Gardena Cinema Lands in Netflix Super Bowl Trailer

Korean-owned single-screen theater gets unexpected national exposure

Feb. 23, 2026 at 3:47am

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Gardena Cinema, a longtime local movie theater in Gardena, California, unexpectedly found itself in the national spotlight after being featured in a trailer that aired during the 2026 Super Bowl broadcast. The vintage theater served as a filming location for a preview of the upcoming film The Adventures of Cliff Booth, a spin-off of Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.

Why it matters

The appearance of the Gardena Cinema in the high-profile Super Bowl trailer highlights the enduring appeal of single-screen, independent theaters, which are becoming increasingly rare in the age of modern multiplexes. It also showcases how these local landmarks can unexpectedly find themselves thrust into the national spotlight, potentially leading to increased awareness and support for preserving these cinematic gems.

The details

The Gardena Cinema, which has been a fixture in the community since 1946, is currently owned and operated by the Kim family, who took over the theater in 1976. The theater's vintage aesthetic proved to be an ideal filming location for the Cliff Booth spin-off, leading to a two-week shoot in July and August of 2025 that involved set design and interior painting.

  • Gardena Cinema has been operating since 1946.
  • The Kim family took over the theater in 1976.
  • Filming for the Cliff Booth spin-off took place at Gardena Cinema in July and August of 2025.
  • The Super Bowl trailer featuring Gardena Cinema aired on February 17, 2026.

The players

Gardena Cinema

A single-screen movie theater in Gardena, California that has been operating since 1946 and is currently owned by the Kim family.

Judy Kim

The current owner of Gardena Cinema, who took over the theater in 1976.

Quentin Tarantino

The director of the film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, which is the basis for the spin-off film The Adventures of Cliff Booth that featured Gardena Cinema.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The Gardena Cinema is currently pursuing a transition to a non-profit organization to secure its future through fundraising and donations.

The takeaway

The unexpected national exposure of Gardena Cinema through the Super Bowl trailer highlights the enduring appeal and importance of preserving single-screen, independent theaters as cultural hubs within their local communities.