Where was War for the Planet of the Apes filmed?
The War for the Planet of the Apes movie, directed by Matt Reeves, is a thrilling addition to the Apes franchise. The film takes you on an unforgettable journey with Caesar and his troop, as they battle against humanity in a thrilling adventure. But, where was this epic movie filmed? In this article, we will take you through the top locations where War for the Planet of the Apes was shot.
Principal Filming Locations
The principal filming locations for War for the Planet of the Apes were scattered across Canada, the United States, and Iceland.
| Location | Country |
|---|---|
| Squamish, British Columbia | Canada |
| Bowen Island, British Columbia | Canada |
| Horsefly, British Columbia | Canada |
| Alberta | Canada |
| Utah, USA | United States |
| Louisiana, USA | United States |
| Utah Valley, USA | United States |
| Hawaii (Iceland stands in) | Iceland |
Squamish, British Columbia, Canada
The opening scenes of the movie, where we see Caesar (Andy Serkis) and the apes crossing the war-torn battlefield, were filmed in Squamish, British Columbia, Canada. Squamish is a city located 45 minutes north of Vancouver, known for its outdoor recreation opportunities. The landscape of Squamish served as the backdrop for many of the battle scenes and the early travels of the apes.
Bowen Island, British Columbia, Canada
For the scene where the apes infiltrate a U.S. Army base, the filming took place on Bowen Island, British Columbia. The island’s rugged terrain and dense forest provided an ideal setting for the action-packed sequence. Bowen Island is a short ferry ride from Vancouver, making it a popular tourist destination for locals and international visitors.
Horsefly, British Columbia, Canada
Some of the exterior scenes showcasing the apes’ arduous trek through the wilderness were shot in Horsefly, British Columbia. Horsefly is a remote community situated in the Central Interior region of British Columbia, accessible only by dirt roads and air. The harsh wilderness and dramatic mountain landscapes allowed the film’s visual effects team to enhance the authenticity of the scene.
Alberta, Canada
Some action-packed sequences featuring the military and the apes’ battles were filmed in Alberta, Canada. Alberta offers a wide range of film-friendly landscapes, including forests, lakes, and rolling hills.
Utah, USA
Utah’s breathtaking national parks played a crucial role in War for the Planet of the Apes, with key scenes filmed at Arches National Park. The film’s visual effects team captured stunning vistas, including towering red rock formations and dramatic sky landscapes, to enhance the apes’ trek to the lake.
Louisiana, United States
While the exterior scenes showcasing the apes’ captivity at the DoA (Nebraska Primate Laboratories) were set in Nebraska, the actual filming took place in Louisiana, USA. The old prison facilities on the east bank of the Mississippi River in West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana, served as the primary setting for these pivotal scenes**.
Iceland stands in for Hawaii
In Hawaii (the third film installment of the trilogy), many scenes were initially planned, but ultimately not filmed, due to weather conditions, budget constraints, and environmental concerns. Iceland, renowned for its stark, icy landscapes, acted as the stand-in for the tropical region of Hawaii, providing the movie’s director, Matt Reeves, an alternative backdrop.
Conclusion:
The diverse range of filming locations, from Squamish, British Columbia, Canada, to Iceland, adds to the stunning visual splendor of War for the Planet of the Apes. Each setting played a unique role in shaping the cinematic experience. From the vast wilderness areas to the human settlements and military outposts, every location was strategically chosen to enhance the action, tension, and emotions of this thrilling tale of apes and humans battling for their survival.
