Seven times Glasgow stood in as setting for Hollywood blockbusters

Daily Record

2 days ago

Glasgow has become a popular filming location for major Hollywood productions.
Glasgow has once again taken centre stage in a major Hollywood production, with filming for Spider-Man 4: Brand New Day currently under way in the city. Crowds have gathered to watch Hollywood superstar Tom Holland perform impressive stunts as Marvel's web-slinging hero, with parts of the city centre transformed into bustling New York streets.
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In recent years, Scotland's largest city has become a favourite among film-makers, with its mix of grand architecture and adaptable streets providing the perfect backdrop for a range of productions. From gritty urban dramas to high-octane blockbusters, Glasgow has played host to an impressive line-up of films.
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The Batman (2022)
DC's dark, atmospheric blockbuster made use of the gothic surroundings of Glasgow Necropolis, the Victorian cemetery that became a key setting thanks to its striking architecture.
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Starring Robert Pattinson in the title role, the film's moody visuals were a natural fit for the city's historic landmarks.
Pattinson is set to return for a sequel in 2027, though it is not yet confirmed whether Glasgow will feature again.
Tetris (2023)
The story of Henk Rogers and his fight to secure the rights to the iconic video game brought a very different aesthetic to Glasgow.
Set in the 1980s, the film saw parts of the city convincingly transformed into Soviet-era Moscow, with its architecture standing in for the Soviet Union.
Welsh actor Taron Egerton played Rogers and, despite his moustache disguise, was quickly spotted by fans during filming.
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Churchill (2017)
This historical drama saw Scottish actor Brian Cox portray Winston Churchill in the tense days leading up to the D-Day landings. Several scenes were shot around Scotland, including Glasgow's George Street, which doubled for wartime settings.
1917 (2019)
Sam Mendes's award-winning First World War epic featured Glasgow's Govan Graving Docks, transformed through CGI into a canal.
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Inspired by the experiences of real-life soldiers, the film starred George MacKay and Dean-Charles Chapman and was acclaimed for its immersive cinematography and striking set design.
World War Z (2013)
Brad Pitt led the cast of this zombie blockbuster, which turned George Square into the streets of Philadelphia during an undead outbreak.
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At the time, it was one of the largest productions ever to film in the city and went on to become the highest-grossing zombie film of all time.
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Fast and Furious 6 (2013)
High-speed stunts and roaring engines took over Cadogan Street and Broomielaw as part of the street-racing franchise. Although none of the main stars appeared on location, the production returned in 2019 to film scenes for Fast and Furious 9.
Trainspotting (1996)
Although set in Edinburgh, this cult classic was filmed largely in Glasgow. Interiors were shot in an old cigarette factory on Alexandra Parade, while exterior locations included Maryhill Road, Kelvin Hall and Rouken Glen Park.
Its modest budget was a far cry from the scale of modern superhero productions.