I. Introduction
‘Free Guy’ is a 2021 science fiction action-comedy movie directed by Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Reynolds, Jodie Comer, Lil Rel Howery, and Taika Waititi. The movie tells the story of a non-playable character in a video game that becomes self-aware and decides to take control of his life. In this article, we will explore the various filming locations used in the making of this exciting movie and show you how to experience Boston like a character in the movie.
II. A Comprehensive Guide to the Filming Locations of ‘Free Guy’
The filming locations of ‘Free Guy’ showcase some of the most iconic places in Boston. The movie was filmed in several locations around the city, including city landmarks, local businesses, and university campuses. Here is an overview of each filming location used in the movie, their address, and directions:
- Boston Common (Boston, Massachusetts 02111) – A historic public park located in downtown Boston, used in the opening scenes of the movie.
- Faneuil Hall (1 Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston, Massachusetts 02109) – A popular marketplace and meeting hall in Boston, used in several scenes in the movie.
- Hyatt Regency Boston (1 Avenue de Lafayette, Boston, Massachusetts 02111) – A luxury hotel in Boston, used as the exterior of the bank in the movie.
- Emerson College (120 Boylston St, Boston, Massachusetts 02116) – A private college in Boston, used as the exterior of the gaming company in the movie.
- South Station (700 Atlantic Ave, Boston, Massachusetts 02111) – A transportation hub in Boston, used in the chase scene in the movie.
- Revere Beach (Revere Beach Blvd, Revere, Massachusetts 02151) – A public beach located in Revere, used as the exterior of the Big City video game in the movie.
III. ‘Free Guy’ Takes You on a Tour of Boston – Here’s Where You Can Find the Locations
Boston features heavily in the movie ‘Free Guy,’ and the film showcases the city’s rich history and iconic landmarks. Here’s a detailed exploration of the different parts of Boston that were used in the movie:
Boston Common
Boston Common is a historic public park located in the heart of Boston’s downtown area. The park spans 50 acres and is the oldest city park in the United States. This picturesque park is popular with both locals and tourists and was used in the opening scenes of ‘Free Guy.’
Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Faneuil Hall Marketplace is a popular marketplace and meeting hall in Boston. The marketplace features an array of shops, restaurants, and street performers and is surrounded by historic architecture. Several scenes in ‘Free Guy’ were filmed in the marketplace, including a scene where Guy ruins his first date with Millie.
Hyatt Regency Boston
The Hyatt Regency Boston is a luxury hotel in Boston’s downtown area. The hotel is situated in the former home of the Massachusetts Transportation Building and features stunning architecture and modern amenities. The hotel was used as the exterior of the bank in ‘Free Guy.’
Emerson College
Emerson College is a private college located in Boston’s Back Bay area. The college is known for its focus on communication and the arts and was used as the exterior of the gaming company in ‘Free Guy.’
South Station
South Station is a major transportation hub in Boston and serves as a hub for Amtrak, MBTA Commuter Rail, and MBTA subway lines. The station is located in the heart of the city and was used in the chase scene in ‘Free Guy.’
Revere Beach
Revere Beach is a public beach located in Revere, Massachusetts, just a few miles north of Boston. The beach is a popular destination in the summer months and features a boardwalk, pavilions, and restrooms. Revere Beach was used as the exterior of the Big City video game in ‘Free Guy.’
IV. Unveiling the Secrets Behind ‘Free Guy’: A Look at Where the Movie Was Filmed
Shawn Levy directed ‘Free Guy,’ which was produced by 21 Laps Entertainment. The movie was extensively filmed in Boston, which was chosen as the primary location for its unique blend of historic landmarks and modern architecture. The filmmakers faced several challenges during filming, including bad weather and managing large crowds during filming in some of the city’s busiest areas.
The decision to film in Boston was significant, as the city offered the perfect backdrop for a movie about a video game character who becomes self-aware. The city’s historic landmarks and modern architecture allowed the filmmakers to create a believable fictional world that was both familiar and unique.
