Malta: A Mediterranean Backdrop for Hollywood Hits
The sun-drenched archipelago of Malta has long been a favourite filming location for Hollywood productions, offering a diverse array of landscapes and historical architecture. From ancient cities to crystal-clear waters, Malta has played host to numerous blockbusters over the years. Here are just a few of them:
"The Spy Who Loved Me" (1977): This James Bond film used various locations in Malta, including the Dragonara Palace in St. Julian's, which served as the exterior of the villain's lair.
"The Midnight Express" (1978): Though set in Turkey, much of this film was shot in Malta, with Fort St. Elmo standing in for a Turkish prison.
Popeye" (1980): This musical comedy starring Robin Williams built an entire village set in Anchor Bay, which still stands today as a popular tourist attraction known as Popeye Village.
"Gladiator" (2000), directed by Ridley Scott, utilized Malta's Fort Ricasoli to recreate the Roman Colosseum. The fort's impressive stone walls and archways provided the perfect setting for the film's epic gladiatorial scenes.
In "Troy" (2004), the picturesque Golden Bay doubled as the shores of ancient Greece. The bay's golden sands and turquoise waters created a stunning backdrop for the arrival of the Greek fleet.
The historical drama "Munich" (2005) transformed various Maltese locations into 1970s European cities. Valletta's streets stood in for Rome, while the town of Mdina represented London and Athens.
"The Da Vinci Code" (2006): While most of the film was shot elsewhere, some scenes set in Rome were actually filmed in Valletta.
"Game of Thrones" (2011-2019): this popular TV series used various Maltese locations in its first season. The Azure Window, a natural limestone arch on Gozo (which unfortunately collapsed in 2017), served as the backdrop for Daenerys and Khal Drogo's wedding. Mdina's gate was used as the entrance to King's Landing.
"World War Z" (2013) featured Valletta as Jerusalem, with the city's narrow streets and limestone buildings offering an authentic Middle Eastern atmosphere. The film's climactic scene was shot at Fort St. Elmo, a 16th-century fortress.
"By the Sea" (2015): This drama, directed by Angelina Jolie and starring herself and Brad Pitt, was filmed primarily in Gozo, with Mgarr ix-Xini bay featuring prominently.
For "Assassin's Creed" (2016), the ancient city of Mdina served as 15th-century Spain. Its well-preserved medieval architecture provided a convincing historical setting for the film's action sequences.
"13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi" (2016): Michael Bay's action thriller used Malta to recreate scenes set in Libya.
More recently, "Jurassic World: Dominion" (2022) used Malta's urban landscapes to depict a world where dinosaurs roam freely among humans. Valletta's St. George's Square and Merchant Street were featured prominently in chase scenes.
From historical epics to modern thrillers, Malta continues to attract filmmakers with its versatile locations and Mediterranean charm. The island's ability to transform into various settings, coupled with its experienced film crews and tax incentives, ensures its place as a sought-after destination in the world of cinema.
Whether you are a film crew looking for that perfect location for your next movie, a corporate group seeking a familiar backdrop for one of your events, or an incentive wanting a guided tour of famous ‘movie sets’, Rigo Malta DMC will craft the perfect movie-themed event expressly for you!