Netflix’s ‘havoc’ Aims to Put Wales on the Hollywood Map
LOS ANGELES — Netflix’s new action thriller,”Havoc,” starring Tom Hardy as a “jaded” detective embroiled in the aftermath of a drug deal gone wrong,is generating buzz not just for its gritty storyline but also for its unexpected filming location: Wales. While the film is set in an unnamed American city, every scene, including high-octane car chases and intense shootouts, was filmed across various locations in Wales.
The film,which premiered on netflix today,also stars Forest Whitaker,Luis Guzmán,Jessica Mei Li,and Timothy olyphant.
The production, filmed in South Wales in 2021, faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent writers’ strike in the United States. However, the team behind “Havoc” is confident the film will showcase Wales as a viable and attractive destination for filmmakers worldwide.
Welsh director Gareth Evans, best known for the acclaimed gangster film “The Raid” and the thriller series “Gangs of London,” is the visionary behind “Havoc.” He said the concept originated from “this,like,one core image which was a corrupt cop in a crime scene where a drug deal’s gone wrong and for whatever reason he was scooping cocaine into a coffee cup.” He added, “And it all mushroomed out from there.”
Evans noted that he was thrilled when Hardy signed on for the lead role and as a producer. “One of the nicest things about Tom [is] I knew I was in my wheelhouse when it came to action film-making, but with Tom his skillset is deep dive explorations into morally complex characters and so we were able to fuse two styles together.”
Despite the film’s setting in the united States, Evans, who still lives in his hometown of Hirwaun, Rhondda Cynon Taf, was determined to film in Wales to bring work to the area. Recreating the U.S. in South Wales was “challenging,” he admitted. “I started going around, like, Swansea, Port Talbot, Cardiff and Newport, looking for any little bit of architecture that I could find that might pass as a little bit Americana,” Evans explained. “And so we took a look and we thought if we can get 30% or 40% real in camera then the VFX (visual effects) can take care of the rest.”
The production team transformed several Welsh locations to resemble an American city. Swansea’s Brangwyn Hall became the exterior of a U.S.police precinct, Swansea University’s Bay campus was used for exterior street shots, and a fishing shack was constructed in the Merthyr Mawr countryside.
aram Tertzakian, one of the founders of U.S. production company XYZ Films, partnered with Wales-based Severn Studios for “Havoc.” He said that after “Havoc,” filmmakers and producers are going to be “a lot more focused on Wales being on the map.” He added, “I think it’s always been seen as an option but when they see Havoc and what we pulled off, I think it’s going to blow their minds and really make Wales a lot more viable for a lot of people.”
Tertzakian also emphasized the benefits of filming in Wales. “Wales is one of the good guys,” he said. “You’ve got really hard working crews, a lot of dedication and love for the game. You get some amazing locations, both interiors and exteriors and we had a blast.”
According to netflix and Creative Wales,”Havoc” is the largest feature film ever shot entirely in Wales,with post-production completed in Cardiff. Netflix reports that its productions in Wales, including the popular series “Sex Education,” have generated more than £200 million (approximately $250 million USD) for the UK economy as 2020.
However, some critics argue that using Wales as a stand-in for an American city could detract from the film’s authenticity. They suggest that while the Welsh landscape is visually appealing, it might not fully capture the essence of an American urban habitat. Still, the filmmakers remain confident that the story and performances will resonate with audiences, nonetheless of the setting.
The film’s success could also be seen as part of a broader trend of globalization in the film industry, with productions increasingly seeking diverse locations and international collaborations. This can lead to cost savings, access to unique landscapes, and the growth of local film industries.
FAQ: Havoc and Filming in Wales
Where was “Havoc” filmed? The entire movie was filmed in various locations across South Wales, including Swansea, Cardiff, and Merthyr Mawr.
Why was Wales chosen as the filming location? Director Gareth Evans wanted to bring work to his home country and showcase Wales as a viable filming destination. The region also offered cost-effective solutions and dedicated crews.
Has Netflix filmed othre projects in Wales? Yes, Netflix has produced several projects in Wales, including the popular series “Sex Education.”
what economic impact has Netflix had on Wales? Netflix productions in Wales have generated over £200 million for the UK economy since 2020.
* Will “Havoc” boost tourism in Wales? It is anticipated that the film will attract more filmmakers and could lead to an increase in tourism as fans seek out the filming locations.
