Why filming in Malta?
Malta, with its blend of baroque architecture, Mediterranean beauty, and modern vibrancy, has been drawing filmmakers to its shores for decades. Its diverse landscapes are perfect for portraying a variety of settings, from ancient to contemporary. Dubbed “a Hollywood in the Mediterranean” by CNN, Malta has continued to capture the imagination of the film industry, maintaining its status as a premier filming destination over the past decade.
Films shot in Malta
Game of Thrones
After witnessing Khal Drogo and Daenerys Targaryen’s wedding in Season One, Malta has become a must-visit destination for *Game of Thrones* enthusiasts! This iconic scene was filmed on Gozo, Malta’s sister island, with the stunning Azure Window providing a dramatic backdrop. Although the Azure Window in Dwejra Bay has since collapsed due to harsh weather, you can still explore the other *Game of Thrones* filming locations throughout Malta. The first season featured various towns, gardens, and fortifications across the island.
Film Locations: Mdina, St. Dominic’s Priory (Rabat), San Anton Gardens, Fort St. Angelo and Fort Ricasoli and Manoel Island
Jurassic World Dominion
*Jurassic World: Dominion*, the sixth installment in the *Jurassic Park* franchise, features both returning stars and new characters. Directed by Colin Trevorrow, the film continues the saga four years after the destruction of Isla Nublar. The cast includes familiar faces like Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Laura Dern, Sam Neill, and Jeff Goldblum.
Malta played a pivotal role in bringing *Dominion*’s stunning sequences to life. The island’s diverse landscapes provided the perfect backdrop for the film’s epic action scenes.
Maltese sites were transformed into cinematic landscapes where dinosaurs roamed, creating a compelling connection between the film’s plot and Malta’s real-world charm. Malta’s inclusion not only enriched the visual appeal of the film but also highlighted the island’s versatility as a premier filming destination for major Hollywood productions.
Film Locations: Valletta, Vittoriosa and the coast at Pembroke
Assassin’s Creed
Released in 2016, this action-adventure sci-fi film stars Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard and is directed by Justin Kurzel. Based on the popular action-adventure video game, the film follows Callum Lynch, who explores his ancestor’s memories through advanced technology, gaining the skills of a Master Assassin to combat the sinister Templar society.
Many of the film’s intense combat scenes were shot in Malta, particularly in Valletta, adding a layer of authenticity and vividly capturing the essence of the assassins’ battleground. Valletta’s rich historical backdrop was cleverly used to represent a Spanish village during the 15th century, set against the backdrop of the Spanish Inquisition.
Film Locations: Valletta
Gladiator
The Oscar-winning action/adventure film released in 2000, directed by Ridley Scott, tells the story of General Maximus, who is betrayed, stripped of his rank, and forced to fight as a gladiator in the arena. After Commodus murders his father, Emperor Marcus Aurelius, and seizes power, Maximus seeks vengeance against the corrupt Commodus for the murder of his family and his own enslavement.
Malta brilliantly stood in for ancient Rome, bringing authenticity to the film’s historical setting.
Film Locations: Fort Ricasoli in Kalkara, the picturesque Valletta Ditch in Saint Michael’s Bastion, Grand Harbour in Valletta
Troy
Experience the magic of *Troy* in Malta!
Malta’s historic treasures and scenic landscapes offered the perfect backdrop for this epic film.
Wander through Mdina, Malta’s Silent City, and find yourself in a mythological realm.
Immerse in the otherworldly beauty of the Blue Grotto and see how Malta’s rich history and skilled locals contributed to the grandeur of *Troy*.
Film Locations: Fort Ricasoli and Mellieħa
World War Z
Get ready for a thrilling, heart-pounding ride with *World War Z*, a horror-action film based on Max Brooks’ novel!
Released in 2013 and directed by the talented Marc Forster, the film stars Brad Pitt as Gerry Lane, a former United Nations employee racing against time to save humanity from a devastating zombie pandemic.
Some of the most intense scenes in the movie were filmed in the stunning and versatile city of Valletta. Valletta doubled as Jerusalem, where Gerry encounters a group of people inside the walled city, chanting and singing fervently.
The sound attracts zombies, who invade the narrow streets of Valletta, creating chaos and panic among the crowd.
Valletta’s bright sunshine and its distinctive bronzed limestone landscape added vividness to the scenes, perfectly complementing the exceptional work of the cast and crew.
Film Locations: Valletta