During filming, Boston was transformed to meet the movie’s needs. Sets were constructed and props were brought in to create a futuristic video game world, while businesses and iconic city landmarks were closed off for filming. The filmmakers worked closely with city officials and local businesses to minimize disruption and ensure that Boston residents and tourists could continue to enjoy the city while filming took place.
V. If You Loved ‘Free Guy’ Here’s Where You Need to Go on Your Next Boston Trip
Boston is a beautiful city with plenty of things to see and do, even if you’re not a fan of ‘Free Guy.’ However, if you loved the movie and want to experience Boston like a character in the film, we have some recommendations for places to visit:
- Visit Boston Common and take a walk around the park – this is where Guy’s journey begins.
- Explore Faneuil Hall Marketplace and grab a bite to eat – this is where Guy ruins his first date.
- Take a stroll around the Back Bay neighborhood and admire the historic architecture – this is where the gaming company in the movie is located.
- Take the T (Boston’s subway system) and get off at South Station, where Guy and Millie embark on a wild chase.
- Visit Revere Beach, located just a few miles north of Boston, to see the beach where Big City is located.
Exploring Boston like a character in ‘Free Guy’ is a unique and exciting way to experience the city. Follow our guide to get the most out of your trip!
VI. Behind the Scenes: The Making of ‘Free Guy’ in Boston
Filming ‘Free Guy’ in Boston was a massive undertaking, with hundreds of crew members working around the clock to bring the movie to life. We spoke with some of the cast and crew about their experience filming the movie in Boston.
According to Ryan Reynolds, one of the biggest challenges during filming was managing the crowds in some of the city’s busiest areas. “We had to film in some pretty public places, like Faneuil Hall, and there were always tons of people around,” Reynolds said. “But Bostonians are great – they were excited to see us filming and were really supportive.”
Director Shawn Levy said that one of the most rewarding parts of filming in Boston was being able to work with local businesses and city officials. “Boston has a rich history and a vibrant culture, and we wanted to showcase that in the movie,” Levy said. “The city was incredibly supportive and helped us every step of the way.”
Fun fact: The filmmakers used more than 800 visual effects shots in the movie to bring the video game world to life!
VII. A Cinematic Journey Through the Filming Locations of ‘Free Guy’
The filming locations used in ‘Free Guy’ are some of the most iconic places in Boston. Here’s a summary of the key filming locations, including pictures and/or video footage:
- Boston Common
- Faneuil Hall Marketplace
- Hyatt Regency Boston
- Emerson College
- South Station
- Revere Beach
VIII. Touring Through the Filming Locations of ‘Free Guy’ – Everything You Need to Know
If you’re planning on organizing your own ‘Free Guy’ tour in Boston, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
- Be respectful of businesses and landmarks that were closed off for filming – some locations may be inaccessible to the public.
- Bring comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather – especially if you plan on walking around Boston Common or Revere Beach.
- Use caution when taking pictures or videos in busy areas – be mindful of your surroundings and other pedestrians.
- Stay safe and have fun exploring the city!
Here’s a recap of the filming locations used in ‘Free Guy’ and their address and directions:
- Boston Common (Boston, Massachusetts 02111)
- Faneuil Hall (1 Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston, Massachusetts 02109)
- Hyatt Regency Boston (1 Avenue de Lafayette, Boston, Massachusetts 02111)
- Emerson College (120 Boylston St, Boston, Massachusetts 02116)
- South Station (700 Atlantic Ave, Boston, Massachusetts 02111)
- Revere Beach (Revere Beach Blvd, Revere, Massachusetts 02151)
IX. Conclusion
Discovering the filming locations of ‘Free Guy’ is a unique and exciting way to experience Boston. By exploring the city like a character in the movie, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. We hope that this comprehensive guide has inspired you to plan a trip to Boston and experience the movie’s locations in person.
