Where was The Peanut Butter Falcon filmed?
2019
City Locations
Outer Banks, NC; Savannah, GA
Location Types
Nature, Film Studio
Location Styles
Beachfront, Americana/Anywhere, Dilapidated/Neglected, Trailer Park/Manufactured Home, Rustic
About The Peanut Butter Falcon
The Peanut Butter Falcon is a delightful and heartwarming adventure film that was released in 2019. Co-directed by Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz, the film showcases an ensemble cast featuring Zack Gottsagen, Shia LaBeouf, Thomas Haden Church, Dakota Johnson, and others.
The movie revolves around Zak (Zack Gottsagen), a determined young individual with Down Syndrome. His aspiration is to become a part of The Salt Water Redneck’s (played by Thomas Haden Church) wrestling academy, who he greatly admires. Watch as Zak breaks free from his nursing home and embarks on an epic adventure across the Southeast. During his adventure, he strikes up an unexpected friendship with a fugitive fisherman, Tyler (Shia LaBeouf). As they maneuver through challenges on their boat, they are continuously chased by Eleanor (Dakota Johnson), a worker from the nursing home who is resolved to bring Zak back.
Despite its independent production, The Peanut Butter Falcon defied expectations and became a sleeper hit, grossing over $23 million and becoming the highest-grossing independent film of the year. It received widespread acclaim from critics, earning a weighted average score of 70 out of 100 on Metacritic, indicating "generally favorable reviews."
The film received high praise from critics for its authentic performances, particularly those of Gottsagen and LaBeouf. Peter Debruge of Variety commended Gottsagen for his "earnest, unfiltered" portrayal and LaBeouf for his nuanced performance. Debruge noted that their performances brought a captivating and unpredictable quality to the film. Additionally, Debruge praised the film as a heartwarming independent production that prioritizes the right elements. Overall, the film was well-received, leaving a lasting emotional impact on its audience.
The Peanut Butter Falcon Locations
The Peanut Butter Falcon is a captivating film that not only offers an engaging storyline but also showcases the scenic beauty of some truly unique locations. The majority of the principal shooting for this film was carried out in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, a region known for its stunning landscapes and rich history. As the film unfolds, we see Zak, our protagonist, at a retirement home located somewhere within this state. However, his journey is not confined to this area, as he soon escapes.
Upon his escape, Zak encounters Tyler in the mesmerizing setting of the North Carolina Outer Banks, marking the beginning of their adventurous journey. The filmmakers, having grown up in this area, skillfully incorporated the local charm into numerous scenes featuring our lead characters and fishermen, adding an authentic touch to the narrative.
The film's production also extended to Georgia, where the principal shooting initially commenced. Given that notable actors like Jon Bernthal, John Hawkes, and Thomas Haden Church all filmed in Georgia, it's safe to assume that the film's climax was shot in this location. Georgia's attractive tax incentives for film production benefitted the movie financially, making it a strategic choice for the producers.
A trip to these locations would undoubtedly be worthwhile for fans of The Peanut Butter Falcon, offering them a chance to experience firsthand the beauty and charm that serve as the backdrop for this heartwarming tale. From the sun-kissed beaches and quaint fishing villages of the Outer Banks to the diverse landscapes of Georgia, these regions offer a wealth of sights and experiences for visitors to explore.
Zak meets Tyler scene in The Peanut Butter Falcon
Outer Banks, North Carolina, USA
The movie opens up with a captivating scene featuring Zak living in a retirement home. The atmosphere is slightly melancholic yet hopeful as Zak feels out of place and longs for adventure. His confinement within the retirement home walls symbolizes his suppressed spirit, yearning for freedom and independence.
The story takes a turn when Zak escapes from this confined life and stumbles upon Tyler, a rugged fisherman, in the scenic North Carolina Outer Banks. This is where the heart of the movie unfolds. The Outer Banks, with its sprawling shoreline, serves as the perfect backdrop for their journey, symbolizing the boundless possibilities and freedom that the characters seek.
Most of the principal shooting for the film was done in the Outer Banks, known for its distinct maritime culture and natural beauty. The exact locations of filming are not explicitly mentioned as the characters traverse the shoreline, rarely venturing into towns or cities.
