the same kids from the high school baseball team. His former coach Sandin, whose relationship with Carroll evolved from mentorship to friendship, stresses: “He’s a Seattle guy. He really cares about the people from here. This is where he grew up, and he’ll always be tied to them.” That connection shows up in small ways: on Friday roughly 50 people — friends and family — were cheering for Carroll from seats behind the Arizona bullpen. In the game itself, which the Mariners won 7–6 in extra innings, Carroll had two hits. Despite the loss, such moments are priceless for him. Sandin admits that while Carroll says these are just another important series for the Diamondbacks, who have won nine of their last ten games, they actually mean much more to him because Seattle means everything to him.
