Montreal is set for a blockbuster year with major film and TV crews flocking to the city. City streets are transformed into movie sets, filled with heart-breaking monologues and (hopefully) high-speed chases.
The city attracts film production due to its aesthetic appeal and practical benefits. Tax incentives, a variety of filming locations, and a skilled workforce make it a budget-friendly option for large-scale projects looking for a European feel without having to cross the Atlantic.
This could be the summer to meet the stars, as Blake Lively is already scouting out the best local eats while her husband Ryan Reynolds is watching movies nearby. Whether you’re on a croissant or at a crosswalk, keep your eyes peeled and your phone ready.
Here are some of the biggest (and notable) productions filmed in Montreal so far this year.
may day
Starring: Ryan Reynolds (dead pool), Kenneth Branagh (Murder on the Orient Express)
Details are still being kept under wraps, but the film is said to be an action/adventure set circa 1987 at the height of the Cold War. Early filming took place at the historic Manoir d’Youville in Châteauguay. The film will be directed by Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley, known for their work in adventure comedies. Dungeons and Dragons: Thieves’ Honor.Ryan Reynolds stars in the lead role, continuing his busy year following his appearance in Paramount Pictures imaginary friends.
IMDB list
karate boy
Starring: Ralph Macchio (karate kids), Jackie Chan (rush hour)
symbolic karate boy The latest installment in the series is scheduled to be filmed in Montreal from April to June. Ralph Macchio returns to his roots with Jackie Chan in a new story that combines the essence of his beloved 1984 original with elements of his 2010 reboot.
The story revolves around Li, a teenage martial artist from Beijing who moves to Brooklyn with his mother for a new job. Suffering from past tragedies and conflict with her mother, Lee finds solace and new direction by forming a bond with Mia and Mia’s father, Victor, who owns the local pizza shop. Despite his mother’s opposition to violence, Lee begins training Victor in martial arts, drawing him back into the competitive world he thought he had left behind.
IMDB list
extraordinary
Starring: Nina Kiri (The Handmaid’s Tale), Vincent Leclerc (ghost)
This military drama is based on the memoirs of Sandra Perron, the first female officer in the Canadian Infantry, and depicts her harrowing experiences during her military service and after her controversial resignation. A fascinating investigation and intense media scrutiny uncover secrets, and the story reveals her battlefield where her most formidable enemies were not behind enemy lines, but within her own ranks.
IMDB list
What I want for Christmas (tentative title)
Cast: TBA
Details about the film are still under wraps, but the city is once again setting the stage for what could become the next cozy holiday staple. Cameras will be rolling in April and May at Incendo, a Canadian production company known for creating romantic comedy magic. The film falls into the “movie of the week” category, following the tradition of holiday movies designed for the small screen.
It’s not yet clear which network will acquire the broadcast rights, but history may suggest a landing spot like Netflix Canada, which previously showcased Montreal’s Christmas charm. Always single. Following the success of the film, which featured a popular cast and a local cafe, this upcoming project could bring another feather in Montreal’s festive spirit.
the final frontier
Starring: Jason Clarke (zero dark thirty)
This new Apple TV+ series follows U.S. Marshal Frank Remnick, who is tasked with overseeing an isolated Alaskan wilderness. His life changes when a prison transport plane crashes, releasing dozens of violent inmates into the wild.
The 10-episode series will begin filming in Montreal in February and is scheduled to wrap up in October. Filming took place in several locations in Canada, including the Montmorency Forest and Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, to recreate the Alaskan winter.
IMDB list
Ghost (Season 3)
Starring: Rose McIver (iZombie), Utkarsh Ambudkar (free guy)
A young couple, Sam and Jay, inherit a large mansion that they plan to convert into a bed and breakfast, but they are unaware that it is already occupied by a group of eccentric ghosts. Their plan takes a supernatural turn when Sam gains the ability to see his roommate’s ghost after an accident.
Although filming for the CBS sitcom primarily takes place on soundstages in Montreal, the exterior of the mansion is located about an hour from Montreal. Last season featured scenes filmed at the Morgan Arboretum on West Island.
IMDB list
The cover image of this article is used for illustrative purposes only.
