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Mystery Men movie cover Movie Locations Guide

Where was Mystery Men filmed?

1999

City Locations

Universal City (USA), San Marino (USA), Lakewood (USA), Los Angeles (USA)

Location Types

House, Bar, Restaurant, Unusual, Film Studio, Party Hall, Nature

Location Styles

Americana, Asian, Modern Building, Boutique Hotel

About Mystery Men

"Mystery Men" is a quirky and comedic superhero film that follows the adventures of a team of unconventional and less-than-super-powered heroes. Set in Champion City, the story revolves around a group of amateur superheroes who must step up to save the day when a notorious supervillain threatens to destroy both a major superhero and the entire city.

Led by the egocentric Captain Amazing, played by Greg Kinnear, the team consists of unique and eccentric characters such as Mr. Furious (Ben Stiller), who possesses uncontrollable anger; The Shoveler (William H. Macy), armed with his trusty shovel as a weapon, and The Blue Raja (Hank Azaria), who throws silverware with great precision. Together, they embark on a mission to stop the villainous Casanova Frankenstein, portrayed by Geoffrey Rush, from carrying out his diabolical plan.

With its witty dialogue, memorable characters, and clever parodies of superhero tropes, "Mystery Men" offers a refreshing and entertaining twist on the traditional superhero narrative. It combines elements of comedy, action, and adventure to create a truly original and fun-filled cinematic experience.

Mystery Men Locations

"Mystery Men” primarily utilized filming locations in California, USA. The production made use of various sets and locations throughout the region to bring the fictional city of Champion City to life. One notable location is Angelino Heights, where the Blue Raja's house, portrayed by Hank Azaria's character, Jeff, is situated. Additionally, Universal City in California served as a filming location for certain scenes.

The backdrop of these regions offers a diverse mix of urban landscapes, suburban neighborhoods, and iconic landmarks that add depth and authenticity to the film's setting. While a trip solely dedicated to visiting the specific filming locations may not be the primary reason to explore these areas, combining it with other attractions and points of interest in California could make it a worthwhile adventure for fans of the movie or those interested in exploring the vibrant film culture of the state.

Fun Fact

"Mystery Men" is based on a comic book series of the same name published by Dark Horse Comics. Although the film may not have achieved mainstream success upon its release, it has gained a cult following throughout the years for its offbeat humor and satirical take on the superhero genre.

The Red Eyes gang terrorizing a retirement center scene in Mystery Men

The MacArthur, 607 S Park View St, Los Angeles, CA 90057, United States

The Red Eyes gang terrorizes a retirement center in Champion City; they attempt to rob a nursing home gala, causing chaos and fear among the residents and attendees. They are confronted by the superheroes Mr. Furious (Ben Stiller), Blue Raja (Hank Azaria), and The Shoveler (William H. Macy), who try to stop them. This scene showcases the clash between the villains and the heroes as they engage in a battle to protect the retirement center and its inhabitants. It is a pivotal moment that sets the stage for the larger conflict within the film.

The MacArthur, located in Los Angeles, is a historic landmark and cultural hub in the center of the city. This iconic building, formerly known as The Park Plaza, features stunning architecture and has served as a popular filming location. It is known for its intimate spaces and has hosted various events, including weddings and cocktail parties.

To reach The MacArthur in Los Angeles, you have various transportation options at your disposal. If public transportation is your preference, you can opt for either the bus or subway. MacArthur Park's closest subway station is the 7th Street/Metro Center Station, which is approximately an 18-minute walk away. Additionally, there are several nearby bus stops, including Westlake/Macarthur Park Station and Westlake Ave & Wilshire Blvd (Northbound).

Jeff catching in the costume by his mom scene in Mystery Men

Thriller House, 1345 Carroll Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90026, United States

Jeff (Hank Azaria), also known as The Blue Raja, is seen in his incense-smoke-filled bedroom, practicing another encounter with the Red Eyes gang. His mother (Louise Lasser) walks in on him in full costume, rummaging through her silverware drawer, questioning what he is doing. This scene highlights Jeff's fascination with the history of India and his unique superhero persona as The Blue Raja.

The Thriller House, located at 1345 Carroll Ave in Angelino Heights, Los Angeles, gained fame as the iconic location for Michael Jackson's "Thriller" music video. Built in 1887, this 3,532-square-foot house was owned by a warehouse operator named Michael Sanders. Today, it remains a pilgrimage spot for MJ fans and stands as a reminder of one of the most famous music videos of all time.

