Exploring the Filming Locations of No Time to Die
With 25 films in the Bond universe, it’s hard to bring the world’s most famous fictional super spy to new destinations. Italy has served as a backdrop in eight Bond films, including nearly all of Daniel Craig’s tenure. London, home to the MI6 headquarters, has played a starring role in nearly every movie. Both locations make appearances in the latest flick, No Time to Die. However, some of the film’s most incredible scenes are from less frequently featured destinations. The movie brings Bond back to Jamaica, where author Ian Fleming first created the character, for only the second time, highlighting its significance in Bond’s history.
Insight from Director Cary Fukunaga
For a deeper understanding of what it took to keep up with jet-setting Bond, we sat down with No Time to Die director Cary Fukunaga. He shared insights into how a road trip led to one of the movie’s car chase scenes, why Bond keeps returning to Italy, and what filming locations you can actually visit.
The Scenic Opener: Coastal Italy
The film opens with Bond relaxing in breathtaking areas of Italy, specifically in Matera. Italy is undoubtedly one of Bond’s most revisited locales. Daniel Craig’s journeys through Venice and Lake Como were significant in his earlier films. The choice of Italy as a location reflects Bond’s need to let go of the past, especially in emotional connection with Vesper Lynd.
The movie opens along coastal Italy, moving quickly to the winding streets of Matera.
Returning to Jamaica
Bringing Bond back to Jamaica was an important decision for the film, reflecting the birthplace of the character. Producer Barbara Broccoli emphasized this choice as a tribute to both the franchise’s legacy and Ian Fleming, who wrote many of the original stories in Jamaica.
Finding Bond’s Waterfront Villa
The villa was discovered in a secluded cove just outside Port Antonio. Fukunaga recalled spending time in the area around GoldenEye, where Fleming lived and wrote. The team’s goal was to find a location that combined beauty and isolation, ultimately leading to a unique construction set on the beach.
Recreating Cuba
Creating an authentic replica of Cuba presented a challenge, leading the team to scout locations in Kingston. Although they couldn’t shoot in Cuba, production moved to Pinewood Studios in London, where they built an impressive set. This fortuitous decision allowed the team to efficiently film the necessary scenes, ultimately completing the sequence at the end of production.
Exploring the filming locations of No Time to Die provides a unique glimpse into Bond’s world. Moreover, it showcases the artistry and dedication of the film crew in bringing various enchanting locales to life on screen.
