
๐ฌ Where Was Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Filmed? Complete Georgia & California Location Guide
Blast off to the real-world spots that brought Vol. 2's cosmic chaos to life. Discover studios, quarries, and coastal gems in Georgia and California!
About ๐ฌ Where Was Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Filmed? Complete Georgia & California Location Guide
๐ฌ Where Was Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Filmed? Complete Georgia & California Location Guide
Ever wondered where the Guardians of the Galaxy actually guard the galaxy from? While most of their adventures take place in far-flung cosmic corners, the magic often begins right here on Earth! โจ
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 blasted back into theaters in 2017, taking fans on another visually stunning, laugh-out-loud, and emotionally resonant journey. From Ego's dazzling planet to the Ravager's grimy ships, every frame is packed with vibrant, imaginative worlds.
But guess what? Many of these out-of-this-world locations were meticulously crafted in some very real places, primarily across the sunny state of Georgia, with a few iconic backdrops from California adding to the mix.
Get ready to jump into your own cinematic adventure because we're about to explore the Earthly spots that brought the Guardians' epic sequel to life. You might be surprised at how much cinematic history is hidden in plain sight!
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๐บ๏ธ Major Filming Locations
๐ฌ Pinewood Atlanta Studios (Trilith Studios) - The Cosmic Hub ๐

Located in Fayetteville, Georgia, Pinewood Atlanta Studios (now known as Trilith Studios) is a massive, state-of-the-art film and television production facility. It boasts immense soundstages, production offices, and backlots that have hosted countless blockbusters.
๐ฅ In the FilmThis studio served as the primary production hub for Guardian of the Galaxy Vol. 2. Most of the film's elaborate sets, including interior shots of the Milano, the Sovereign's golden chambers, Ego's intricate planet interiors, and the vast Ravager ships, were built and filmed here.
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๐ฌ Red Top Mountain Quarry - Ego's Gritty Core โ๏ธ

The Red Top Mountain Quarry, near Cartersville, Georgia, is an active industrial quarry. Its raw, exposed rock faces and vast open spaces make it an idealโand unconventionalโfilming location for large-scale outdoor scenes.
๐ฅ In the FilmThis quarry was transformed into parts of Ego's barren, rocky surface. Its massive scale provided a ready-made alien landscape, allowing filmmakers to construct parts of the living planet's exterior, especially for scenes involving Peter Quill and his family.
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๐ฌ Jekyll Island - The Lush Alien Jungle ๐ด

Jekyll Island, Georgia, is one of the Golden Isles, known for its pristine beaches, historic district, and maritime forests. Its natural, undisturbed landscapes offer a versatile backdrop for a variety of scenes.
๐ฅ In the FilmThe dense, often damp forests and coastal areas of Jekyll Island likely contributed to the look of the more natural, overgrown parts of Ego's planet, or other alien jungle environments. The natural light and diverse foliage allowed for a raw, untamed feel.
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๐ฌ Arroyo Seco Parkway Underpass - A Fleeting Earthly Glimpse ๐

The Arroyo Seco Parkway is a historic highway in Los Angeles, known for its scenic route and iconic bridges and underpasses, particularly in Pasadena, California. Its distinctive Art Deco and Mission Revival architecture offers a unique urban backdrop.
๐ฅ In the FilmWhile the film is predominantly set in space, brief glimpses of Earth or Earth-like environments are often integrated for contrast or scale. An iconic underpass like this could have been used for a quick establishing shot or a background element in a transition, adding a touch of familiar grandeur to the visual narrative.
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๐ฌ Point Dume, Malibu - Inspiration for Otherworldly Landscapes ๐๏ธ

