Where was Tropic Thunder filmed?
2008
City Locations
Hawaii, California (USA)
Location Types
Film Studio, Mobile Home, Unusual
Location Styles
Americana, Dilapidated, Tropical, Helicopter, Mountain Huts
About Tropic Thunder
Tropic Thunder is an action-comedy movie released in 2008. Ben Stiller took the director’s chair for the satirical film, and he also wrote, produced, and starred in the movie, which also features Robert Downey Jr., Jack Black, Nick Nolte, and Tom Cruise. The plot follows a group of actors who end up in a real-life conflict while producing a film about the Vietnam War.
The story centers on Tugg Speedman (Ben Stiller), an action movie star attempting to prove his acting chops by taking on an intense role in an upcoming war film. Joining him are Jeff Portnoy (Jack Black), a drug-addicted comic, Kirk Lazarus (Robert Downey Jr.), one of the world's most acclaimed actors who insist on going all-in with any role he takes, Damien Cockburn (Steve Coogan), their director, and Les Grossman (Tom Cruise), their producer.
Things quickly spiral out of control when Lazarus dyes his skin to portray an African-American soldier. In desperation, Damien drops the cast into the jungle for some guerrilla filmmaking action only for them to end up in more trouble than expected.
Upon release, Tropic Thunder was met with critical acclaim across the board. It received nominations for two Golden Globe Awards. Robert Downey Jr.'s performance as Kirk Lazarus earned him a Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role nomination at the Academy Awards.
The ensemble cast also earned awards from critics organizations, including the Boston Society of Film Critics Award, which won for Best Ensemble Cast. Furthermore, the movie was awarded Best Comedy Movie at the Critics Choice Awards.
Tropic Thunder Locations
Tropic Thunder was filmed primarily in two lush tropical locations, the Hawaiian island of Kaua'i and the Kipu Ranch on the east coast of Hawaii. With its majestic views and lush landscapes, Kaua'i has served as the setting for scenes seen in several big-screen flicks, including Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Art, Avatar, and Jurassic Park. Kauai Ranch is located near Lihue Airport on the eastern shore and offers stunning ocean views and mountainous terrain. Kipu Ranch, known for its rolling hills and agricultural lands, is open to the public and gives ATV tours as a way to become part of the action. The Hanalei Bay Resort provides one of the most scenic ocean views, surrounded by mountains on one side.
A trip to the Tropic Thunder filming locations would be an enriching experience for any movie fan who needs a rejuvenating vacation. Not only does a trip to the Hawaiian Island offer incredible scenery of natural beauty, but it also allows visitors to immerse themselves in a location where some of their favorite movie scenes were created.
Peck calls the Speedman scene in Tropic Thunder
Hanalei Bay Resort, 5380 Honoiki Rd, Princeville, HI 96722, USA
While Speedman (Ben Stiller) is staying at a resort, he sees fake Access Hollywood clips that depict his declining career. He makes a bad movie called Simple Jack, where he plays a mentally disabled character in an attempt to win an Oscar, but it was unsuccessful and is now considered one of the worst films ever made. Meanwhile, his agent, Rick "Pecker" Peck (Matthew McConaughey), discovers that Speedman doesn't even have TiVO at the resort.
The Tropic Thunder scene was filmed at the Hanalei Bay Resort, located along the North Shore of Kauai in Hawaii. This resort is famously luxurious and serves as the backdrop if lists of Hollywood films, including Soul Surfer and Forgetting Sarah Marshall.
Hanalei Bay Resort offers visitors incredible oceanfront views with an abundance of white sand beaches and lush tropical greenery. It is also a prime location for activities such as swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and kayaking. Golfing and horseback riding offer a thrilling experience for those looking for something more adventurous.
Getting to Hanalei Bay Resort is easy since it is well-connected with all major Hawaiian airports and cities by car or bus. There are also direct flights from Los Angeles International Airport to Lihue Airport, which is only 40 minutes away from the resort. With its abundant natural beauty and ample amenities, visiting Hanalei Bay Resort should be an unforgettable experience that both locals and tourists alike can enjoy.
Discover Filming Locations
Lazarus, Speedman, Portnoy, Chino, and Sandusky are dropped off in the jungle scene in Tropic Thunder
Keahua Arboretum, Kapaʻa, HI 96746, USA
The scene from Tropic Thunder was filmed in Keahua Arboretum, and it’s an action sequence set deep in the jungles of Kauai, where the main characters find themselves dropped off with guns fired by blanks and explosives rigged for special effects. It's a pivotal moment when their true mettle is tested as they go through an unknown environment to reach the helicopter at the other end of the journey.
