It's pretty clear that the trend towards blockbuster superhero movies is here to stay for awhile. Just watch the trailers before any movie in a theater... you'll see at least one superhero movie for upcoming release. Marvel Comics has been leading the charge, with tons of hero-themed movies slated to come out. Georgia has been a popular spot to film these massive productions, thanks to its alluring tax breaks, wide variety of movie resources (from sound stages and sets for filming to editors and stunt people) and varied buildings and settings across the state-- small towns, big cities, rolling countryside, beaches, and more can be shot all in one state. It's pretty much a one-stop shop for making even the biggest blockbuster. These are some totally epic superhero movie filming locations, some of which are for movies that aren't even out yet!
"Spiderman Homecoming" might not hit theaters until July of 2017, but the hype for the movie is already in full force. For those who have seen the trailer, though, one Atlanta location might look familiar: A quick shot of the Atlanta Marriott Marquis is featured in the movie's trailer, with The Vulture dive-bombing down through the lobby. The lobby was the biggest atrium in the world when it was built in 1985, and is as tall as the building itself. If it looks familiar, don't be too surprised: It was featured in "The Hunger Games" as well.
Battle and Brew
If you'd rather play at being a superhero than look at spots where superhero movies were filmed, head to Marietta's Battle and Brew. With a menu of PlayStation, Wii, Xbox, and PC games to go along with the food and drink menus, it's the perfect place to geek out. Plus, food items and drinks have the most ridiculous names: Yoshi's Eggs, Triforce Nachos, and more. Superhero fans will want to order the Pepperpotts, a peppermint mocha named for Tony Stark's lady friend!
Abandoned Norfolk Southern Building
It took a lot of staging, but the recently-vacated Norfolk Southern building in downtown Atlanta served as a filming location for parts of the scenes that take place in the fictional African state of Wakanda in "Captain America: Civil War.” That movie introduced us to T'Challa, the king of Wakanda, who is also a superhero called the Black Panther. Maybe when the "Black Panther" stand-alone movie starts production, scenes from it will also be filmed in Georgia. It's set to feature an all-star cast and will hit theaters in 2018.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
From the throwback soundtrack and rapid-fire dialogue to the impeccable performances and the not self-serious tone, "Guardians of the Galaxy" was a pretty major hit. While the first installment gave us a little bit of backstory on all the characters, including Peter Quill (or Starlord, as he prefers to be called), "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" is going to delve even deeper into the past.
It should be interesting, given that most of the main characters are, you know, aliens, but one thing we know for sure is that there will be at least one scene set on Earth. In St. Charles, Missouri, to be specific, the hometown of Peter Quill. The quaint little downtown district of Cartersville, Georgia got a bit of a makeover to stand in as St. Charles, so be on the lookout for that when the movie hits theaters in May of 2017.
Cartersville, Georgia, United States
Jekyll Island, Georgia, United States
"X-Men: First Class" takes place all across time and the globe, from Nazi Germany to the USSR in the 1960s. Filming, of course, happened all over: Oxford in England, the Mojave desert, Washington D.C., Russia, and Georgia, just to name a few places. When filming the climactic final battle scenes, which took place in Cuba and echoed the Cuban Missile Crisis, producers had to decide between Tybee Island and Jekyll Island. They ultimately decided on the latter, since the water reportedly looked "bluer" from Google Earth. Palm trees were planted in the sand, but they didn't last long, since it was early winter. The color of the leaves had to be digitally enhanced after the fact.
Joystick Gamebar
After hopping around the state and living out your superhero fantasies, head back to Atlanta to burn off some steam at Joystick Gamebar. Order a Selina Kyle, a smooth, berry-flavored drink, or a Stephen Strange, a cocktail with Eastern flair that features green tea and ginger. Then hit the vintage arcade games!
Geek out over filming locations from your favorite superhero flick, and even get sneak peeks of places where movies that haven't been released yet get filmed all across Georgia. And, when you're done, unwind with an appropriately-themed cocktail from a game bar and toast to saving the world from the forces of evil... or just a day well spent exploring!
Georgia Tourism
Discover Georgia’s scenic beauty from the Appalachian Mountains to the coastal islands. Along the way, stop into historic small towns, homegrown restaurants and unique local shops. Experience outdoor fun at Georgia’s state parks filled with breathtaking foliage, trails, waterfalls and much more.
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