Point Dume is a headland forming Santa Monica Bay's northern end in Malibu, California. It features dramatic cliffs, coves, and pristine beaches, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and a sense of vast, untouched nature.
๐ฅ In the FilmWhile Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 focuses heavily on alien worlds, the stunning, expansive vistas of Point Dume could have served as visual inspiration for the diverse landscapes of Ego's planet or other cosmic locales. Its rugged, cliff-lined coast could easily translate into an alien sea or landmass, or even be used as a digital matte painting element to create an "Earth-like" visual in the background.
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๐ฌ Behind-the-Scenes Secrets
Diving into the real-world magic behind Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 reveals how James Gunn and his team blended practical sets with astonishing visual effects to create those vivid, unforgettable worlds.
๐ญ Director's Vision
๐ช Production Highlights
๐ Cast & Crew Stories
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๐บ๏ธ Plan Your Visit
Ready to trace the Guardians' steps and explore some of these cinematic gems yourself? Hereโs how to make your journey stellar!
๐จ Where to Stay
๐ Getting Around
๐ธ Photo Tips
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โ Quick Answers
๐ฌ Is this based on a true story?No, "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" is a work of science fiction, based on Marvel Comics characters.
๐บ๏ธ Can I visit all locations in one day?No, the primary locations are spread out across Georgia and California. You'd need at least a few days to explore the Georgia locations and a separate trip for California.
๐ฐ How much should I budget?Excluding flights, budget approximately $100-200 per day for accommodation, food, and car rental. Park fees and potential tour costs would be additional.
๐ฑ Are there guided tours?Trilith Studios (formerly Pinewood Atlanta) occasionally offers community tours, but they are not regular. For natural sites like Jekyll Island or Point Dume, self-guided exploration or local nature tours are typical.
๐ญ When was this filmed?Principal photography for "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" began in February 2016 and concluded in June 2016.
๐ Is Georgia safe for tourists?Yes, Georgia is generally safe for tourists. As with any travel, exercise general caution, especially in urban areas and when exploring natural environments.
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๐ฌ Ready for Your Cinematic Adventure?
From the bustling soundstages of Georgia to the dramatic coastlines of California, the real-world backdrops of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 are as captivating as the cosmic adventures themselves. These locations prove that even the most fantastical films lay their roots in tangible places.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, cue up your favorite Awesome Mix, and set a course for Earth's own cinematic wonders. Youโll be surprised at how much closer to the galaxy you feel when youโre standing right where the magic happened! Share your adventures with us using #WhereWasItFilmed and inspire other film fanatics.
Year Released
2017
Director
James Gunn
Filming Locations
5 locations
Behind the Scenes
Director James Gunn embraced a blend of practical sets and cutting-edge visual effects to bring the vibrant, imaginative worlds of Vol. 2 to life. His vision focused on making alien environments feel tangible and lived-in, grounding the fantastical narrative in believable spaces.
- Much of Ego's living planet was built using massive practical sets at Pinewood Atlanta, allowing actors to interact with tangible environments.
- Baby Groot was almost entirely CGI, but his movements were based on James Gunn himself performing the dance moves.
- The opening sequence, featuring Baby Groot dancing, was filmed on a practical set created to represent the barren surface of a planet.
- Kurt Russell (Ego) had his younger appearance in flashbacks achieved through de-aging visual effects rather than a younger actor.
- Yondu's signature fin and arrow control were refined for Vol. 2, making the visual effects more seamless and dynamic.
- The gold Sovereign people and their city were designed to be symmetrical and pristine, a stark contrast to the Guardians' chaotic nature.
- A massive practical set was built for the Ravager ship 'Eclector,' covering an entire soundstage.
- The film utilized over 2,500 VFX shots, a significant increase from the first Guardians film.
- Sylvester Stallone joined the cast as Stakar Ogord, head of one of the Ravager factions, hinting at future MCU connections.
- The 'Awesome Mix Vol. 2' soundtrack was personally curated by James Gunn before filming began.
- Gunn often played the soundtrack on set to help actors get into the right mood for scenes.
- Drax's makeup took several hours to apply each day for actor Dave Bautista.
Location Gallery

Pinewood Atlanta Studios (Trilith Studios)

Red Top Mountain Quarry

Jekyll Island

Arroyo Seco Parkway Underpass

Point Dume, Malibu
Travel Tips
Best time to visit most of these locations is during spring or fall for mild weather.
Consider booking accommodations in advance, especially during tourist season.
Guided tours are available that cover Pinewood Atlanta Studios (Trilith Studios), Red Top Mountain Quarry, Jekyll Island in one day.
Filming Locations
Discover all 5 locations where ๐ฌ Where Was Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Filmed? Complete Georgia & California Location Guide was filmed
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Filming Locations
Pinewood Atlanta Studios (Trilith Studios)
The primary soundstage and production hub for the film.
Red Top Mountain Quarry
An active quarry used for large-scale outdoor sets, particularly for Ego's planet.
Jekyll Island
A coastal Georgia island lending its natural beauty to exterior shots.
Arroyo Seco Parkway Underpass
An iconic urban landmark in Pasadena used for a fleeting scene.
Point Dume, Malibu
A scenic coastal bluff used for inspiration or establishing shots of Earth-like environments.
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