Amadeus (1984)

Mission: Impossible (1996)

Blade II (2002)

  • Main Cast: Wesley Snipes, Kris Kristofferson, Ron Perlman, Leonor Varela (Blade II | Czech Film Commission).
  • Filming Locations: Filmed almost entirely in the הרפובליקה הצ'כית, with Prague doubling as itself. Production was based at Prague Studios ו Barrandov Studios for interiors and sets (Blade II – Wikipedia). Many scenes were shot on location in Prague – appropriate, as the story’s vampire underworld is set in Prague. For example, a vampire nightclub sequence was shot in a real Prague club, and city streets and sewers were used for action scenes (often at night to capture Prague’s gothic atmosphere). Some additional shooting took place in London, but Prague was the primary backdrop (Blade II – Wikipedia).
  • Production Studio(s): New Line Cinema and Marvel Enterprises. Stillking Films (Prague) provided local production services (The Illusionist | Czech Film Commission). Director Guillermo del Toro chose Prague for its mix of historic and industrial locations fitting the comic-book aesthetic. Principal photography ran March–July 2001 in Prague (Blade II – Wikipedia).
  • Behind the Scenes: The shoot took place during Prague’s cold winter, which created a moody setting but was tough on cast/crew. Del Toro joked that it was “wet and snowing” and he worked 18-hour days, 7 days a week for 110 days – while many cast members enjoyed the vibrant Prague nightlife after shooting (”Blade 2”’s director on vampires boozing in Prague). Del Toro also enjoyed Prague’s culture (even incorporating the local taste for absinthe into the film’s vampire lore in a nod to the city’s vibe (”Blade 2”’s director on vampires boozing in Prague)). This film was one of several del Toro projects in Prague (he returned for Hellboy in 2004), reflecting his positive experience with the local crews and atmosphere.
  • Why Czech Republic: Prague offered a gothic European atmosphere perfect for a vampire action film, along with modern studios and experienced crews at lower cost than the US. The city’s look – from medieval lanes to soviet-era industrial sites – matched del Toro’s vision and allowed him to set the story ב Prague authentically. Additionally, Prague’s incentives and skilled VFX and stunt teams made it an attractive choice for this mid-budget superhero film.
  • Box Office / Reception: Blade II grossed about $155 million worldwide (Blade II – Wikipedia), outperforming its predecessor. It received generally positive feedback for its stylish action and creature effects. Fans appreciated that Prague itself is referenced in the film, giving it an international flair. The movie’s success further proved Prague could handle effects-heavy Hollywood productions.

xXx (2002)

  • Main Cast: Vin Diesel, Asia Argento, Marton Csokas.
  • Filming Locations: Shot partly on location in פראג, which is also the setting for much of this espionage action film. Memorable sequences include Vin Diesel’s character Xander Cage parachuting off the גשר קארל, and an anarchist party in a Prague castle. The production filmed around Prague’s Old Town ו מאלה סטראנה districts for street scenes, and used Barrandov Studios for elaborate stunt setups. Some scenes were also filmed in Austria and California, but Prague provided the central backdrop (doubling as itself and as generic Eastern Europe in some scenes).
  • Production Studio(s): Revolution Studios and Columbia Pictures. Stillking Films handled local production in Prague, utilizing Barrandov’s facilities for staging big explosions and car chases.
  • Behind the Scenes: The highlight was shutting down Charles Bridge for a stunning stunt – Diesel’s stunt double performed a BASE jump from the bridge, an unprecedented sequence that required extensive safety rigging and cooperation from city authorities (Prague’s tourism and film professionals count on a boost from Spider-Man: Far From Home – Prague, Czech Republic) (Prague’s willingness to accommodate such stunts was notable). The August 2002 Prague floods hit during post-production of xXx, but since principal photography had wrapped, the film wasn’t as affected as some other shoots that year.
  • Why Czech Republic: The story called for an exotic European locale with both elegant architecture and post-Cold-War edge – Prague fit perfectly. The filmmakers also benefited from the Czech Republic’s lower costs for large-scale stunts and the presence of skilled stunt teams. Additionally, Prague’s “countless film appearances” in action/spy movies meant the infrastructure and know-how were in place (Prague’s tourism and film professionals count on a boost from Spider-Man: Far From Home – Prague, Czech Republic).
  • Box Office / Reception: xXx was a major box-office success, grossing over $277 million worldwide. Audiences enjoyed its high-octane action; Prague’s scenery added to the appeal, essentially making the city another character in the film. The film’s success and visible Prague set-pieces further solidified the Czech Republic’s reputation for accommodating big action productions.

