(Image from DC Studios)
Do you like superheroes? Statistically speaking, the answer is probably yes. Despite the increasingly pessimistic reception to superhero media nowadays, there’s no arguing it’s been a huge part of our local film scene. From Deadpool to Peacemaker, Metro Vancouver has played host to some of TV and film’s most (and least) iconic comic book icons, so let’s delve into some of the region’s most iconic appearances in superhero media!
Blade Trinity (2004)
Blade Trinity is awful. It’s a poorly thrown together mess of a sequel, so bad that it’s lead, Wesley Snipes, refused to even open his eyes for much of filming. But we aren’t here to talk quality, where was Blade Trinity filmed? The movie was shot in locations across Canada, but Vancouver’s own Marine Building served as the pivotal location where… Something happens to Wesley Snipes’ and Ryan Reynolds’ characters? To be honest, I can’t sit through that film again, even for research purposes, it’s that bad. But something that has stuck in my mind is the location of the Nightstalker’s layer, the one, the only, the McBarge. This would mark the last time the abandoned Expo 86 vessel was properly used until it’s tragic demise earlier this year.
(If you’re curious about the barge, read this: Me & McBarge | Evolution 107.9 )
Fantastic 4 (2005)
Just a year after the atrocity that was Blade Trinity, Marvel’s first family received their own theatrical film. In the comics, Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Ben Grimm, and Johnny Storm take up residence in New York’s Baxter Building as the Fantastic 4. To replicate the retro look of the structure, the filmmakers chose the Marine Building (once again) for exterior shots from the air, and for scenes taking place directly outside of the entrance. The background in establishing shots looks a bit off, as the composited-in New York City background is inconsistently situated, but unless you’re a mega nerd like me, you’d never notice.
The Flash (2014-2023)
DC aren’t strangers to using Vancouver for their projects either. The most memorable use of the city on the silver screen might go to 2014’s The Flash, which uses the entirety of Vancouver, complete with specific landmarks like the Vancouver Public Library and BC Place, to represent Barry Allen’s hometown of Central City. Some of my favorite instances of recognizable places appearing in the show include the Vancouver Aquarium featuring as a high-secure containment facility for the villain King Shark (who viewers may also recognize from his depiction in 2021’s The Suicide Squad), and the CBC Broadcast Centre, among other locations, serving as the iconic S.T.A.R. Labs from the comics.
Peacemaker (Season 1, 2022)
Before James Gunn’s 2021 Suicide Squad reboot, the character known as Peacemaker was relatively unknown by most. Regardless, he received his own direct-to-streaming spin-off on HBO Max starring John Cena in the titular role, which was set in the fictional town of Evergreen, Washington. Metro Vancouver stood in for the nearby state, with Surrey in particularly being an essential location. The headquarters of the 11th Street Kids is a historic building in Downtown Cloverdale, now Mama Karen’s Korner Collectables, and right across the street, Firehall 8’s parking lot was the location of a pivotal battle between Peacemaker and martial arts villain Judomaster. Unfortunately, the second season of the series was not shot in Metro Vancouver.
Deadpool Films (2016, 2018)
Last, and certainly most well-known are the Deadpool movies. Ryan Reynold’s take on Marvel’s merc with a mouth uses Vancouver as a stand in for… Well, the name of Wade Wilson’s city isn’t directly stated in the films, so it can be assumed it’s just a run-of-the-mill American metropolis. The iconic scene of Deadpool drawing a crude crayon picture while dangling his legs off a bridge was shot on the Georgia Viaduct, with PNE banners clearly visible in the background. In the second film, the climactic battle against Firefist and the Juggernaut makes use of Coquitlam’s abandoned Riverview Hospital, here depicted as a home to cure mutant children.
There are plenty more superhero films where eagle-eyed viewers can spot Vancouver landmarks hidden behind the action, but that’s enough for one article. Our film scene is integral to our position on the world stage, so I’m excited to see so many projects I love using our area. The most interesting part is the sheer variety of locations we are meant to represent. New York, Washington, even fictional places. Part of me hopes there’ll be a superhero project set in Vancouver filmed here one day, but until then, I’m with Vancouver being the backdrop for scarlet speedsters, peace-loving mercenaries, vampire hunters, and bad-mouth assassins, it’s not a bad gig.
Written by Noah Schmidt
Contact: nschmidt20@my.bcit.ca