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🎬 Where Was The Matrix 4 Resurrections Filmed? Complete San Francisco Location Guide

2021

Lana Wachowski

Added January 15, 2024

5 Locations

Uncover the real-world spots where 'Resurrections' brought the Matrix back to life. Explore iconic San Francisco alongside Neo and Trinity!

About 🎬 Where Was The Matrix 4 Resurrections Filmed? Complete San Francisco Location Guide

🎬 Where Was The Matrix 4 Resurrections Filmed? Complete San Francisco Location Guide

Ready to unplug from your reality and dive back into the Matrix? 🔌 The latest installment, The Matrix Resurrections, brought Neo and Trinity back to the screen, but it also brought the iconic sci-fi saga back to a very real and significant place: San Francisco!

This isn't just a movie about red pills and blue pills; it's a visual love letter to the vibrant, chaotic, and utterly unique cityscape of San Francisco. The film weaves the city's iconic landmarks and bustling streets directly into its fabric, making them feel as much a part of the narrative as the characters themselves.

From thrilling rooftop jumps to intense street-level confrontations, the Bay Area truly became a character in its own right. You'll recognize landmarks and street corners that transformed into the heart of the simulated world, inviting you to step into the footsteps of your favorite heroes.

So, grab your trench coat and your coolest shades, because we're about to show you how to experience the Matrix in the real world. Get ready to explore the stunning, mind-bending locations of The Matrix Resurrections!

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🗺️ Major Filming Locations

🎬 Columbus Tower (aka Sentinel Building) - Iconic Green Beacon 💚

Scenic view of Columbus Tower showing its distinctive flatiron shape and green facade

🏛️ The Location

This distinctive flatiron building, with its striking green copper façade, is a San Francisco landmark located at the nexus of Chinatown, North Beach, and the Financial District. Completed in 1907, it's known for its unique architecture and storied past, currently serving as the headquarters for Francis Ford Coppola's American Zoetrope film company.

🎥 In the Film

The Columbus Tower appears multiple times, establishing the film's San Francisco setting and grounding the seemingly ordinary lives of Neo and Trinity in the city. Its unique presence serves as a visual anchor, hinting at the familiar yet subtly altered reality of the Matrix in this new iteration.

📍 Visitor Info

📍 Address: 916 Kearny St, San Francisco, CA, USA

🕒 Hours: Exterior always visible; interior access limited to registered businesses.

💰 Admission: Free to view from exterior.

🌐 Website: N/A (private business building)

💡 Pro Tip: Grab a coffee from a nearby cafe in North Beach for the perfect view of this architectural gem! 🎬 Fun Fact: The building famously survived the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire, a testament to its robust construction.

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🎬 122 West Portal Avenue - Everyday Anomalies 🏡

Stunning architecture of West Portal capturing a bustling street scene at dusk

🏛️ The Location

West Portal Avenue is the main commercial street of the charming West Portal neighborhood in San Francisco. It's known for its small-town feel within the big city, lined with independent shops, restaurants, and the entrance to a crucial Muni Metro tunnel.

🎥 In the Film

This location is featured in a key scene where Neo (as Thomas Anderson) encounters certain characters within the seemingly mundane reality of the Matrix, hinting at the glitches beneath the surface. It grounds the fantastical elements of the film in an everyday, relatable urban setting.

📍 Visitor Info

📍 Address: 122 West Portal Avenue, San Francisco, CA, USA

🕒 Hours: Public street, accessible 24/7. Shops have varying hours.

💰 Admission: Free to walk around.

🌐 Website: https://westportalmerchants.com/

💡 Pro Tip: Explore the independent bookstores and cafes – West Portal has a cozy, community vibe far from the downtown bustle. 🎬 Fun Fact: The West Portal neighborhood is primarily residential, making it an unusual but effective choice for a Matrix scene, emphasizing the ubiquity of the simulation.

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🎬 Babelsberg Studio - Where Worlds Are Built 🎥

Beautiful view of Babelsberg Studio showcasing its grand entrance and iconic signage

🏛️ The Location

Studio Babelsberg, located near Berlin in Potsdam, Germany, is the oldest large-scale film studio in the world and one of the most prestigious. It has been the production hub for countless international blockbusters and classic films since 1912, boasting state-of-the-art sound stages and backlots.

🎥 In the Film

While many scenes were filmed on location in San Francisco, a significant portion of The Matrix Resurrections, particularly the elaborate sets, green screen work, and intricate stunt sequences, were executed at Studio Babelsberg. This combination allowed for immense creative control and the seamless integration of digital and practical effects.

📍 Visitor Info

📍 Address: August-Bebel-Straße 26-53, 14482 Potsdam, Germany

🕒 Hours: Access is primarily for film productions. Filmpark Babelsberg (adjacent theme park) has specific hours.

💰 Admission: Studio tours are infrequent; refer to Filmpark Babelsberg for visitor info.

