All the times Hollywood came to Scotland – including doomed superhero blockbuster

Scottish Sun

5 days ago

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SOME of Scotland's busiest streets have been transformed in recent weeks as Hollywood production teams rolled into town.
Shooting has been taking place in Glasgow and Edinburgh for blockbuster director J.J. Abrams' new movie, Ghostwriter.
Film fans have gotten caught up in the glitz and glamour as they caught glimpses of A-list stars like Glen Powell and Jenna Ortega on set.
But it's not the first time that Scotland has added a tartan twist to tinsel town - as Powell was here last year too during the filming of the dystopian thriller The Running Man.
Becoming such a big attraction for the film industry is also highly lucrative for Scotland - as the sector is on track to rake in £1billion a year for the economy.
Screen Scotland believes they will reach a 10-figure turnover by the end of 2030/31 as more and more major productions continue to be made north of the border.
Here are some of the massive movies that have already brought a boost to the country.
The Batman
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A man dressed as Batman during filming at the Glasgow Necropolis cemetery.
Credit: PA
Twilight star Robert Pattinson, 39, took on the iconic role of Bruce Wayne in the 2022 flick.
Filming took place in Glasgow's Necropolis as the East End graveyard hosted amazing scenes involving the Batmobile.
Several of the city's streets were shut down as it doubled for fictional Gotham.
Fast and Furious 9
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Scenes from F9 were shot in Scotland.
Credit: Alamy
There were 52 road closures and restrictions in 2019 as the legendary action franchise came to Edinburgh.
The film, released in 2021, starred Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Charlize Theron and John Cena.
Around 800 crew members and 375 local hires took over the capital to shoot some incredible scenes.
Indiana Jones
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Indiana Jones turned Glasgow into New York.
Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Glasgow got a Manhattan when Hollywood icon Harrison Ford, 82, arrived in the city for The Dial of Destiny.
Film crews descended on the filming hotspot for two-and-a-half weeks in July 2021 as struggling local businesses battled the impact of the pandemic.
But it only got six minutes of screen time - hardly anything compared to the likes of Italy and Morocco where filming also took place.
Outlaw King
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Chris Pine as Robert the Bruce in Outlaw King.
Credit: Alamy
Filming took place in Scotland in 2017 after Star Trek actor Chris Pine, 44, was cast as Robert the Bruce.
Directed by Oscar-nominated Scot David Mackenzie, he shot in the Highlands, Borders and in and around Glasgow.
The movie was released the following year at Toronto International Film Festival.
World War Z
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Brad Pitt waves as he leaves the set of World War Z near George Square, Glasgow.
Credit: AP:Associated Press
A cast and crew of 1,200, including Brad Pitt, 61, came to Glasgow for one of Hollywood's biggest zombie flicks.
American cars and street lights were brought so the city could double as Philadelphia.
It was said that the production brought more than £2million to the local economy.
James Bond
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Daniel Craig and Judi Dench in James Bond's Skyfall
Credit: AP:Associated Press
Scotland is an important part of the spy franchise's 2012 instalment Skyfall.
Daniel Craig, 57, earned rave review for his portrayal of 007 as the Glencoe Valley provided the backdrop for his home.
The success of the film has since made the scenic route via the A82 one of the UK's most popular.
Harry Potter
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The viaduct features as the Hogwarts Express.
Credit: Alamy
One of the biggest film franchises ever, Harry Potter was created as in Scotland - so it's no surprise many scenes were shot here too.
Rannoch Moore is where the Death Eaters board the train in Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 1.
The Glenfinnan Viaduct features in several of the movies, while Loch Shiel was used to shoot the underwater task of the Triwizard Tournament in the Goblet of Fire.
Glen Coe, Glen Nevis and Lochs Arkaig, Etive, and Eilt have also featured in different instalments.
Avengers
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Vehicle being exploded on the Royal Mile during filming for Avengers.
Credit: Splash News
Both Endgame and Infinity War used Scotland as a backdrop for the superhero blockbusters.
Residents were warned that 'small explosions' would occur in Edinburgh.
While even fishing village St Abbs enjoyed a starring role in Endgame as New Asgard - where Thor retreats to following the events of Infinity War.
Tetris
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Taron Egerton outside Seamount Court flats in Aberdeen.
Taron Egerton, 35, came to Glasgow sporting a retro moustache as the city was transformed into communist-era Russia in 2021.
The story centres on a legal battle over the rights to iconic 80s game Tetris, with the Rocketman actor playing Dutch video game entrepeneur Henk Rogers.
Other scenes were shot in Aberdeen and Edinburgh as Scotland got a big showing.
Batgirl
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Explosions and flames at the filming of Batgirl in Glasgow city centre.
Credit: Michael Schofield
It wasn't quite so good for doomed superhero flick Batgirl.
The DC film, shot entirely in Glasgow, was set to feature Hollywood stars Leslie Grace, Michael Keaton, and Brendan Fraser.
It racked up costs of £57million but was shelved by the studio following "poor" test screenings.