Quiet on Set! These Future Blockbusters are Filming in Georgia Right Now
As film production ramps back up and audiences eagerly await long-delayed movies, Georgia’s expanding film industry continues to thrive. In fact, the state just recorded its greatest year yet, with a record-setting $4 billion in direct spending during fiscal year 2021. Despite challenges brought by the pandemic and controversial state legislation, this year’s spending surpasses pre-pandemic levels by over $1 billion! The Georgia film industry’s early adoption of COVID safety protocols, major tax incentives, growing skilled workforce and massive investments in state-of-the-art production facilities are what make the state so appealing to many of the world’s top moviemakers.
Some of the past decade’s most iconic films were shot here in our state, including the highest grossing movie of all time, “Avengers: Endgame”! From the shores of Jekyll to the small towns of central Georgia to the streets of Atlanta, production companies across the state are cooking up the next big box office hits right now. Check out this list of Georgia’s biggest current and upcoming productions – the next big blockbuster hit might be filming in your backyard!
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
The futuristic country of Wakanda is returning to the big screen in this second installment of the massively popular Marvel franchise. Black Panther 2 began shooting in Georgia in June, notably at Trilith in Fayetteville, an innovative 900-acre production facility and new town where eight movies worth of Marvel magic have been shot. The cast members and team behind Black Panther return to the franchise with a heavy heart, after the tragic passing of lead Chadwick Boseman that shocked the world last year. Acclaimed director Ryan Coogler and stars like Lupita Nyong'o, Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman and Angela Bassett are all set to return in this second installment.
Very little about the plot of “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” has been revealed, but Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has stated that the late Chadwick Boseman’s role as the titular superhero, Black Panther, will not be recast. “[Boseman’s] portrayal of T’Challa the Black Panther is iconic and transcends any iteration of the character in any other medium from Marvel’s past,” Feige stated. “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” is currently set to premiere in July 2022.
Creed III
Adonis Creed is getting back in the ring with this ninth installment of the iconic Rocky franchise. Stars Michael B. Jordan, Tessa Thompson and Phylicia Rashad are returning to the series, but for the first time, Sylvester Stallone will not join the cast. “Creed III” marks a new milestone for lead Michael B. Jordan, who will direct for the first time. Production just started in Georgia this past August and the film’s official release date is set for November 2022.
Wicked
This beloved Broadway hit is taking flight with production of a movie adaptation set to kick off in Georgia later this year. “Wicked” is an imaginative twist on the classic Wizard of Oz tale that follows the early life of Elphaba, or the Wicked Witch of the West, and her unlikely friendship with Glinda the Good Witch. The play originally became popular with Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth as the leads. Today, “Wicked” is the second-highest grossing Broadway show of all time.
The film adaptation will be directed by Jon M. Chu, who’s known for directing the recent “In the Heights” movie and the 2018 smash hit “Crazy Rich Asians.” The cast members haven’t been announced yet, but details may come soon as production is set to start later this year. Shooting will continue well into 2022, so “Wicked” is expected to cast its spell on audiences in 2023.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
The Guardians of the Galaxy, an eccentric gang of crime-fighting space travelers, are gearing up to start production on their third Marvel adventure this November, likely at Trilith Studios in Fayetteville. Director James Gunn and actors Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista and Bradley Cooper are all returning to the franchise once again. No plot details have been revealed so far, but director Gunn has stated that the script has been finished for three years. “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” is expected to premiere in May 2023.
Check out the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s list of all current productions.
