๐ŸŽฌ Where Was Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Filmed? Complete Georgia & California Location Guide backdrop
ActionAdventureComedySci-Fi

๐ŸŽฌ Where Was Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Filmed? Complete Georgia & California Location Guide

2017
James Gunn
Added January 15, 2024
5 Locations

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 ๐ŸŽฌ Where Was Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Filmed? Complete Georgia & California Location Guide

๐ŸŽฌ 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! โœจ

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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๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Major Filming Locations

๐ŸŽฌ Pinewood Atlanta Studios (Trilith Studios) - The Cosmic Hub ๐Ÿš€

Scenic view of Trilith Studios campus in Fayetteville, Georgia, showing soundstages and production facilities ๐Ÿ›๏ธ The Location

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.

๐ŸŽฅ In the Film

This 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.

๐Ÿ“ Visitor Info
  • ๐Ÿ“ Address: 461 Sandy Creek Rd, Fayetteville, GA 30214, USA
  • ๐Ÿ•’ Hours: Limited public access; check website for potential tour opportunities.
  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Admission: Varies for events or specific tours.
  • ๐ŸŒ Website: https://www.trilithstudios.com
  • ๐Ÿ’ก Pro Tip: While public tours are rare, the surrounding community of Trilith features charming shops and restaurants, offering a glimpse into this unique film town. ๐ŸŽฌ Fun Fact: Trilith Studios is one of the largest purpose-built film studios in North America, a true powerhouse for the Marvel Cinematic Universe!

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    ๐ŸŽฌ Red Top Mountain Quarry - Ego's Gritty Core โ›๏ธ

    A quarry with exposed rock faces, possibly used for large exterior sets ๐Ÿ›๏ธ The Location

    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 idealโ€”and unconventionalโ€”filming location for large-scale outdoor scenes.

    ๐ŸŽฅ In the Film

    This 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.

    ๐Ÿ“ Visitor Info
  • ๐Ÿ“ Address: Specific quarry locations are often private and not open to the public without permission. Red Top Mountain State Park is nearby.
  • ๐Ÿ•’ Hours: Private property, no public access.
  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Admission: N/A
  • ๐ŸŒ Website: N/A (for the quarry itself)
  • ๐Ÿ’ก Pro Tip: While the quarry is off-limits, you can visit the beautiful Red Top Mountain State Park nearby for a taste of Georgia's natural beauty. Who knows what alien landscapes you might imagine among the trees? ๐ŸŽฌ Fun Fact: The quarry provided the perfect, rugged canvas for the creative team to build and dress the practical sets representing Ego's desolate yet powerful surface.

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    ๐ŸŽฌ Jekyll Island - The Lush Alien Jungle ๐ŸŒด

    Lush, green coastal forest on Jekyll Island, Georgia, with tall trees and dense foliage ๐Ÿ›๏ธ The Location

    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.

    ๐ŸŽฅ In the Film

    The 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.

    ๐Ÿ“ Visitor Info
  • ๐Ÿ“ Address: Jekyll Island Welcome Center, 100 Stable Rd, Jekyll Island, GA 31527, USA
  • ๐Ÿ•’ Hours: Park entrance open 24/7; attractions vary.
  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Admission: Day-use parking fee ($8 per vehicle)
  • ๐ŸŒ Website: https://www.jekyllisland.com
  • ๐Ÿ’ก Pro Tip: Explore Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island for incredibly photogenic, gnarled tree formations โ€“ perfect for an "alien planet" vibe in your photos! ๐ŸŽฌ Fun Fact: Jekyll Island's diverse ecosystems, from marshes to maritime forest, gave filmmakers a wealth of natural textures to stand in for otherworldly vegetation.

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    ๐ŸŽฌ Arroyo Seco Parkway Underpass - A Fleeting Earthly Glimpse ๐ŸŒ‰

    Historic concrete arches beneath the Arroyo Seco Parkway underpass in Pasadena, California ๐Ÿ›๏ธ The Location

    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.