The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003)

Casino Royale (2006)

The Illusionist (2006)

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008)

Jojo Rabbit (2019)

Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)

The Gray Man (2022)

TV Series Filmed in the Czech Republic

Borgia (2011–2014)

  • Synopsis: A historical drama series (created by Tom Fontana) chronicling the infamous Borgia family during the Renaissance. Not to be confused with Showtime’s “The Borgias”, this series was a European production for Canal+ and Netflix.
  • Main Cast: John Doman (as Pope Alexander VI), Mark Ryder, Isolda Dychauk.
  • Filming Locations: Filmed almost entirely in the Czech Republic, which doubled for 15th-century Italy. Production was centered at Barrandov Studios in Prague, where up to 10 large interior sets (Vatican chambers, Renaissance palaces) were built (Filming Locations Guide: Where was Britannia filmed?). The show also took advantage of Czech castles and exteriors: e.g., טירת Křivoklát ו טירת לוקט stood in for Italian fortresses, and the medieval streets of קוטנה הורה ו Česky Krumlov were used for Rome’s alleys and plazas. Czech forests outside Prague were used for countryside scenes and battlefields.
  • Production Studio(s): Atlantique Productions and HBO Europe, with Czech co-production. Rick McCallum (former Star Wars producer who moved to Prague) produced the series (‘The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen’ at 20: Behind the scenes of the Prague-shot disaster – The Prague Reporter). Czech crews handled set construction, costumes, and more. Filming spanned three seasons from 2010 through 2013, totaling hundreds of shooting days in Czechia.
  • Behind the Scenes: The series leveraged Prague’s deep bench of artisans: Barrandov’s costume and props departments created period-accurate attire and armor (the show even rented costumes from prior epics filmed in Prague). Large-scale scenes like papal coronations were filmed at real Czech churches (such as the קתדרלת סנט ויטוס doubling for St. Peter’s). The decision to film in Czech Republic was helped by the established medieval sets from earlier projects and the relative ease of dressing Czech locations as Renaissance Italy. The crew faced the challenge of avoiding any Baroque or later architecture – Prague’s outskirts and carefully chosen towns provided sufficiently Gothic/Renaissance backdrops. The multilingual international cast was at home in Prague for the multi-year shoot.
  • Why Czech Republic: For a series set in 1490s Rome, filming in Italy might seem logical, but Prague offered cost-efficient studios and flexible location options. The Czech Republic by then had a reputation for historical dramas (having hosted films like The Illusionist ו Elizabeth). Crucially, Prague’s Barrandov Studios provided the capacity to build massive sets (the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel was reconstructed on a soundstage). Tax incentives and lower costs made it feasible to produce three seasons with high production values. In short, Czechia gave the producers “Hollywood quality” on a European TV budget.
  • קבלה: Borgia was well received in Europe and found a global audience via Netflix. Viewers consistently praised its lavish set design and locations – many of those accolades belong to the Czech teams and scenery. The success of Borgia further solidified Prague’s status as a go-to location for historical series, leading to subsequent projects of similar ilk choosing Czechia.

