Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part 1 Filming Locations
No one can argue that Mission: Impossible is one of the best action spy films of all time. From breath-holding action scenes to stunning locations, this timeless movie bonded three generations. The legendary action film first appeared on the big screens in 1996 with Tom Cruise in the role of agent Ethan Hunt, leading the IMF field team stopping enemy forces. This year, Hunt will embark on yet another Mission: Impossible in the seventh installment of this popular movie. After seeing the movie trailer, we were extremely excited to find all the exciting Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part 1 filming locations!
Therefore, the only thing left is to cue the music and cruise through the film sets. We assure you no jumping over the cliffs on a motorcycle will be necessary.
Table of Contents
Filming Locations in Italy
Rome
Rome- a city of art, architecture, and rich history. All roads lead to Rome, and so did the production team to film scenes for the iconic new Mission: Impossible movie. Of course, this was not the first time Ethan Hunt found his way into Rome. In the third installment from 2006, we can see the agent visiting the Vatican, and later riding a speedboat down the Tiber River. In Mission: Impossible 7, Ethan is in a car chase through many Roman streets such as Via dei Funari, Via Nazionale, Via di S. Maria Maggiore, Via dei Serpenti, and Via del Traforo.
Venice
A little up north of Italy, the production team decided to continue the filming in a truly remarkable city, Venice. Many scenes were filmed in this charming city of canals. Therefore, we recommend taking a tour of locations starting at the famous St Marks Square, followed by Doge’s Palace, Grand Canal, and our favorite hidden gem, Ponte dei Conzafelzi. Another beautiful location you cannot miss is Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute which can be seen in the background when Ethan and Ilsa are hugging. Like Rome, Venice has already been in one of the previous Mission: Impossible movies, this time in the third installment.
Filming Locations in Norway
Åndalsnes
Åndalsnes is a charming town near the Rauma River, known for its picturesque landscapes and breathtaking surroundings. Therefore, it was not surprising that it was a cinematic backdrop for the upcoming MI movie. After all, its allure was noticed before, attracting attention in the film industry and appearing in “The Golden Compass.” With its majestic mountains, the scenic Rauma River, and access to iconic attractions like Trollstigen, Åndalsnes offers a true visual feast. And a visual feast we got in the scene with Ethan fighting Gabriel on the roof of a train with mountains in the background. If you fancy hiking, you will not be disappointed! There are numerous trails leading to mesmerizing viewpoints such as Rampestreken and Mount Romsdalshorn.
Hellesylt
Hellesylt, a small village at the head of the stunning Geirangerfjord, is a hidden gem nestled amidst captivating natural landscapes. The village is popular for its cascading waterfalls, including the famous Hellesyltfossen tumbling down from the surrounding mountains. Moreover, it serves as a gateway to exploring the breathtaking Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can embark on scenic boat tours and witness the fjord’s majestic beauty up close. Hellesylt is also a great starting point for hiking in the nearby mountains.
Helsetkopen
We have all been waiting for this one! Ever wondered from which cliff Tom Cruise rode a motorcycle off, not once but six times? Well, we found an answer. Welcome to Helsetkopen in Norway! Helsetkopen is situated in a picturesque valley surrounded by mountains and forests, known for its natural beauty and calm atmosphere. The village is a great option for nature lovers and those searching for a peaceful getaway. Also, this place is a haven for hikers as it has many well-maintained hiking trails. But most of all, Helsetkopen was a perfect choice for the scene due to its remarkable scenery and dramatic effect.
Trollveggen
Trollveggen is a renowned natural landmark and a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Known as the “Troll Wall,” it is the highest vertical rock face in Europe, towering over 1,000 meters high. There are many adventurous sports activities, the most popular being rock climbing and base jumping. Due to this being a popular destination, there is no shortage of guided tours to enjoy. Interestingly, this dramatic work of nature has already been featured in “Mission: Impossible – Fallout” further boosting its popularity among tourists. Five years later, we are yet to see more of this majestic place on the big screens.
Filming Locations in United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi
Next on our list of Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning filming locations is an Arabian beauty, Abu Dhabi. This city of skyscrapers is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and is known for its bustling city life, dramatic skyline, and abundance of activities. One particular activity we recommend is finding all the easter egg film sets from the upcoming movie. Among the most noticeable filming locations in this stunning city is the Midfield Terminal Roof at the Abu Dhabi International Airport. The scene features a wide shot of sandy foreground and a road cutting through with Ethan running on it. Also, according to some, there will be scenes featuring the popular Louvre Abu Dhabi.
Filming Locations in United Kingdom
Grand Central Rail, Birmingham
Grand Central Rail, located in Birmingham, is a renowned railway station that connects the city with various destinations across the United Kingdom. As we’ve already seen, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One showcases exciting action scenes in Abu Dhabi airport. But did you know that Birmingham Central Rail’s interior was transformed to resemble the airport for filming? Furthermore, the upper level of Grand Central had Arabic writing on various fabricated airport signs, adding to the authenticity of the setting.
Levisham, North Yorkshire
Levisham, located in North Yorkshire, is a charming village with a railway station that holds historical significance. The railway station forms part of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, a heritage railway line running through the picturesque North York Moors National Park. The surrounding area offers breathtaking landscapes and scenic routes, such as the journey between Levisham and Pickering, which showcases the beauty of the North Yorkshire countryside. Naturally, this was an obvious option for shooting train scenes.
Stoney Middleton, Derbyshire
Another filming location used for shooting train scenes was Stoney Middleton, Derbyshire. The village takes its name from the local limestone, which was used extensively in buildings in the area. One notable feature is Darlton Quarry, located nearby, which has played a significant role in the region’s limestone extraction industry. The Quarry was also the main star during shooting, with specially designed train tracks for the exciting scene. In this captivating sequence, the train intentionally drove off the tracks and over the cliff’s edge, descending into the Quarry before erupting into a dramatic explosion of flames.
Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden
Although Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning was filmed at real-life locations, some of the scenes needed studio production, and what better place for that than the iconic Leavesden? Namely, in 1994 Warner Bros. converted the site from an aircraft factory into a state-of-the-art film studio. Since then, the Studios have expanded their facilities to include dedicated areas for set construction, prop storage, and post-production. From the Harry Potter series to DC heroes, Warner Bros Studios Leavesden helped create some of the most memorable movies of all time. The studio also offers various tours, which you can book online.