🌐 Website: https://www.studiobabelsberg.com/en/

💡 Pro Tip: If you're a film buff in Germany, check for any special public tours or conventions held at the studio for a rare glimpse behind the scenes! 🎬 Fun Fact: Famous films like Metropolis, The Blue Angel, The Bourne Supremacy, and Inglourious Basterds have all been filmed at Babelsberg Studio.

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🎬 Intersection of Market Street and Mason Street - Downtown Thrills 🏙️

Impressive facade of Market Street at dusk displaying the vibrant city lights and iconic streetcars

🏛️ The Location

Market Street is San Francisco's busiest and most iconic thoroughfare, serving as a central artery for public transportation and a hub for commercial activity. The intersection with Mason Street is a particularly vibrant downtown crossroads, close to Union Square and multiple transit lines.

🎥 In the Film

This bustling intersection played a pivotal role in some of the film's most dynamic action sequences, particularly the memorable car and foot chases. The everyday chaos of Market Street was amplified to create thrilling moments of danger and pursuit, showcasing the Matrix's unpredictable nature.

📍 Visitor Info

📍 Address: Intersection of Market Street and Mason Street, San Francisco, CA, USA

🕒 Hours: Public street, accessible 24/7.

💰 Admission: Free.

🌐 Website: N/A (public intersection)

💡 Pro Tip: Take a ride on one of San Francisco's historic streetcars (Muni F Line) along Market Street to experience the city like Neo and Trinity! 🎬 Fun Fact: Market Street is designed to allow cable cars to pass through and is a staple in many movies set in San Francisco, not just The Matrix Resurrections.

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🎬 Intersection of Kearny Street and California Street - Leap of Faith 🌉

Authentic street scene of Kearny Street capturing a bustling intersection with San Francisco's skyline

🏛️ The Location

Kearny and California Streets intersect in the heart of San Francisco's Financial District, characterized by towering skyscrapers and steep inclines. This area offers dramatic views of the city's architecture and the bay beyond, making it a frequent backdrop for cinematic moments.

🎥 In the Film

This intersection is forever etched in fans' minds as the location for one of the film's most talked-about and ambitious stunts: Neo and Trinity's breathtaking leap from a skyscraper rooftop. The verticality and dense urban feel of this area made it the perfect stage for such a gravity-defying sequence.

📍 Visitor Info

📍 Address: Intersection of Kearny Street and California Street, San Francisco, CA, USA

🕒 Hours: Public street, accessible 24/7.

💰 Admission: Free.

🌐 Website: N/A (public intersection)

💡 Pro Tip: Find a good vantage point to admire the architecture in this area – the sheer height of the buildings gives you a taste of the film's vertical action. 🎬 Fun Fact: The "jump" scene was reportedly a practical stunt (with safety rigging and wires, of course!), showcasing the film's commitment to real action over pure CGI where possible.

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🎬 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets

Diving into the world of The Matrix Resurrections wasn't just a cinematic journey; it was a complex dance between innovation, nostalgia, and a very real global pandemic. Lana Wachowski's return meant pushing boundaries while still honoring the iconic legacy.

🎭 Director's Vision

🎯 Location Strategy: Wachowski chose San Francisco not just for its visual appeal but for its significance as a tech hub, mirroring the film's themes of simulation and digital reality. The city's unique geography also offered perfect backdrops for high-octane sequences.

🎨 Visual Style: The film aimed for a blend of the familiar dark green and black aesthetic with a brighter, more integrated look, reflecting a Matrix that has evolved to become more sophisticated and less overtly oppressive, visually.

🎪 Production Highlights

🎬 A Pandemic Production: Resurrections was one of the first major Hollywood films to resume production after the initial COVID-19 lockdowns, setting new standards for on-set safety protocols.

🎭 Stunt Innovation: The team developed new rigging and practical stunt techniques to achieve the film's ambitious action sequences, particularly the building jumps, giving them a raw, visceral feel.

🎨 Meta-Narrative Integration: The storyline itself is highly self-aware, constantly referencing the original trilogy, a choice that influenced everything from set design to costume choices.

🎯 Global Collaboration: The seamless integration of on-location San Francisco shooting with extensive studio work in Germany showcased a truly international production effort.

🌟 Cast & Crew Stories

😄 Keanu's Return: Keanu Reeves reportedly felt a deep connection to returning as Neo, describing the experience as like picking up with old friends, making the on-screen chemistry feel effortless.

😮 Adapting to SF Traffic: Filming in downtown San Francisco presented unique logistical challenges, from navigating busy city streets to coordinating large-scale stunts amidst everyday life.

🎉 A New Era: The cast and crew often spoke about the weight of expectations but also the excitement of creating a new chapter that both respects the past and ventures into uncharted territory.

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🗺️ Plan Your Visit

Ready to step into the Matrix? San Francisco is a vibrant, easy-to-explore city, perfect for a cinematic adventure. Here's how to make the most of your trip.

🏨 Where to Stay

💰 Budget: USA Hostels San Francisco - $50-80/night - Great for solo travelers, centrally located with a fun vibe.

