Exploring Thunderbolts Filming Locations: Your Complete Guide to Marvel’s 2025 Blockbuster

Marvel Studios’ upcoming film, Thunderbolts, is generating significant anticipation as one of the most eagerly awaited superhero movies of 2025. Enthusiastic fans are particularly excited not only about the ensemble of antiheroes but also about the stunning filming locations that have been chosen for this thrilling adventure.The film promises a dynamic journey across diverse landscapes, from high-tech metropolises to arid deserts, enhancing every action-packed scene with authentic backdrops.

Complete List and Insight on Thunderbolts Filming Locations

Location	Highlights & Key Scenes
Atlanta, Georgia	Trilith Studios, Atlanta Metro Studios, city streets
Emery & Grand Counties, Utah	Desert chases, standoffs, canyon action
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia	Merdeka 118 skyscraper, Medan Pasar market district
New York City (exteriors)	Real city shots, skyline, street backgrounds

Exploring Atlanta, Georgia: Marvel’s Heart of Production

Trilith Studios & Atlanta Metro Studios: As Marvel’s primary filming location, Atlanta features expansive sound stages perfect for visual effects and interior scenes. In Thunderbolts, the city doubles as New York City, featuring a full-scale replica of 45th Street along with a revamped Avengers Tower, now known as the “Watchtower.” The diverse cityscape and skilled production teams make Atlanta a top choice for blockbuster films.
Why Atlanta? The combination of tax incentives, skilled professionals, and the capacity to create everything from secret lairs to advanced laboratories solidifies Atlanta’s position as a Marvel cinematic hub.

Wyatt Russell, David Harbour, Hannah John-Kamen, and Florence Pugh in Thunderbolts | Source: IMDb

Utah: The Scenic Desert Backdrop for High-Energy Action

Emery & Grand Counties: The explosive chase scenes showcased in the film were captured against the stunning vistas of Utah’s red rock formations and slot canyons.The production crew utilized a mile-long stretch of desert road for two weeks, filming intense car chases and stunts amidst sweltering temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Utah’s pristine landscapes deliver a grounded feel that digital graphics struggle to replicate.
Why Utah? This state offers a combination of breathtaking natural beauty and cinematic landscapes, ideal for action sequences requiring both scale and authenticity. Notably, nearby national parks like Goblin Valley and Arches significantly contribute to the film’s visual allure.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: An Urban Fusion of Modernity and Tradition

Merdeka 118: The film opens with a spectacular parachute jump from Merdeka 118, recognized as the second tallest skyscraper in the world.Florence Pugh takes on this thrilling stunt, creating one of the most unforgettable moments in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Medan Pasar: This vibrant marketplace provided an ideal backdrop for gritty urban sequences and dramatic escapes, featuring a real explosion staged in the HSBC tower to heighten the film’s intensity.
Why Kuala Lumpur? The rich mix of colonial-era architecture and towering modern structures offers a refreshing new aesthetic for Marvel films, complemented by Malaysia’s enticing film incentives and exceptional locations.

Sebastian Stan in Thunderbolts | Source: IMDb

New York City: Authentic City Atmosphere

Although many urban scenes were filmed in Atlanta, Thunderbolts includes genuine New York City exteriors. Helicopter shots and street-level views were incorporated to enhance authenticity, seamlessly blending with Atlanta-based sets.

Chronology of Thunderbolts Filming: Key Dates

Principal Photography: Conducted from February 26 to June 19, 2024, in Atlanta, Utah, and Kuala Lumpur.
Reshoots: Scheduled for December 2024, primarily in Atlanta, to refine key scenes and action sequences.
Delays: The writers’ and actors’ strikes in 2023 prompted some production delays into late 2024; however, all crucial scenes were completed on schedule.

Behind-the-Scenes Insights and Anecdotes

Florence Pugh’s Daring Stunt: Pugh’s remarkable jump from Merdeka 118 involved meticulous planning, with three engineering firms enlisted to ensure safety. However, challenges such as inclement weather amplified the tension surrounding the stunt, ultimately resulting in a breathtaking practical effect.
Utah’s Sweltering Conditions: The extreme heat in Utah led to numerous car malfunctions and testing conditions for the entire cast and crew, yet the stunning golden-hour footage makes the early mornings worthwhile.
Community Engagement: Over 300 locals from Atlanta participated as extras, while the production incorporated subtle Easter eggs, such as a hidden Wakandan flag, into street scenes.
Real Explosive Action: A genuine explosion was orchestrated at the HSBC tower in Kuala Lumpur, which significantly enhanced the authenticity of the film’s action sequences.

The Strategic Significance of These Locations in Marvel’s Vision

Marvel Studios strategically selected these filming venues to provide a raw, globe-spanning perspective in Thunderbolts. The combination of practical environments, genuine urban settings, and captivating natural landscapes contributes to the film’s gritty yet unpredictable narrative, befitting its unconventional antihero cast.

Florence Pugh in Thunderbolts* | Source: IMDb

Frequently Asked Questions About Thunderbolts Filming Locations

Can fans visit these filming locations?

Yes! Trilith Studios in Atlanta offers public tours, while Utah’s stunning parks are open to visitors. Medan Pasar is a well-known tourist destination in Kuala Lumpur, and the Skydeck at Merdeka 118 provides breathtaking panoramic views of the city.

Why did Marvel not rely solely on CGI?

Director Jake Schreier emphasized a desire for a “grounded”aesthetic, opting for real locations to achieve a sense of realism and emotional depth, particularly for action sequences.

Were there filming delays because of Hollywood strikes?

Indeed, the strikes in 2023 caused some filming delays, but the production successfully wrapped all significant scenes by the end of 2024.

Concluding Thoughts: Setting a New Benchmark with Thunderbolts Filming Locations

With its global filming strategy, Thunderbolts promises a visually captivating experience that matches the unique qualities of its antihero ensemble.From cutting-edge studios in Atlanta to the dramatic landscapes of Utah and the striking skyscrapers of Kuala Lumpur, these locations become co-stars, enhancing the narrative even further.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus in Thunderbolts* | Source: IMDb

If you’re planning a Marvel-themed journey or simply appreciate behind-the-scenes filmmaking, the Thunderbolts filming locations should be at the forefront of your travel plans.

Mark your calendars: Thunderbolts premieres in theaters on May 2, 2025—be sure to catch all the action and keep this comprehensive guide handy for your next adventure!

About Thunderbolts*

Thunderbolts* is an upcoming American superhero film inspired by Marvel Comics’ Thunderbolts. It will be the 36th installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and is set to be produced by Marvel Studios with distribution by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.

The film features an impressive ensemble, including David Harbour, Hannah John-Kamen, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Sebastian Stan, Wyatt Russell, Geraldine Viswanathan, Lewis Pullman, Olga Kurylenko, and Florence Pugh. In this cinematic saga, a team of antiheroes embarks on covert government missions.

The primary cast was announced in September, with further casting decisions made throughout early 2023. Notably, Lee, who collaborates with Schreier on the Netflix series Beef (2023), was onboard to revise the script by March 2023.

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