Marvel cinematic universe destinations
If you’re a fan of the Marvel universe, you
may spend some time fantasizing about visiting the mystical cities and
alternate worlds that serve as backdrops to the beloved stories. While it’s
true you can’t zap over to Asgard for a visit, fans of the Marvel films do have
a chance to see where some of the movie magic happened. If you’re looking to
plan a super vacation, consider visiting one of these locations from the films
where you can get in touch with your inner hero.
1. Edwards Air Force Base,
California (Iron Man)
Take some time to learn about
the air force while channeling Tony Stark by visiting the Edwards Air Force
Base. Scenes from Iron Man and Iron Man 2 were shot at the base, located in
Southern California. In fact, both movies featured airmen who served as extras
and took on small roles during the scenes. Though you probably won’t see Iron
Man floating around, you can take a free tour of the base, or visit the museum,
the Air Force Flight Test Museum, which is located on site.
2. Toronto, Canada (The
Incredible Hulk)
Much of this 2008 Marvel
blockbuster was shot in Toronto. Fans of the flick can take a trip to the Great
White North to visit some of Bruce Banner’s favorite haunts. Torontoist went
through and picked out many of the locations that are featured, including
several around the University of Toronto, Yonge Street and the Cherry Street
Bridge. There are also locations from the movie that were filmed in other parts
of Canada, such as CFB Trenton in Ontario, if you want to extend your
Hulk-themed trip.
3. Galisteo, New Mexico (Thor)
Galisteo has a unique claim to
fame in the Marvel universe. Unlike other locations, which were simply adapted
as settings, the crew of “Thor” constructed an entire city especially for the
movie in this small area of New Mexico, making this a must-see spot for fans of
the man with the magic hammer. Located near Sante Fe, Galisteo is a fairly
small community; however, there is a large art district for those looking to take
a studio tour, as well as the Galisteo Basin for those who want to explore the
area’s ecology.
4. United Kingdom (Captain
America: The First Avenger)
Ironically, “Captain America:
The First Avenger” was shot primarily in various locations throughout the
United Kingdom. Fans of the red, white and blue superhero now have an excuse to
travel throughout the UK visiting some of their favorite settings from the
film. Locations include spots in England, Liverpool, and Wales. Interestingly,
some of the scenes set in Brooklyn were actually shot in Manchester,
London and Liverpool, while many of the fighting and war scenes took place in
Caerwent, Wales, at the Royal Navy Propellant Factory.
5. Cleveland, Ohio (The
Avengers)
Captain America wasn’t the only
Marvel flick that used another city as a stand-in for the Big Apple. In the
first Avengers film, many of the shots that are meant to be in New York City
were actually filmed in downtown Cleveland. In fact, many Cleveland natives
served as extras for the film. New York wasn’t the only city Cleveland stood in
for, however. The scene meant to take place in Germany was also filmed there. Other
areas of Ohio also got some screen time, such as Cincinnati.
6. Iceland (Thor: The Dark
World)
As if the natural beauty and
overwhelming culture weren’t strong enough motivators to hop on a flight to
Iceland, fans of the second Thor movie now have another reason to plan a visit.
The cast and crew of “Thor: The Dark World” made their way from New Mexico,
where the first film was primarily shot, overseas to both England and Iceland
to film the second installment of the Norse god’s story. Locations in Iceland
including Reykjavík, the country’s capital, and the Skógafoss Waterfall, one of
its most popular attractions.
7. Atlanta, Georgia (Ant-Man)
Fans of Marvel’s most recent
blockbuster may want to plan a trip to Georgia to see where this pint-sized
hero saved the world. Not only did the film employ Pinewood Atlanta Studios,
but many of its key scenes were shot around the Atlanta area. If you’ve seen it
on the big screen, you may have recognized some Atlanta landmarks including the
Archives Building and Bank of America building. Like many of Marvel’s other
flicks, this film employed a lot of natives as extras and in other roles during
the movie’s production.