To get to Thriller House, simply hop on the subway and take the Red Line to the downtown station. From there, it's only a short walk to the entrance, where you'll be greeted by the eerie sounds of creaking floorboards and the scent of freshly turned earth. Are you brave enough to experience the horrors that await you at Thriller House? Come find out if you dare.

The group celebrating "victory" over Casanova scene in Mystery Men

Hop Louie, 950 Mei Ling Way, Los Angeles, CA 90012, United States

The confident team stages an ambush on Casanova's (Geoffrey Rush) limousine, but their efforts only manage to provoke him. After celebrating their "victory" with drinks, the team faces a near-death experience as Tony P (Eddie Izzard) and the Disco Boys retaliate.

Hop Louie, located in Los Angeles' Chinatown, has been a beloved establishment for over 75 years. With its iconic five-tiered Golden Pagoda, Hop Louie stands as a prominent landmark in New Chinatown. The restaurant temporarily closed in 2016, it made a comeback and continued to be a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.

To get there, start by locating Hop Louie on your map or GPS; the bar is located in the heart of Chinatown, so parking can be a bit tricky. If you plan to drive, arrive early to secure a spot. Alternatively, you can take public transportation. The nearest Metro station is the Chinatown stop on the Gold Line. From there, it's just a short walk to Hop Louie.

The Sphinx teaching Mystery Men scene in Mystery Men

Los Angeles County Arboretum, 301 N Baldwin Ave, Arcadia, CA 91007, United States

The Sphinx (Wes Studi) is a Mexican wrestler with the ability to cut guns in half with his mind. He is a mysterious figure who imparts wisdom to the group of aspiring superheroes. In the scene, the Sphinx shares a philosophical statement about questioning training, emphasizing that questioning oneself only trains in asking questions.

The Los Angeles County Arboretum is a renowned 127-acre botanical garden, historic site, and natural wonder. Located in Arcadia, it offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in stunning gardens, natural landscapes, and historic structures. With over 260 bird species and diverse plant collections, the arboretum is a paradise for nature lovers.

Getting there is pretty simple — you can either drive or take public transportation. If you're driving, there are plenty of parking options available at the Arboretum. If you're taking public transportation, take the Metro Gold Line to the Arcadia Station, and from there, hop on bus route 79 or 264 to the Arboretum. Either way, you choose to get there, the journey is worth it when you are surrounded by the beautiful scenery of the landscape.

The final fight with Casanova scene in Mystery Men

Universal Studios Hollywood, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608, United States

In a climactic showdown, Mr. Furious (Ben Stiller) hurls Casanova Frankenstein (Geoffrey Rush) into the heart of the Psycho-frakulator, using its reality-altering abilities to eliminate him. Meanwhile, the rest of the team rallies around The Bowler (Janeane Garofalo) as she takes charge, successfully dismantling the device and making their daring escape from the crumbling mansion.

Universal Studios Hollywood is a renowned film studio and theme park located in Los Angeles, California. It offers a thrilling experience with exciting rides and attractions like Mario Kart™: Bowser's Challenge and Jurassic World - The Ride. Visitors can also enjoy the famous Studio Tour, exploring behind-the-scenes movie magic. With its immersive attractions and entertainment, Universal Studios Hollywood promises an unforgettable adventure for all.

Getting to Universal Studios Hollywood is easy with several transportation options available. Here are a few ways to reach the renowned film studio and theme park:

Driving: If you're traveling by car, you can use the provided directions and parking information on the official Universal Studios Hollywood website. Daily parking fees apply, ranging from $10 for 0-2.5 hours to $50 after 3.5 hours. General parking purchase may offer discounted $5 parking.

Public Transportation: Taking public transportation is also a convenient option. You can use the Red Line Metro rail subway to North Hollywood and get off at the Universal City station, which is located near Universal Studios Hollywood.

Conclusion

"Mystery Men" (1999) is a superhero comedy film that takes place in the fictional metropolis of Champion City. Throughout the movie, various locations are used to bring the story to life. Filming primarily took place in California, with Universal City serving as one of the key filming locations. Jeff resides in Angelino Heights, where the Blue Raja's residence is located, alongside his mother; the Sanders House, famously known as the "Thriller" house, also made an appearance. The range of locations used in "Mystery Men" adds depth and visual richness to the film, creating a vibrant and believable world for its humorous superhero antics.