Tejasvani Datta
In an industry dominated by Marvel and DC, we’re finally making way for a new superhero universe with the first big-screen adaptation of Valiant Comics’ ‘Bloodshot.’ The film is intended to be the first in the series featuring Bloodshot along with other characters from Valiant Comics. Given the immense success of superhero films in the past years, it’s no wonder that the publishing company has decided to extend its franchise. After all, the last decade has seen superhero films not only ruling the box office but also gaining critical recognition and acclaim.
‘Bloodshot’ serves as an origin story for the titular superhero and has Vin Diesel playing the character. The film centers around Marine Ray Garrison who is brought back to life by a team of scientists from RST after he and his wife are assassinated. With the use of nanotechnology, he becomes a superhuman killing machine but has no recollection of what really happened. But as his memories flood back, Garrison is fueled by revenge. He then sets out on a bloody path to avenge the death of his wife, only to realize that he may actually be a pawn in a larger scheme.
Being a comic book adaptation, ‘Bloodshot’ makes use of several elaborate sets and features some phenomenal visual effects. The film takes us across the world, featuring war zones and several exotic locations that may or may not be a part of Garrison’s simulated reality. In fact, one can’t help but notice a few iconic cities that are featured in the trailer itself. But was ‘Bloodshot’ really filmed globally? If you’re wondering the same, we’re here to help. Here’s everything you need to know.
Bloodshot Filming Locations
The filming of ‘Bloodshot’ actually took place across continents, and included several cities, ranging from Prague to Kuala Lumpur. Principal photography for the film took place in the summer of 2018, and was officially wrapped up towards the end of October. The film was primarily shot in South Africa, while some parts were filmed in Hungary, Czech Republic and the US. Read on for the details.
Cape Town, South Africa
Principal photography for ‘Bloodshot’ began on August 6, 2018, in Cape Town, South Africa, and concluded by October 25, 2018. The film was largely shot in Cape Town Film Studios, the first custom-built high-tech Hollywood-style film studio complex in Africa. It is located in Film City Boulevard in Faure and includes several elaborate sets, including sets for Tropical Forests, an American motel from the ’50s, an African town, and Historical European and American sets, among several others. It even features life-sized 18th century ships and several custom-styled tanks, including ones for paddocks, beaches, and deep-sea.
Cape Town has become a go-to destination for filmmakers in the past decade, especially because of the Cape Town Film Studios. Along with of course, the diverse landscape that South Africa has to offer. Previously, ‘Lara Croft: Tomb Raider’, ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’, ‘Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom’, among several others have been filmed here. Apart from the Studios, the filming also took place around Kalk Bay Harbour in Cape Town. Kalk Bay is a fishing village located on the coast of False Bay that is known for its raw beauty and scenic views.
Prague, Czech Republic
Apart from Cape Town, the filming also took place across Europe, particularly in Prague, Czech Republic, along with Budapest, Hungary. While it is not verified, it has been reported that the filming in Prague and Budapest also took place around August. Although the exact locations used for the shoots has not been confirmed, ‘Bloodshot’ does make use of several establishing shots from the areas. One can easily identify the iconic Gothic church domes from Prague, along with its gorgeous sun-kissed skyline.
Prague has long been a favourite of filmmakers over decades, features in numerous films including ‘Schindler’s List‘, ‘Les Miserables‘, ‘Mission: Impossible’, among many others. In fact, Vin Diesel has also previously filmed in Prague for his film, ‘XXX’ . Sam Heughan, who plays a pivotal role in the film, has also filmed in Prague for ‘The Spy Who Dumped Me‘, along with certain scenes for ‘Outlander‘. Interestingly, some parts of ‘Outlander’ were also filmed in Cape Town.
‘Bloodshot’ also features the skyline of Kuala Lumpur, although it was never officially confirmed as a filming location. The film features the Kuala Lumpur Tower, along with the Petronas Twin Towers. Apart from these, the filming also took place in Chicago, in Illinois.
Read More: Best Superhero Movies of the Decade