Britannia (2018–2021)

  • Synopsis: A fantasy-infused historical drama about Rome’s invasion of Britannia (Celtic Britain) in 43 AD, featuring Druids and tribal queens.
  • Main Cast: David Morrissey, Kelly Reilly, Nikolaj Lie Kaas, Zoë Wanamaker.
  • Filming Locations: Filmed largely in the Czech countryside and studios, with some scenes in Wales. The countryside around Prague provided the main outdoor locations for ancient Britain (Where is Britannia filmed? – Radio Times). Rolling hills, dense forests, and rivers in Czech regions (such as Middle Bohemia ו Bohemian Switzerland) stood in for Britannia’s wilderness. For example, the production used the Hrubá Skála rock formations ו Prachov Rocks (Bohemian Paradise) to depict mystical druid groves and hill forts (these unique sandstone spires look otherworldly on camera). Coastal scenes were faked with VFX, combining shots from Wales with Czech landscape elements. All major interiors were shot at Barrandov Studios in Prague – the studio built 10 large sets including Celtic villages (with thatched huts), a Druid temple, and a Roman encampment (Filming Locations Guide: Where was Britannia filmed?) (Where was Britannia filmed | CN Traveller). A massive outdoor set for a Celtic hillfort (the “Amber Palace”) was constructed near Prague, complete with palisades and huts, to allow long camera sweeps.
  • Production Studio(s): Vertigo Films and Neal Street Productions for Sky Atlantic/Amazon, with support from Czech Television. Filming of Season 1 took place July–Dec 2016 on Czech locations (New Historical Drama Britannia Filmed in the Czech Republic). Stillking Films again provided local production services. Season 2 and 3 also returned to Czechia for consistency, though some UK shooting increased in later seasons.
  • Behind the Scenes: Producer Rick McCallum (who had also done Borgia ו Young Indy in Prague) spearheaded the Czech shoot (“Prince Caspian” in the Czech Republic | Czech Film Commission). The production spent 145 shooting days in Czech Republic for Season 1 alone (New Historical Drama Britannia Filmed in the Czech Republic) – a huge commitment. They built extensive outdoor sets at Prague’s Letňany area and backlots, which remained in place for reuse in subsequent seasons, effectively making a standing “ancient Britain” backlot. The interiors at Barrandov were so elaborate (throne rooms, underground caves) that they eventually opened some for public tours after filming, showcasing Czech set design craftsmanship (Prague-Shot TV Series ‘Knightfall’ Premieres Worldwide). Britannia also employed Czech stunt performers and horsemasters for its battle scenes; the wide open fields near Prague were ideal for staging chariot chases and skirmishes. The mixture of Czech and Welsh footage was handled by the same cinematography team to ensure a seamless look – many viewers assumed it was all UK, which is a testament to Czechia’s landscapes blending in.
  • Why Czech Republic: The showrunners cited the “vast variety of landscapes in close proximity” around Prague as a key reason (Where is Britannia filmed? – Radio Times). In a single day’s radius, the crew could film in forests, rocky mountains, and open meadows without relocating the base of operations – impossible in crowded England. Moreover, Barrandov’s facilities and skilled crews allowed them to create Iron Age villages and Roman forts from scratch, which would have been far costlier in the UK. The Czech Republic’s competitive incentive program and the producers’ familiarity with Prague (McCallum’s endorsement carried weight) sealed the deal. Essentially, Czechia offered a one-stop shop for an ancient world – much as it did for Game of Thrones in its early planning (Prague was considered for GoT too).
  • קבלה: Britannia gained a cult following for its bold style. The visuals – trippy druid rituals in misty forests, battles on windswept hills – were frequently praised. Many of those visuals were Czech locations enhanced with a bit of CGI magic. The success of Britannia demonstrated that Prague could host large-scale TV productions on par with premium cable shows, paving the way for other fantasy series (like Amazon’s Carnival Row ו Wheel of Time) to invest in Czech production.

