Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, the final movie in the DCEU, showcases breathtaking filming locations around the world. Directed by James Wan, both the 2018 Aquaman and its 2023 sequel feature stunning visuals captured in various exotic locales.
Starring Jason Momoa as Aquaman, alongside Patrick Wilson as Orm, Amber Heard as Mera, and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Black Manta, the sequel delves into Aquaman's life post-romance with Mera. As he grapples with his reign over Atlantis, Aquaman is compelled to reconcile with his half-brother Orm. While there are no immediate plans for another Aquaman movie in the DCU, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom offers a visually striking conclusion to the franchise.
Warner Bros. Studios, Leavesden, UK
The Majority Of Set Pieces And Underwater Scenes
The majority of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom was filmed at Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden, Watford, the United Kingdom. Warner Bros. Studios features large studios, stages, and water tanks, making it the perfect location for shooting the movie's underwater scenes and impressive set pieces. Using a combination of green screens and elaborate staging, the CGI-produced Atlantis and most of the underwater scenes were filmed at Warner Bros. Studios. Notably, Black Manta's submarine and headquarters were built on-site at the studio.
Director James Wan shared on Instagram that 95% of the movie was filmed in the UK, with a significant portion of filming taking place at Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden. This studio also served as the filming location for much of Justice League in the past. While the first Aquaman movie was filmed at Village Roadshow Studios in Australia, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom brought back many of the original crew members to work together again at Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden. Known for producing various Warner Bros. films, the Leavesden studio is famous for its involvement in the Harry Potter movie series.
Saunton Sands, Devon, UK
Beach Fight Scene Between Aquaman, Orm, And The Deserters
Malibu, California
The exciting chase sequence and fight scene that follows Aquaman's rescue of Orm from the desert prison was actually filmed on the beautiful rural British coast in Saunton Sands, Devon. This picturesque sandy beach not only showcased the natural beauty of the UK but also served as the ideal setting for the intense battle between the brothers and the Deserters. It was at this stunning location where Orm's strength was rejuvenated by the gentle waves, allowing him to regain his full power with the touch of the water. The golden dunes of Saunton Sands provided a striking backdrop for the scene, transforming into the vast Sahara Desert as Aquaman and Orm raced away from their formidable enemies.
The Scene at Devil's Deep Beach
Aquaman and Orm make their dramatic entrance at Devil's Deep, landing on the sandy beach. This short but impactful scene was shot in the picturesque location of Malibu, California. Director James Wan even posted a photo from this spot, marking the end of filming for Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.
Hawaii, USA
In the post, Wan is pictured alongside Momoa and Wilson in their Devil's Deep scene costumes, playfully posing with a shower. Wan mentions that this scene was the last one shot for Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. He expresses gratitude towards the UK production team, as well as the Hawaiian and Los Angeles units. This indicates that the filming in Hawaii marked the conclusion of the principal photography before the reshoots took place in New Zealand.
Devil's Deep Jungle
Jason Momoa's homeland, Hawaii, was the stunning backdrop for the Devil's Deep scenes in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. The tropical jungle in Hawaii was the perfect setting for Aquaman and Orm as they journeyed through a lush paradise filled with exotic flowers and giant insects affected by the Orichalcum. Some beach scenes in the movie may have also been filmed in Hawaii, including a moment where Aquaman, Mera, Orm, Atlanna, and Nereus, played by Dolph Lundgren, discussed the Lost Kingdom on what seems to be volcanic rock - although this has not been officially confirmed.
Jersey City, New Jersey
Atlantis Reveals Itself To The World
London City Center, UK
In the climactic conclusion of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, Aquaman and the Atlanteans make a monumental decision to reveal themselves to the surface world. They take their place in global affairs, becoming part of the wider human community. The backdrop for this historic moment is Jersey City, where the Atlanteans emerge from the bay on their craft, signaling their presence to the world. Aquaman delivers a powerful message confirming the existence of the Atlanteans, marking a new chapter in their relationship with humanity.
Aquaman's Message to the World
During the final scene of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, Aquaman addresses the world from London's Piccadilly Circus. His announcement of Atlantis's presence is broadcast globally, with the video shown on a screen in the iconic location. The scene also captures a glimpse of London's famous Underground, adding a touch of British flair. While other cities are included in the montage, footage from Aquaman was used as Italy and Asia are not among the film's shooting locations.
LA Castle Studios, Burbank, California
Additional Studio Material
New Zealand
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom also used the LA Castle Studios in Burbank, California, for filming extra scenes. Since most of the movie was shot at Warner Bros. Studios in the UK, these scenes were probably just small reshoots or additional shots done later without the main actors. These scenes will only make up a very small portion of the movie.
Additional Reshoots
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom recently conducted some additional reshoots in New Zealand. The specific scenes that were filmed during this time remain unknown, but director James Wan revealed in an interview with Empire magazine that the reshoots took place over a period of seven to eight days. Despite some rumors suggesting otherwise, the amount of reshoots done for the movie was actually quite minimal compared to other big-budget films.
Wan explains that the filming days were extended because of conflicting schedules with the movie's stars. Despite this, there is still debate about Amber Heard's role in the sequel's reshoots for Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. However, the beautiful landscape of New Zealand could have easily stood in for the movie's beaches and the lush paradise of Devil's Deep, adding to the stunning locations of the film.
Editor's P/S:
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the filming locations used in "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom," the highly anticipated sequel to the 2018 blockbuster. It showcases the global scope of the production, with locations ranging from the UK to the US and New Zealand. The detailed descriptions and behind-the-scenes insights make for an engaging read for fans of the film and those interested in the intricacies of movie production.
The article effectively highlights the importance of each location in shaping the film's narrative and visuals. From the sprawling studios of Warner Bros. to the picturesque beaches of Devon and the lush jungles of Hawaii, each setting contributes to the film's unique atmosphere and immersive experience. The inclusion of trivia and directorial anecdotes adds a personal touch, giving readers a glimpse into the creative process behind the scenes. Overall, this article serves as an informative and entertaining guide to the diverse filming locations that brought the world of "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom" to life.