Tugg Speedman is seen running through lush jungle foliage, dodging fake explosions while being followed by a camera crew. The beautiful backdrop of Mount Wai’ale’ale provides an incredible setting for this intense fight-for-survival sequence. Keahua Arboretum offers a variety of trails for walking and biking along with multiple picnic sites and horseback riding options. The Kuilau Ridge Trail terminates at Moalepe Trail which takes you close to Mount Wai’ale’ale, providing stunning views from above.
Keahua Arboretum is located on Wailua Road, off Highway 580 on the east side of Kauai. You can access it via car or bike; parking lots are available close to the entrance. Take State Hwy 580/Kuamoo Rd, and the journey should take approximately 20 minutes.
Explore Video Shoot Locations
The jungle scenes in Tropic Thunder
Kipu ranch, 235 Kipu Rd, Lihue, HI 96766, USA
The protagonists traverse through a dangerous and exotic jungle. On their journey, it is revealed that Portnoy (Jack Black) has been hiding his heroin addiction, using candy to mask it instead. Suddenly, a bat descends and steals his stash. Later, it appears that Speedman's mental state is deteriorating as he performs scenes from the movie, and he accidentally kills a panda, mistaking it for a threat.
These iconic moments from Tropic Thunder have become legendary among movie fans. The jungle scenes were shot at Kipu Ranch in Kauai Island, Hawaii. It is a striking location, with an exotic mix between forests, rivers, and waterfalls that make up an incredibly picturesque landscape.
To get there, take a flight to Lihue Airport, which is around 40 minutes away from Kipu Ranch. From there, take public transportation or hire a car to get to the setting which is also featured in famous films like Raiders of The Lost Ark (1981), Indiana Jones movies, and Jurassic Park (1993).
Film Shoot Locations Directory
Flaming Dragon's heroin factory scene in Tropic Thunder
Stage 12, Universal Studios, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, California, USA
Kirk (Robert Downey Jr.), Alpa (Brandon T. Jackson), Jeff (Jack Black), and Kevin (Jay Baruchel) find Flaming Dragon's heroin factory and witness Tugg being tortured. They decide to rescue him by following the script from their movie. Kirk disguises himself as a farmer and uses a water buffalo to "capture" Jeff, distracting the guards.
Meanwhile, Alpa and Kevin go inside to find the prisoners. However, Tran (Brandon Soo Hoo), the gang's boss, gets suspicious of Kirk's broken Mandarin Chinese and inconsistent story, and their rouse is soon uncovered. The actors start shooting, and the gang members surrender, thinking they are under attack.
Stage 12 at Universal Studios Hollywood in Burbank, California served as the setting for the action scene. It is one of Universal's oldest film stages and it provides controlled conditions for filming, since 1929. It is also considered one of the largest indoor film stages in existence today. Visitors are allowed to walk where the actors who brought the film to life once did, on studio tours.
To reach Universal Studios Hollywood from downtown Los Angeles, visitors can either take Interstate 5 or U.S. Route 101 North towards Burbank and then follow the signs leading to Universal City Drive. Alternately, take the Metro Red Line from Union Station in downtown Los Angeles all the way to Universal Studios Hollywood station.
Glendale Filming Locations Exploration
Conclusion
Tropic Thunder follows a troupe of actors as they mistakenly wander into the jungle while filming a Vietnam War movie. Robert Downey Jr. plays Kirk Lazarus, an Australian actor who has won five Oscars and changed his appearance by dyeing his skin to portray a black character.
Downey Jr.’s performance was exceptional in Tropic Thunder, showcasing his range with his funny yet subtle portrayal of Lazarus. His character also offered something unique to the audience as it tackled heavy topics such as racism and identity.
The script was well-written, with sharp dialogue and captivating plot points that keep viewers engaged through its run time. The idea behind Tropic Thunder is enjoyable, taking elements from filmmaking experiences to craft something that feels authentic, which makes for an entertaining watch for viewers both new and old to the genre.
The success of Tropic Thunder is attributed to its ability to break boundaries within comedy films by touching on social issues such as racism in a light-hearted fashion while still delivering comedic moments. It stands out amongst other comedies released at this time due to its clever use of satire, comedy, and drama combined.
All things considered, Tropic Thunder offers an enjoyable viewing experience for anyone interested in comedy action films with a mix of drama. With its star-studded cast including Robert Downey Jr., Jack Black, Ben Stiller, Tom Cruise, and Steve Coogan, among others delivering outstanding performances alongside its humorous running gags coupled with heartwarming story moments, the movie offers something for everyone.