London: 2016’s biggest filmset

Steven Spielberg’s adaptationof the beloved Roald Dahl novel The BFG was filmed across the UK, and is being released next week. To celebrate, we have compiled a list of this year’s upcoming and recently released blockbusters that were shot on location across the capital.

Star Wars: Rogue One – Canary Wharf (December)

The Empire; rebels; Darth Vader; the Death Star. It doesn’t get much better. Star Wars returns with a visit back to the original series. Canary Wharf tube station was transformed from a bustling hub of office workers to the locus of the Death Star for Rogue One, the latest chapter of the franchise, with other filming taking place in Elstree studios, Hertfordshire.

Jason Bourne – Woolwich (28th July)

Matt Damon returns to London to rekindle his role as confused agent Jason Bourne in the fifth part of the action series. Filming took place in Woolwich, the second time London has been a significant location for Bourne after Waterloo station was used for an exhilarating pursuit and failed assassination attempt in The Bourne Ultimatum.

Ghostbusters – Waterloo (11th July)

Almost as unexpected for commuters in Waterloo this week is the enormous Stay Puft marshmallow man appearing to spawn from beneath the station. While Ghostbusters hasn’t been shot in the UK, he’s there to celebrate the film’s release this week.

The Legend of Tarzan – The City (6th July)

The reboot of the story of Tarzan sees the title character, played by Alexander Skarsgård, abandon his political ambitions and life in Britain for the far-flung reaches of the Congolese rainforest. Less well-known is that the majority of the film was shot on location in Warner Bros. studio in Leavesden, Hertfordshire, as well as the historic interior of Goldsmith’s Hall in the City.

The BFG Dream Jar Trail

While you’re at it, make sure to check out The BFG Dream Jars trail: an eclectic series of sculptures dotted around central London until the 31st August. They have been designed by groups and individuals ranging from Arsenal Football Club to Dame Helen Mirren.