Naman Shrestha
Based on the eponymous Marvel Comics’ character, Disney+’s ‘Wonder Man’ is a superhero comedy series created by Destin Daniel Cretton and Andrew Guest. The 17th show in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) centers on an up-and-coming, talented Hollywood actor named Simon Williams, trying to make a name for himself in the industry. His struggles subside when he meets veteran actor Trevor Slattery, who reveals that renowned filmmaker Von Kovak is working on a remake of ‘Wonder Man.’
Despite being at opposite ends of their acting careers, Simon and Trevor try to land life-changing roles in the new superhero movie. While Simon becomes the superhero on the screen, he discovers that he has supernatural powers of his own. Since the story of the action-adventure series revolves around the Hollywood industry, it is set in Los Angeles, which is the home of the Hollywood industry.
Wonder Man Filming Locations
‘Wonder Man’ is filmed in California and Georgia, especially in Los Angeles County and Atlanta. According to reports, principal photography for the inaugural iteration of the Disney+ production got underway in early April 2023 under the working title ‘Callback.’ However, due to the 2023 WGA strike, shooting was halted in May and resumed several months later in early January 2024. During the filming, a lighting technician named JC “Spike” Osorio passed away on set, having fallen from the rafters. In April 2024, the shooting process finally wrapped up.
Los Angeles, California
A major chunk of ‘Wonder Man’ was lensed in Los Angeles, where most of the story unfolds. First and foremost, many pivotal sequences were reportedly shot at the Radford Studio Center, located at 4024 Radford Avenue in the Studio City district. Home to 22 sound stages, the film studio also consists of ample office space, dressing rooms, hair and make-up rooms, green rooms, and various other amenities. Since the investigation of Osorio’s death revealed that the deteriorated conditions of the catwalk he was standing on led to his demise, the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health fined the film studio $36,000 and $45,000.
The cast and crew members of the superhero show were also spotted taping important scenes in different streets, neighborhoods, and establishments across Los Angeles. A few real-life theaters, including the Eagle Theater at 4884 Eagle Rock Boulevard, Highland Theatres at 5604 North Figueroa Street (permanently closed since February 2024), and Bruin Theater at 948 Broxton Avenue, feature in several key portions. For instance, Bruin Theater is where the scene of the ‘Wonder Man’ premiere takes place. Various portions were also shot in and around Fosters Freeze at 4967 Eagle Rock Boulevard, John Sowden House at 5121 Franklin Avenue, the Talmadge Apartments at 3278 Wilshire Boulevard, and Rod Stewart‘s MegaMansion located at the top of Benedict Canyon Drive.
While Sound Nightclub at 1642 North Las Palmas Avenue doubled for the fictional The Wilcox, Taix French Restaurant at 1911 Sunset Boulevard is where Simon and Trevor catch up over a drink. Numerous other restaurants and eateries in Los Angeles hosted the production of ‘Wonder Man,’ such as Clark Street Diner at 6145 Franklin Avenue, Power House Bar at 1714 Highland Avenue, Mother Wolf at 1545 Wilcox Avenue, and Break Room 86 at 630 South Ardmore Avenue. The filming unit also set up camp around the Danny Trejo Mural at 13349 Van Nuys Boulevard in the Pacoima neighborhood and the Hollywood Boulevard. Multiple exterior scenes were also recorded on the New York backlot of the Paramount Studios at 5515 Melrose Avenue.
The production team also headed to the town of Yucca Valley, where they took over the Frontier Café at 55844 Twentynine Palms Highway to shoot a few key scenes. In an interview with TV Insider, production designer Michele Yu stated, “It was incredible to film in LA. The city has a history with the film and television industry that doesn’t compare with any other place on Earth. Even in these times where everything feels so uncertain, working on this show was a nice reminder of why we got into this industry. LA isn’t just a dream factory, it’s a community — and there’s no community like the film and TV community, no matter what part of town you’re in.”
Atlanta, Georgia
For the purpose of shooting, the production team of ‘Wonder Man’ also traveled to the city of Atlanta — the capital of Georgia and the county seat of Fulton County. Located among the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, the Hollywood of the South served as another prominent production location. During a conversation with Marvel, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II was asked about his favorite day on set. He opened up, “…So it’s my first day on set, and I don’t know the crew. We have our crew, but we also have the fake crew! And I’m used to be treated… well, like a star. But Simon is not a star! Simon doesn’t have a golf cart. Simon is standing around on set, and he doesn’t have a chair. And I was so discombobulated in that moment! It was strange. It was humbling. I did not like it. That first day of filming was very confusing to me.”
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