Genius: Einstein (2017)

  • Synopsis: Season 1 of National Geographic’s anthology series Genius, depicting the life of Albert Einstein – from his youth through his Nobel-winning years.
  • Main Cast: Geoffrey Rush (older Einstein), Johnny Flynn (young Einstein), and Emily Watson.
  • Filming Locations: Filmed in the Czech Republic, which doubled as multiple European settings in Einstein’s life. פראג itself plays a role – Einstein lived in Prague in 1911–12, and the production shot scenes in Prague’s historic אוניברסיטת צ'ארלס courtyard and Prague’s streets (standing in for early 1900s Prague and sometimes for Zurich/Bern). The show also used Liberec to mimic German cities, and Brno for some university scenes. Interiors (e.g., Einstein’s classroom, laboratories, and apartments in Switzerland and Berlin) were constructed at Barrandov Studios. In one notable sequence, the production filmed at the Strahov Monastery library in Prague, using its grand interior as a stand-in for a library in Bern where Einstein debates colleagues. Additionally, period-appropriate villages outside Prague were used to portray 19th-century Germany during Einstein’s childhood flashbacks.
  • Production Studio(s): Fox 21 Television and Imagine Entertainment for NatGeo. Stillking Films provided Czech production support. Filming took place in 2016. The choice of Czech Republic came partly from producer Ron Howard’s positive experience filming Inferno in Prague the year before – he knew the value available.
  • Behind the Scenes: The production team recreated World War I-era Germany and Switzerland on Czech locations, which involved intensive set dressing: Czech street signage was replaced with German text, antique trams and Model T cars rolled through Prague’s roads, and hundreds of extras donned period attire (military uniforms, academic garb). Prague’s look was convincing for the era – for instance, the exterior of Rudolfinum (a neo-renaissance building) was used as a Berlin concert hall Einstein visits. The shooting in Prague was efficient: multiple European cities were “condensed” into the Prague area, similar to how The Gray Man would later operate. One challenge was finding a location for Einstein’s famous patent office in Bern – the production ended up using a 19th-century building in Prague’s Old Town for the exterior, and a Barrandov set for interiors. The Czech technical crews also helped with complex shots, like a scene where Einstein daydreams about riding alongside a beam of light – achieved with special rigs in a Czech studio.
  • Why Czech Republic: For a biographical series spanning several decades and countries, filming in the Czech Republic provided flexibility and budget savings. Rather than hopscotching between Germany, Switzerland, and the US, the producers found everything they needed in Czechia. The architecture in Prague and nearby towns can resemble turn-of-the-century Europe with minimal VFX. Moreover, NatGeo had a moderate budget, and Prague’s rebates and lower costs allowed them to upscale the production design (which later earned Emmy nominations). The presence of experienced crews who had done similar period pieces (costume designers, set decorators from Borgia ו Napoleon etc.) was another draw.
  • קבלה: Genius: Einstein earned strong reviews and multiple Emmy nominations. Viewers and critics lauded its authentic period feel – much credit goes to the Czech-filmed settings which convincingly transported audiences to Einstein’s Europe. National Geographic was so pleased that for Season 2 (Picasso), they again filmed in Prague and other parts of Czech Republic, reusing some crew and resources from Einstein.

Knightfall (2017–2019)