To visit this iconic film location, you can fly into Norfolk International Airport in Virginia, about 120 miles north of the Outer Banks. From there, you can rent a car and drive to the islands. Alternatively, Raleigh-Durham International Airport in North Carolina is approximately 240 miles west of the Outer Banks. You can also choose to drive, with major highways providing easy access to the area.
Eleanor on a quest to find Zak scene in The Peanut Butter Falcon
Baumtown Rd, Wanchese, NC 27981, USA
As the film progresses, Zak and Tyler embark on a journey that takes them through the picturesque landscapes of North Carolina. Concurrently, we see Zak's caretaker, Eleanor , on a mission of her own—to find Zak and ensure his safety.
One of the most memorable scenes features Eleanor searching for Zak and was filmed at Baumtown Road in Wanchese, North Carolina. Wanchese, a charming fishing village located on Roanoke Island, serves as a pivotal filming location within the movie. Wanchese retains its old-world charm and identity, offering a stark contrast to the bustling beach towns that typically characterize North Carolina's shoreline. This tranquil setting perfectly captures Eleanor's desperate search for Zak, adding depth and emotion to these scenes.
To get to Wanchese and Baumtown Road, you can fly to Norfolk International Airport in Virginia or Raleigh-Durham International Airport in North Carolina. From there, you can rent a car and drive to Wanchese. The village is approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Norfolk and a three-hour drive from Raleigh-Durham.
Zak defends Tyler and Eleanor with a gun scene in The Peanut Butter Falcon
Savannah, Georgia, USA
The climax scenes unfold when Eleanor discovers Zak and Tyler on their southbound journey. Upon realizing that her boss plans to send Zak to a more restrictive institution, she decides to join them instead. This scene, set against the backdrop of a Southern night, sees the trio confront two men pursuing Tyler. In a display of courage and camaraderie, Zak defends his newfound friends with a gun, marking a turning point in their shared adventure.
The majority of The Peanut Butter Falcon was filmed in Georgia, with Savannah serving as the primary shooting location. Known for its art, period architecture, trendy boutiques, and tales of hauntings draped under Spanish moss, Savannah is a city that seamlessly blends tradition with modernity. With its refreshing coastal cuisine and cocktail offerings, it's the perfect place to soak in the film's atmosphere. The city's charm and Southern hospitality are unmistakably reflected in the film, making it an ideal destination for fans who want to experience the movie's essence firsthand.
To reach Savannah, you can fly into Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, serviced by several major airlines. From the airport, downtown Savannah is less than a 20-minute drive away, making it easily accessible for visitors. Once in Savannah, fans can explore the various filming locations throughout the city to fully immerse themselves in the world of The Peanut Butter Falcon.
Conclusion
The Peanut Butter Falcon is more than just a buddy movie; it's a well-crafted fable that draws you into its world with remarkable authenticity. The cinematography by Nigel Bluck immerses viewers in the story's locale so vividly you can almost smell the salty air, feel the texture of cornfields, and sense the life of the marshes. The film's narrative is grounded in the here and now, punctuated by bluegrass, country songs, and gospel hymns, creating a vivid and realistic backdrop.
The performances in the film stand out, particularly Zack Gottsagen's portrayal of Zak. Unlike many portrayals of disabled characters in cinema, Zak is not merely a symbol or metaphor. He's a complex and central figure who's outspoken, strong, funny, vulnerable, and real. Watching his relationship with Tyler unfold is a true pleasure, thanks to the actors' chemistry and the strong script.
The film is refreshingly free of clichés and imbued with an eccentric exuberance that sets it apart. Directors Nilson and Schwartz's attention to detail and commitment to authenticity, especially in portraying Zac's world, lend the film a unique quality. Gottsagen's performance is funny, intelligent, and real, adding a layer of authenticity. The film demonstrates the depth and nuance that an actor like Gottsagen, who shares his character's lived experience, can bring to a role.
The Peanut Butter Falcon is absolutely worth watching. It's a heartfelt story that's beautifully told and acted, offering a fresh perspective on the importance of representation in cinema. The film's focus on authenticity, combined with stellar performances and unique narrative, makes it a standout addition to the world of cinema.