Smith has been hinting at plans for 'Clerks III' since 2013, saying the story would serve as 'The Empire Strikes Back' of the series. The Philadelphia Business Journal now reports that Smith will be shooting the film in Philadelphia.
'Clerks III' has received a $2.11 million film tax credit allocated for production by The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. Filming is expected to begin in Philadelphia in June.
Smith, a New Jersey native, also shot 'Jersey Girl' in Philadelphia in 2002. He has suggested that 'Clerks III' will be his final directorial effort.
The 'Star Wars' obsession dates back to the original 'Clerks', when Dante and Randall argue over the labor conditions surrounding the construction of the Death Star.