  • Synopsis: A historical drama about the Knights Templar in the 14th century, centered on their quest for the Holy Grail and the events leading up to their persecution.
  • Main Cast: Tom Cullen, Jim Carter, Padraic Delaney; (Season 2 added Mark Hamill).
  • Filming Locations: Filmed largely in the Czech Republic and Croatia. The series was headquartered at Barrandov Studios (Prague), which served as the hub for set building (Filming Locations Guide: Where was Knightfall filmed?). Many medieval interiors (the Paris Temple, castles, dungeons) were constructed on Barrandov soundstages. For exteriors, the production built a sprawling 14th-century Paris streets backlot set in Prague’s suburban area of Letňany – complete with a medieval storefronts, alleys, and a central square – which stood in for Paris throughout the series (Filming Locations Guide: Where was Knightfall filmed?). Filming also took place at real Czech castles such as Bezdez Castle ו Dobrá Voda (doubling for French strongholds). The countryside of Czechia (forests and hills in Central Bohemia) was used for Templar training grounds and battle scenes. Meanwhile, coastal and “Holy Land” scenes were filmed in Dubrovnik, Croatia (to capture the Mediterranean look). The combination allowed Knightfall to cover France, England, and the Middle East while based in Prague.
  • Production Studio(s): A+E Studios for History Channel, with Stillking Films as the Czech service producer. Season 1 filming (mid-2016) in Czech lasted ~6 months (Knightfall (season 1) – Czech Film Commission), and Season 2 (2018) similarly. Barrandov’s backlot and workshops were heavily used to create medieval sets – after filming, the impressive Paris set was left standing and there were talks of turning it into a tourist attraction (Go behind the scenes of Barrandov Studio’s 14th-century French …).
  • Behind the Scenes: The show’s creators capitalized on Prague’s film infrastructure. They noted Barrandov’s backlot space allowed them to build an entire medieval city facade that would have been impossible or too expensive elsewhere. The August 2016 start in Prague meant they contended with both summer heat (in armor) and winter snow by the time they wrapped – luckily, that suited the story’s timeline. Czech stunt teams coordinated large sword-fight sequences, including a siege on a castle wall filmed at the real Točník Castle with dozens of knights and extras. The local armory suppliers provided historically accurate weapons and armor; in fact, many props were reused from previous films like Joan of Arc (also shot in Czech). For Season 2, when Mark Hamill joined, he arrived in Prague and trained with Czech stuntmen on swordsmanship. He reportedly enjoyed the medieval set built there, remarking it was among the most elaborate he’d seen. Filming in Czech towns occasionally drew crowds (Hamill’s presence in Dubrovnik/Croatia overshadowed the low-key Prague shoot).
  • Why Czech Republic: The producers chose Czech Republic for its combination of studio facilities, experienced medieval reenactment community, and cost savings. Prague’s Barrandov Studios offered the ideal home base to recreate 14th-century Paris in a controlled environment. Moreover, the Czech Republic has a wealth of Gothic and Romanesque architecture – standing castles and churches – that lent authenticity without needing to build everything. The decision was validated when they saw they could film a knights’ council in a real 12th-century chapel (the production used the Sedlec Ossuary’s chapel for one scene) rather than a set. Financially, shooting in Western Europe (France or UK) for a similar scope was unfeasible for a cable series; Czechia’s incentive program and lower labor costs enabled Knightfall to look lavish on screen.
  • קבלה: Knightfall had mixed reviews but was appreciated by history-fantasy fans. Regardless of critiques, the production quality was often singled out – the castles, villages, and battle scenes felt believable. Much of that is owed to the Czech craftsmanship in set design and the scenic locales. The show put Barrandov’s medieval backlot on the map, possibly attracting future projects (indeed, after Knightfall, another series (Carnival Row) renovated parts of those sets for its use).

Carnival Row (2019–2023)