🏛️ Mid-Range: Hotel Abri - $180-250/night - Stylish and comfortable, near Market Street filming locations.

✨ Luxury: The St. Regis San Francisco - $400+/night - Unparalleled luxury, offering breathtaking views that could be straight out of the Matrix.

🚗 Getting Around

🚇 Metro: San Francisco's Muni system (buses, streetcars, historic F-line) and BART (subway) are excellent for getting around. Many filming locations are within easy reach of metro stops.

🚗 Car: Driving can be challenging due to hills, traffic, and expensive parking. Consider rideshares or public transport for most downtown excursions.

🚶 Walking: San Francisco is a walker's paradise, but be ready for hills! Many downtown locations are walkable from each other, letting you discover hidden gems.

📸 Photo Tips

🌅 Best Times: Early morning or late afternoon for golden hour lighting. For street scenes, daylight provides the most detail, but nighttime offers dramatic city lights.

📱 Instagram Spots: Recreate Neo and Trinity's leap near Kearny and California (safely from the street level!). Capture the iconic Columbus Tower from the intersection of Columbus Ave and Kearny St.

🎬 Movie Moments: Wear a long, dark coat and shades for that quintessential Matrix look, especially when posing in the downtown financial district areas.

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❓ Quick Answers

🎬 Is this based on a true story?

No, The Matrix Resurrections is a work of science fiction, an original story within the Matrix universe.

🗺️ Can I visit all locations in one day?

While you can see several key San Francisco locations in a day, visiting all of them requires planning due to their spread across different neighborhoods and the inclusion of Studio Babelsberg in Germany. Focus on a specific area of San Francisco if you only have one day.

💰 How much should I budget?

A day in San Francisco could range from $100-$300+ (excluding flights/accommodation), depending on your activity level. Expect to pay for transport, food, and any attractions.

📱 Are there guided tours?

While there are general San Francisco bus and walking tours, dedicated Matrix Resurrections filming location tours are rare. However, many San Francisco tours will pass by or discuss landmarks featured in the film.

🎭 When was this filmed?

Principal photography for The Matrix Resurrections began in February 2020 in San Francisco, paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and resumed in August 2020, concluding in November 2020. Most of the action in San Francisco happened pre-pandemic.

🌍 Is San Francisco safe for tourists?

San Francisco is generally safe for tourists, especially in major tourist areas. Like any large city, exercise common sense, be aware of your surroundings, and secure your belongings, especially on public transport.

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🎬 Ready for Your Cinematic Adventure?

The Matrix Resurrections might have challenged our perceptions of reality, but its real-world locations certainly ground it in spectacular fashion. San Francisco serves as more than just a backdrop; it's a character, a maze of possibility, and a vibrant stage for one of cinema's most thought-provoking sagas.

So, whether you're recreating iconic scenes or simply soaking in the city's unique atmosphere, exploring these locations offers a deeper connection to the film's layered narrative. Unplug from your routine and plug into the adventure that awaits. Share your own Matrix-inspired travel photos and tell us your favorite location from the film!

Year Released

2021

Director

Lana Wachowski

Filming Locations

5 locations

Behind the Scenes

Lana Wachowski's return to the Matrix saga injected a fresh, meta-commentary approach, directly engaging with the legacy of the original trilogy. This meant blending nostalgic call-backs with new narrative directions, often using familiar San Francisco landscapes to evoke the film's grounding in a 'realer' reality. The production seamlessly moved between bustling city streets and the cutting-edge facilities of Studio Babelsberg, creating a complex tapestry that felt both grand and intimately personal.

Production initially had the codename 'Project Ice Cream' to maintain secrecy.
Keanu Reeves (Neo) and Carrie-Anne Moss (Trinity) performed many of their own stunts.
The iconic 'bullet time' effect was reinvented with new technological advances.
Filming extensively on location in San Francisco often involved complex street closures.
Many original props and costume pieces were referenced or recreated for authenticity.
The film was one of the first major Hollywood productions to resume filming during the COVID-19 pandemic, with strict safety protocols.
Yannis Alafouzos, a San Francisco local, helped the production scout practical real-world locations.
The movie features a blend of practical effects and CGI, staying true to the Matrix franchise's innovative roots.
Composer Johnny Klimek and Tom Tykwer incorporated musical themes from the original films while adding new sonic textures.
Some scenes required the cast to jump from buildings, meticulously choreographed and safely executed.
The 'Analyst' character's office was a meticulously designed set at Babelsberg, filled with intricate details.
The film nods to modern tech culture, with characters working in game development and incorporating contemporary digital aesthetics.

Location Gallery

Columbus Tower (aka Sentinel Building)

122 West Portal Avenue

Babelsberg Studio

Intersection of Market Street and Mason Street

Intersection of Kearny Street and California Street

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 Columbus Tower (aka Sentinel Building), 122 West Portal Avenue, Babelsberg Studio in one day.