Five of the Top Filming Locations That Have Been Destroyed
Discover five of the top locations from around the world that have been lost since filming took place. From fires, winds and explosions — find out what happened here.
Visiting the filming locations of our favourite movies and TV shows is a fantastic thing to be able to do. Seeing where iconic scenes took place and revelling in the wonder of fantastical lands and storylines is a great way to feel connected to your favourite shows while you unwind.
However, it’s not always possible. Not just because the locations are difficult to get to, but because some of them simply don’t exist anymore. Nature can be brutal, as can the rise and fall of hotels, casinos and other popular set locations, so it’s no surprise that some filming locations are now no more.
Here we’ll list five of the most iconic filming locations from films and TV shows that you’re bound to know that have been lost to natural disaster, demolition or have befallen other fates.
Azure Window, Malta
Featured in the very first episode of the popular game of Thrones, Malta’s famous Azure window provided a dramatic and beautiful backdrop to the beach-set wedding of Daenerys Targaryen and Khal Drogo.
The rocky arch formation was a popular tourist attraction in Malta that, unfortunately, was victim to extreme bad weather. Despite a 2013 study indicating that the natural landmark was in no danger of being destroyed, it fell into the sea after a barrage of storms on March 8th, 2017.
The limestone arch wasn’t just featured in Game of Thrones, although that’s probably one it’s most recent and well-known appearances. It was also featured in the 1981 film, Clash of the Titans, and The Count of Monte Cristo, released in 2010.
It was a beautiful and natural backdrop that could have seen years of epic features in future films and television shows. Unfortunately, it is no more and whatever remains of the Azure Window’s limestone structure has been swept away in the Mediterranean Sea.
Country Antrim’s Dark Hedges
In another display of natural disaster, as well as another famous Game of Thrones location, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the Dark Hedges in this list. Situated in County Antrim, the Dark Hedges are a stunning display of intertwined branches from centuries-old Beech trees lining a path that depicted in GoT as the Kingsroad.
Made viral by the show, and a popular attraction for those on Got or iconic filming location tours, the Dark Hedges fell victim to the incredibly destructive Storm Gertrude. Storm Gertrude was a brutal storm that hit the UK in January 2016, causing a large portion of the old Beech trees to be ripped up and felled in the 100mph winds.
The wood of the fallen trees was collected and turned into the “Doors of Thrones”. These masterpieces can now be found across Northern Ireland and depict various events of season 6 of Game of Thrones.
While the path itself still exists, the loss of the trees has all but ruined the perfect balance of light, shadow and the visual appeal of the intertwining branches. In short, it’s just not the same anymore. While the Northern Irish authorities have pledged to replant the trees, it would take decades for them to even begin to create the same effect.
So, next time you see them while you’re re-watching Game of Thrones, remember the beauty of them until, one day, the passage can be rebuilt.
The Stardust Casino
This Las Vegas Casino was the filming location of the classic hit movie, Showgirls. Unlike the previous two locations in the list, Stardust Casino wasn’t destroyed by anything natural, it was demolished. After closing down in 2006, the casino was demolished by implosion on March 13th 2007.
Built in 1958 with a modern expansion in 1991, the 64-acre resort was the main staging location for the Iconic Showgirls. The 1995 film depicted girls compete to become the top Stardust Showgirl, with many scenes on well-known stages that are now, sadly, no more.
The loss of the Stardust Casino wasn’t the only Vegas-based demolition that destroyed filming locations. The sheer volume of casinos and resorts in the area, as well as the number of films and TV shows that are set in Las Vegas, means that there are many more filming locations within the local area that have since been lost. This makes Las Vegas one of the places with the most lost filming locations in one place. Although, there are still plenty more that are still standing that you can visit.
The Ambassador Hotel
Built in 1921 and demolished in 2006, the Ambassador hotel has a long list of films and TV shows that were filmed there during its long lifetime. From Pretty Woman, Forrest Gump and True Lies to The Wedding Singer, Se7en and True Lies, there have been dozens of popular films with scenes in the hotel.
The Agoura Hills
The historic western area of Agoura Hills was once an iconic filming location. The set of Westworld, Paramount Ranch, was claimed by the Woolsey wildfire in November 2018. This natural disaster claimed many locations as well as the famed Agoura hills, which were also used to film Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman, with a total of 20,000 acres destroyed.
The set of the little town of Westworld, Paramount Ranch saw two seasons of Westworld, exploring the twists and turns of the plot with its iconic wonder and excellent backdrop to several scenes. Unfortunately, Westworld will now have to find a new filming location if they’re to make any new season in the future, so hopefully we can visit that location instead!
The Sable Ranch in Santa Clarita was also destroyed in the fires, an incredibly popular filming location for hit shows such as Supernatural, The A-Team and 24.
The best time is always now…
So, there you have it. Our top five locations that are no longer with us. Thankfully, despite the loss of these iconic locations, there are plenty more for you to explore from your favourite TV shows and movies that are very much still standing!
Oh, and you can always binge on those favourite shows to relive the drama without having to lift a finger. Well, maybe just the remote.