  • Main Cast: Orlando Bloom, Cara Delevingne, Simon McBurney, David Gyasi.
  • Synopsis: An Amazon Prime original fantasy series set in a neo-Victorian city populated by humans and mythological creatures (fae). It blends noir mystery with fantasy drama.
  • Filming Locations: Shot entirely in the הרפובליקה הצ'כית, which stands in for the fictional Burgue (a London-inspired fantasy city). The production built one of the largest outdoor sets in Prague’s modern history – an extensive period city backlot בְּ- Barrandov Studios. This massive set included winding streets, a town square, a faerie ghetto, and a waterfront (they even constructed canal-like water tanks), all evoking an 18th/19th-century city with a twist of fantasy. In Prague’s historic Libeň district, they also converted old warehouses into a soundstage for indoor scenes (like taverns and boarding houses). Real Prague locations feature subtly: e.g., the Prague sewer tunnels doubled as The Burgue’s underground in some chase scenes, and טירת סיכרוב in North Bohemia was used for the Tirnanoc faerie palace in flashbacks. Additionally, rural areas in Czech Republic were used for fae refugee camps and war scenes (forests in Jiřetín and fields near Doksany stood in for battlefields).
  • Production Studio(s): Amazon Studios and Legendary Television, with Stillking Films (Prague) as production services. Season 1 filming took place from 2017 through early 2018 in Prague. Season 2 was delayed by COVID but filmed 2020–2021, again in Prague. The total local spend was substantial – Season 1 alone reportedly invested over 1.5 billion CZK (around $65M) into the Czech economy.
  • Behind the Scenes: Carnival Row made Prague a temporary Victorian metropolis. Barrandov’s backlot was transformed with astounding detail: the art department constructed entire blocks of a Dickensian-style city, complete with working streetlamps, wrought iron balconies, and even a harbor with moored ships (a portion of the set was built around a large outdoor pool to simulate a port). This backlot was so extensive that it became a tourist curiosity visible on Google Maps. The international crew praised the Czech construction teams for their craftsmanship – many had worked on Penny Dreadful ו From Hell, bringing expertise in Victorian detail. Orlando Bloom and Cara Delevingne spent over a year total in Prague during the two seasons and often shared on social media their favorite local spots, showing their comfort in the city. Production faced a major challenge when COVID-19 halted filming in March 2020 with Season 2 half-done; the set sat idle until filming resumed in summer 2020 under strict protocols. The Czech authorities allowed the production to continue through late 2020 when many countries were shut down, thanks to robust safety measures – this prevented further delay and showcased Prague’s support for the industry even in crisis.
  • Why Czech Republic: The showrunners selected Prague for its capacity to deliver a complex period fantasy world efficiently. Few places have the studio space to build an entire fantasy city and also nearby real locations that blend in. Prague provided both: Barrandov for construction, and a wealth of 19th-century architecture in the region to augment it. Cost was a factor too – creating Carnival Row’s world on a Los Angeles backlot or in London would have been prohibitively expensive, whereas Prague’s costs (plus incentives of 20% rebate) made it viable. Moreover, Prague’s talented crews (set designers, costume makers, VFX artists) had experience with steampunk/Victorian aesthetics. The presence of companies like UPP (a Prague VFX house) meant post-production could also be partly done locally. In sum, Czech Republic offered a one-stop, budget-conscious solution to build a rich fantasy setting from the ground up.
  • קבלה: Carnival Row received mixed-to-positive reviews; however, its production design and world-building were universally praised. Critics noted the “lavish, cinematic quality” of the cityscape – effectively a star of the show – which is a credit to the Prague-built sets and locations. The series ran for two seasons; upon completion, the massive set was one of the largest ever built in Central Europe, underlining how far the Czech production industry had come. Carnival Row also employed hundreds of Czech crew and extras, leaving a lasting positive impact on the local industry (and many fantastical costumes and props that now remain in Barrandov’s archives for future productions).

The Wheel of Time (2021–present)

