Malta: A Mediterranean Backdrop for Hollywood Hits

The sun-drenched archipelago of Malta has long been a favourite filming location for Hollywood productions, offering a diverse array of landscapes and historical architecture. From ancient cities to crystal-clear waters, Malta has played host to numerous blockbusters over the years. Here are just a few of them, along with the year they were released:

“The Spy Who Loved Me” (1977): This James Bond film used various locations in Malta, including the Dragonara Palace in St. Julian’s, which served as the exterior of the villain’s lair.

(The palace is named after Dragonara Point, the peninsula on which it was built. According to local legend, a dragon lived in caves near the peninsula whose roars reached the shore. The roaring was probably the sound of the waves breaking the rocks or the howling of the wind. It is believed that the rumours of the dragon were spread by smugglers to discourage people from going to the area. It is now a casino)

“The Midnight Express” (1978): Though set in Turkey, much of this film was shot in Malta, with Fort St. Elmo standing in for a Turkish prison.

(boasting magnificent views of the Grand Harbour, Fort St Elmo is a treasure trove of artefacts, military paraphernalia, and insights into Malta’s rich history)

Popeye” (1980): This musical comedy starring Robin Williams built an entire village set in Anchor Bay, which still stands today as a popular tourist attraction known as Popeye Village.

“Gladiator” (2000), directed by Ridley Scott, utilized Malta’s Fort Ricasoli to recreate the Roman Colosseum. The fort’s impressive stone walls and archways provided the perfect setting for the film’s epic gladiatorial scenes.

(Fort Ricasoli has also been the backdrop for films like Assassin’s Creed and Game of Thrones. Throughout the years the site has experienced some serious erosion from the battering waves, but a plan to restore it was approved in 2019)

In “Troy” (2004), the picturesque Golden Bay doubled as the shores of ancient Greece. The bay’s golden sands and turquoise waters created a stunning backdrop for the arrival of the Greek fleet.

The historical drama “Munich” (2005) transformed various Maltese locations into 1970s European cities. Valletta’s streets stood in for Rome, while the town of Mdina represented London and Athens.

“The Da Vinci Code” (2006): While most of the film was shot elsewhere, some scenes set in Rome were actually filmed in Valletta.

“Game of Thrones” (2011-2019): this popular TV series used various Maltese locations in its first season. The Azure Window, a natural limestone arch on Gozo (which unfortunately collapsed in 2017), served as the backdrop for Daenerys and Khal Drogo’s wedding. Mdina’s gate was used as the entrance to King’s Landing.

“World War Z” (2013) featured Valletta as Jerusalem, with the city’s narrow streets and limestone buildings offering an authentic Middle Eastern atmosphere. The film’s climactic scene was shot at Fort St. Elmo, a 16th-century fortress.

“By the Sea” (2015): This drama, directed by Angelina Jolie and starring herself and Brad Pitt, was filmed primarily in Gozo, with Mgarr ix-Xini bay featuring prominently.

For “Assassin’s Creed” (2016), the ancient city of Mdina served as 15th-century Spain. Its well-preserved medieval architecture provided a convincing historical setting for the film’s action sequences.

“13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi” (2016): Michael Bay’s action thriller used Malta to recreate scenes set in Libya.

More recently, “Jurassic World: Dominion” (2022) used Malta’s urban landscapes to depict a world where dinosaurs roam freely among humans. Valletta’s St. George’s Square and Merchant Street were featured prominently in chase scenes.

From historical epics to modern thrillers, Malta continues to attract filmmakers with its versatile locations and Mediterranean charm. The island’s ability to transform into various settings, coupled with its experienced film crews and tax incentives, ensures its place as a sought-after destination in the world of cinema.

Whether you are a film crew looking for that perfect location for your next movie, a corporate group seeking a well-known backdrop for one of your events, or an incentive wanting a guided tour of famous ‘movie sets’, Rigo Malta DMC will craft the perfect movie-themed event expressly for you!

For more information and ideas for your next group or incentive event in Malta, speak to the team at Rigo Malta DMC