    ๐ŸŽฅ In the Film

    While 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.

    ๐Ÿ“ Visitor Info
  • ๐Ÿ“ Address: Near Colorado Blvd bridge, Pasadena, CA, USA
  • ๐Ÿ•’ Hours: Always accessible
  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Admission: Free
  • ๐ŸŒ Website: N/A (Part of public road system)
  • ๐Ÿ’ก Pro Tip: This underpass is a classic Hollywood location, often seen in car commercials and films. It's a great spot for a photo op with a touch of old-school L.A. flair! ๐ŸŽฌ Fun Fact: The Arroyo Seco Parkway is one of the oldest freeways in the United States, giving its underpasses a timeless, almost cinematic quality that has been leveraged by countless productions.

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    ๐ŸŽฌ Point Dume, Malibu - Inspiration for Otherworldly Landscapes ๐Ÿž๏ธ

    Vast coastal view of Point Dume, Malibu, showing cliffs, ocean, and distant mountain ranges ๐Ÿ›๏ธ The Location

    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.

    ๐ŸŽฅ In the Film

    While 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.

    ๐Ÿ“ Visitor Info
  • ๐Ÿ“ Address: Westward Beach Rd, Malibu, CA 90265, USA
  • ๐Ÿ•’ Hours: Accessible during daylight hours.
  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Admission: Parking fees may apply at adjacent beaches (e.g., Zuma Beach lot).
  • ๐ŸŒ Website: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?pageid=626
  • ๐Ÿ’ก Pro Tip: Hike up to the Point Dume Preserve for panoramic ocean viewsโ€”itโ€™s a perfect spot for sunset photos and feeling like youโ€™re on the edge of the galaxy. ๐ŸŽฌ Fun Fact: Point Dume is a popular filming location for many Hollywood productions, often used for its dramatic cliffs and remote feel, making it a fitting inspiration for extraterrestrial landscapes.

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    ๐ŸŽฌ 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.

    ๐ŸŽญ Director's Vision

  • ๐ŸŽฏ Location Strategy: James Gunn heavily leaned into the use of practical sets, especially for Ego's planet, building sprawling, interactive environments within his primary studio space. This allowed for more natural lighting and actor performances.
  • ๐ŸŽจ Visual Style: The locations, whether real or built, were chosen and designed to enhance the film's vibrant palette and unique aesthetic. Every environment, from the Sovereign's golden world to the lush parts of Ego, had a distinct visual identity that further defined the characters' journey.
  • ๐ŸŽช Production Highlights

  • ๐ŸŽฌ Massive Sets: The film utilized some of the largest practical sets in Marvel history, covering entire soundstages to build detailed alien environments.
  • ๐ŸŽญ Digital Doubles: Extensive use of digital doubles for stunts and complex action sequences minimized on-location risk and expanded creative possibilities.
  • ๐ŸŽจ Color Coordination: Each alien species and environment had a meticulously planned color palette, influencing lighting and set design to ensure visual consistency and storytelling.
  • ๐ŸŽฏ Seamless CGI: While practical sets formed the foundation, cutting-edge CGI seamlessly integrated alien flora, fauna, and spaceships, often building upon real-world textures and landscapes.
  • ๐ŸŒŸ Cast & Crew Stories

  • ๐Ÿ˜„ Groot's Growth: Baby Groot's character development, from sapling to toddler, was rigorously storyboarded and animated, with a dedicated team ensuring his emotional beats landed perfectly.
  • ๐Ÿ˜ฎ Ayesha's Gold Problem: Actress Elizabeth Debicki (Ayesha) spent hours each day being painted gold, requiring meticulous detail to achieve her character's perfectly gilded look.
  • ๐ŸŽ‰ Director's Dance Moves: James Gunn famously provided the motion capture for Baby Groot's dance in the opening scene, showing off his unique directorial style.
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    ๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Plan Your Visit

    Ready to trace the Guardians' steps and explore some of these cinematic gems yourself? Hereโ€™s how to make your journey stellar!