  • Main Cast: Rosamund Pike, Daniel Henney, Zoë Robins, Madeleine Madden.
  • Synopsis: An Amazon Prime epic fantasy series based on Robert Jordan’s novels, involving a world of magic and a looming Dark One, with filming spanning multiple countries.
  • Filming in Czech Republic: Prague is a major production hub for the series. Amazon built a dedicated studio facility called Jordan Studios in Prague’s Letňany district – repurposing a former truck factory into soundstages and workshops (‘The Wheel of Time’, season three, is now shooting in Prague – The Prague Reporter). Starting with Season 1 (2019–2020), many interior sets (for villages, fortresses, the White Tower of Tar Valon, etc.) were constructed here. The show also makes extensive use of Czech Republic’s stunning natural landscapes for exterior scenes. For Season 1, the הפארק הלאומי שוויץ בוהמית was prominently featured – the characters journey through majestic forests and climb the Pravčická Brána sandstone arch (seen in episode scenes, it’s the largest natural stone bridge in Europe) (New Amazon series ‘The Wheel of Time’ features spectacular Czech …). The גן עדן בוהמי region (Prachov Rocks) with its otherworldly rock spires served as the “Two Rivers” locale backdrop and other wilderness areas (New Amazon series ‘The Wheel of Time’ features spectacular Czech …). Additionally, medieval castles like טירת לוקט ו טירת בוזוב were used for fortress exteriors (with CGI enhancements). While the series also films in Slovenia, Croatia, and Spain, the Czech Republic provides the base and a significant portion of the settings, especially for forests and towns.
  • Production Studio(s): Amazon Studios & Sony Pictures Television. Czech production services by Stillking and Jordan Studios. Season 1 filming in Czech began September 2019 but was interrupted by the COVID-19 outbreak in March 2020 (the crew had to pause in Prague). Filming resumed under strict conditions later in 2020 and wrapped in Czech by 2021 (‘The Wheel of Time’, season three, is now shooting in Prague – The Prague Reporter). Season 2 (2021) and Season 3 (2023) are also based in Prague – Season 3 filming officially kicked off in April 2023 in Prague and will run for over six months (‘The Wheel of Time’, season three, is now shooting in Prague – The Prague Reporter). Each season employs hundreds of Czech crew members; Season 3 will involve on-location shooting “around the Czech Republic” in addition to the Prague studio work (‘The Wheel of Time’, season three, is now shooting in Prague – The Prague Reporter).
  • Behind the Scenes: The creation of Jordan Studios in Prague is a testament to the show’s commitment to Czech Republic. This bespoke studio complex in Letňany includes high-ceiling stages for large sets (one can imagine an entire throne room or village interior erected there). It’s named after author Robert Jordan, indicating the producers see it as home base. During Season 1’s pandemic halt, the cast and crew stayed in Prague, and the Czech government’s quick allowance for production to restart (with proper protocols) meant Wheel of Time was one of the first major shows back filming in mid-2020 (‘The Wheel of Time’, season three, is now shooting in Prague – The Prague Reporter). The Czech locations have provided breathtaking visuals – for instance, scenes shot at Damnach Creek (a river in Czechia) for the introductory battle of Season 1 gave a cinematic scope. The production also leveraged Czech stunt talent for its big action set pieces (the Battle of Bel Tine festival was coordinated by a Prague stunt team on a backlot set). For Season 2, the crew returned to many of the same Czech natural spots during different seasons to capture varied looks (summer vs. winter). Notably, Rosamund Pike relocated to Prague for the duration of filming and even brought her family – she spoke in interviews about enjoying the city and countryside on days off, highlighting Prague’s livability for long shoots.
  • Why Czech Republic: Simply put, Czechia offers a versatile fantasy playground. The decision to base in Prague was influenced by its central location and ability to reach diverse terrain (mountains, forests, medieval towns) within a few hours. The cost advantage is significant for a series with extensive VFX and set needs – money saved on location shooting can be funneled into CGI and costumes. Also, by building their own studio (with support from Czech partners), Amazon ensures greater control and privacy compared to renting space in more crowded studio markets. The Czech government’s welcoming stance (especially during COVID) and Amazon’s positive experience with Carnival Row likely reinforced the choice. In addition, Prague’s talented workforce across departments (construction, set decoration, prosthetics, etc.) was crucial for a show that requires creating entire imaginary cultures and creatures from scratch.
  • קבלה: The Wheel of Time became Prime Video’s most-watched series of 2021 on debut, with nearly 5 billion streaming minutes in its first month (‘The Wheel of Time’, season three, is now shooting in Prague – The Prague Reporter). Viewers have appreciated the expansive world-building – much of which is visible thanks to on-location shooting rather than green screen. The lush Czech landscapes and grand sets built in Prague contributed to the show’s high production value noted by fans. The success of WoT in Czech Republic also set a precedent: Amazon’s even bigger fantasy show (The Rings of Power) reportedly scouted Czech locations for future seasons, and Wheel of Time Season 3 is continuing the strong partnership with Prague. The series showcases how modern fantasy epics can be realized outside Hollywood by leveraging what countries like Czechia have to offer.

