In a world where things aren’t always what they seem, sometimes the most iconic moments happen right under our noses.
Marrakech – Morocco is one of the most picturesque countries in North Africa, and its landscapes, architecture, and rich history have made it a popular filming destination for many iconic movies and TV shows.
The country’s diverse scenery, ranging from the vast deserts to its ancient cities, has provided the perfect backdrop for numerous international productions.
James Bond: Spectre
One of the most famous films to feature Morocco is James Bond: Spectre. The film’s opening sequence was shot in the desert landscape near the city of Ouarzazate, a well-known film hub in Morocco.
The dramatic desert scene showcases Bond racing through the arid landscape, adding a high-octane, exotic flair to the movie’s action scenes.
The rugged beauty of Morocco’s Sahara Desert was a perfect choice for Bond’s dangerous mission.
Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation
Another blockbuster filmed in Morocco is Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation. The film’s breathtaking car chase scenes and thrilling moments were filmed in the bustling streets of Casablanca.
The city’s vibrant atmosphere and its mix of modern and traditional architecture offered the perfect setting for the film’s tense action sequences, adding an authentic cultural touch to the espionage thriller.
American Sniper
American Sniper, directed by Clint Eastwood, also made use of Morocco’s diverse locations.
While the film’s plot is set in Iraq, many of the desert and battle scenes were filmed in Morocco.
The vast, desolate landscapes of the country’s southern regions doubled as the Middle East, providing the perfect illusion of a war-torn setting.
The Mummy
The 1999 film The Mummy, starring Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz, is set in the deserts of Egypt, but much of the filming was done in Morocco.
The city of Ouarzazate was used for many scenes, including the mysterious ruins and ancient temples that are central to the plot.
The striking contrast of the desert with the ancient architecture of Morocco made it a compelling location for supernatural adventure.
Sexy and the City 2
Sex and the City 2 took its glamorous characters to Morocco, where the women embarked on a luxurious adventure to Abu Dhabi.
In reality, however, the scenes depicting exotic desert landscapes and colorful souks were filmed in Morocco.
With its vibrant markets and luxurious resorts, the city of Marrakech served as a stand-in for the upscale Arabian city, giving the film a perfect dose of opulence and culture.
Game of Thrones
The epic fantasy series Game of Thrones also made use of Morocco’s distinctive architecture and landscapes.
The city of Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was used to represent the fictional city of Yunkai in the Dothraki Sea.
The ancient kasbahs and their towering walls provided the perfect setting for the show’s iconic scenes.
Additionally, the stunning beaches of Essaouira were used to represent the coast of Slaver’s Bay, adding a touch of Morocco’s coastal beauty to the series.
Morocco’s diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage have made it a popular filming destination for filmmakers worldwide.
Its ancient cities and breathtaking natural beauty continue to inspire filmmakers looking for the perfect backdrop.
Morocco’s film legacy is a testament to its versatile landscapes, which will surely continue to captivate the silver screen.