    ๐Ÿจ Where to Stay

  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Budget: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Fayetteville - ~$120/night - Close to Trilith Studios and offers comfortable, no-frills accommodation perfect for a film fan on a budget.
  • ๐Ÿ›๏ธ Mid-Range: Hotel Effie Jekyll Island - ~$250/night - A modern, stylish option on Jekyll Island, offering a great base to explore the island's natural beauty and cinematic backdrops.
  • โœจ Luxury: The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta - ~$400+/night - If you're exploring the broader Georgia film scene, a luxurious stay in downtown Atlanta puts you near many production hubs and offers upscale amenities.
  • ๐Ÿš— Getting Around

  • ๐Ÿš‡ Metro (Atlanta): While Atlanta has a MARTA system, for most of these spread-out film locations (especially the studios and natural areas), public transport won't be sufficient.
  • ๐Ÿš— Car: Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring these locations, particularly in Georgia. Many sites are suburban or rural, requiring personal transportation. Parking is generally available.
  • ๐Ÿšถ Walking: Once you're at a location like Jekyll Island or Point Dume, walking trails and beach access make it easy to explore on foot and soak in the cinematic atmosphere.
  • ๐Ÿ“ธ Photo Tips

  • ๐ŸŒ… Best Times: Visit natural locations like Jekyll Island or Point Dume during sunrise or sunset for incredible golden hour light, perfect for dramatic, cinematic shots.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Instagram Spots: At Trilith Studios, look for the unique architectural details and public art that hint at its film-making purpose. On Jekyll Island, the iconic Driftwood Beach is an absolute must-see.
  • ๐ŸŽฌ Movie Moments: Feel free to recreate your favorite poses or scenes (within safety guidelines, of course!) at these locations. Channel your inner Star-Lord or Drax!
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    โ“ Quick Answers

    ๐ŸŽฌ 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.

    ๐Ÿ—บ๏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.

    ๐Ÿ’ฐ 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.

    ๐Ÿ“ฑ 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.

    ๐ŸŽญ When was this filmed?

    Principal photography for "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" began in February 2016 and concluded in June 2016.

    ๐ŸŒ 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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    ๐ŸŽฌ 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. Youโ€™ll be surprised at how much closer to the galaxy you feel when youโ€™re 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)

    Pinewood Atlanta Studios (Trilith Studios)

    Red Top Mountain Quarry

    Red Top Mountain Quarry

    Jekyll Island

    Jekyll Island

    Arroyo Seco Parkway Underpass

    Arroyo Seco Parkway Underpass

    Point Dume, Malibu

    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 ๐ŸŽฌ Where Was Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Filmed? Complete Georgia & California Location Guide was filmed

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    Interactive Location Map

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    Explore all 5 filming locations on the interactive map above. Click on markers for details.

    Filming Locations

    Map of Pinewood Atlanta Studios (Trilith Studios)
    1

    Pinewood Atlanta Studios (Trilith Studios)

    The primary soundstage and production hub for the film.

    LAT 33.48830, LNG -84.45330
    Directions
    Map of Red Top Mountain Quarry
    2

    Red Top Mountain Quarry

    An active quarry used for large-scale outdoor sets, particularly for Ego's planet.

    LAT 34.13520, LNG -84.71700
    Directions
    Map of Jekyll Island
    3

    Jekyll Island

    A coastal Georgia island lending its natural beauty to exterior shots.

    LAT 31.06640, LNG -81.42390
    Directions
    Map of Arroyo Seco Parkway Underpass
    4

    Arroyo Seco Parkway Underpass

    An iconic urban landmark in Pasadena used for a fleeting scene.

    LAT 34.14810, LNG -118.15170
    Directions
    Map of Point Dume, Malibu
    5

    Point Dume, Malibu

    A scenic coastal bluff used for inspiration or establishing shots of Earth-like environments.

    LAT 34.00410, LNG -118.80580
    Directions

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