Recent and Upcoming Productions in Czech Republic

Beyond the titles above, the Czech Republic continues to attract major international productions in 2023 and beyond:

  • The Gray Man (2022) – (Discussed above in movies) A high-budget Netflix action film that shot a massive action sequence in Prague (Prague-shot ‘The Gray Man’ premieres on Netflix tomorrow – The Prague Reporter), demonstrating Czechia’s capability for modern blockbusters.
  • All Quiet on the Western Front (2022) – The Oscar-winning German WWI film was filmed largely in the Czech Republic, using Czech farmlands to depict French battlefields. It employed local crews for its visceral trench warfare scenes and won 4 Oscars. Its success highlights Czechia’s ability to host prestige war epics (following in the footsteps of 2001’s Enemy at the Gates, also shot in Prague).
  • Interview with the Vampire – Season 2 (2023) – The AMC gothic horror series has moved production to Prague for its second season (Filmography | Czech Film Commission). Sets for 18th-century New Orleans and other period locales are being built in Czechia, and filming began in 2023. This relocation is due in part to the favorable economics and scenery in Prague (the show left Louisiana amid cost considerations). Fans can expect Prague’s architecture to masquerade as both Paris and old New Orleans in this vampire saga.
  • Nosferatu (2024, upcoming) – Robert Eggers’ eagerly awaited horror film (a remake of the classic Nosferatu) was shot in Prague in 2023 (Filmography | Czech Film Commission). It stars Bill Skarsgård and Lily-Rose Depp. Prague’s gothic streets and castles will provide the eerie 19th-century Transylvanian and German atmosphere. Eggers chose Czech Republic for its expressionistic locations and because he could recreate 1800s Europe more authentically there. The production wrapped in 2023 and the film is in post-production.
  • One Life (2024, upcoming) – A British drama about Sir Nicholas Winton (starring Anthony Hopkins and Johnny Flynn) filmed in Prague in 2022 (Filmography | Czech Film Commission). The city doubled for 1930s London and Prague, as Winton organized the Czech Kindertransport rescue. The production utilized Prague’s vintage train station and historic hotels, and early buzz points to strong emotional impact. It’s set to release in late 2024, bringing Prague’s pre-war look to international screens again.
  • The Crow (reboot, 2024) – A reboot of The Crow finished filming in Prague in 2022. Prague stood in for Detroit in this dark comic adaptation. Notably, the Gray Man Prague shoot was directly followed by The Crow using some of the same locations (e.g., the Rudolfinum area) (Prague-shot ‘The Gray Man’ premieres on Netflix tomorrow – The Prague Reporter). This indicates filmmakers’ trust that Prague can mimic even American cityscapes with the right set dressing. The film (starring Bill Skarsgård) is in post-production.
  • Wheel of Time – Season 3 (2024) – As noted, Amazon’s hit fantasy is currently filming its third season entirely in Prague and across Czechia (‘The Wheel of Time’, season three, is now shooting in Prague – The Prague Reporter). Jordan Studios in Prague is busy constructing new fantastical sets. The shoot will run until late 2023, with Czech forests and villages again playing a key role. The continued investment by Amazon cements Prague’s status in high fantasy production.
  • Collider (working title, upcoming series) – Marvel Studios has reportedly scouted Prague for an upcoming MCU project code-named Collider. If it proceeds, this could mark the first full Marvel series to film in Czech Republic, following partial shoots like Falcon & Winter Soldier. It underscores Marvel’s increasing interest after Spider-Man: Far From Home’s successful Prague stint.

In summary, the Czech Republic has evolved into a prime filming destination for both Hollywood blockbusters and high-end TV series. With its versatile locations (historical and modern), state-of-the-art studios, skilled crews, and attractive incentives, it continues to draw productions ranging from period dramas to superhero epics. Prague and its surrounding towns have effectively become backlots for the world’s stories – from Mozart’s Vienna to Spider-Man’s school trip, from Nazi Germany to fantasy kingdoms – delivering authenticity and quality on screen (Prague’s tourism and film professionals count on a boost from Spider-Man: Far From Home – Prague, Czech Republic) (Another festival success filmed in the Czech Republic: Jojo Rabbit wins award at Toronto | Czech Film Commission). The trend of recent and upcoming projects shows no sign of slowing, ensuring that Czech locations will keep enchanting global audiences for years to come.

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