Bill Nighy and Micheal Ward are here to impress everyone in The Beautiful Game. The sports drama film on Netflix revolves around a squad of homeless English footballers who are sent to Rome to compete at the annual Homeless World Cup. The team is led by Vinny, played by Ward, with Nighy playing their coach, Mal.
Audiences can notice numerous sites from London and Rome in the film, making one wonder if the movie was actually shot on-location in the cities. If you are also wondering about the same, here is all you need to know about the filming locations of The Beautiful Game.
London, England
Yes, the film was actually shot on location in London, the capital of England. A number of prominent spots from the city can be seen in the film, including Brockwell Park, where the team practices for their matches. Spanning 50.8 hectares in south London, the park is a hub for recreation and nature. Offering stunning city views, it attracts nearly 4 million visitors annually.
Designated as a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation, Brockwell Park boasts mature trees, meadows, and lakes, supporting diverse wildlife including rare bat species. Listed on The National Heritage List, its heritage features include Brockwell Hall and an art deco lido. Amenities like tennis courts and a miniature railway are always housed in the park.
London is a hub for film and television production and has served as a filming location for several other movies as well. These include Masters of the Air, Wonka, The Beekeeper, Bob Marley: One Love, Barbie, All of Us Strangers, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood, Rebel Moon – Part One: A Child of Fire, and The Flash.
Rome, Italy
Since the tournament takes place in Rome, a major portion of The Beautiful Game was filmed in the Italian capital. The cast and crew were spotted shooting at various locations in the city, including the Trevi Fountain, located at Piazza di Trevi, 00187 Rome. Constructed in the 18th century, the fountain is 26.3 m tall and 49.15 m wide. It was designed by Italian architect Nicola Salvi.
The iconic Colosseum is also visible in one of the scenes of the film. The largest amphitheater in the world is nearly 2000 years old and is listed among the new 7 Wonders of the World. Some sequences of The Beautiful Game were lensed at the Terrazza Belvedere Aventino, a sanctuary situated in the Aventine Hill.
Other locations where the filming was carried out include the Pantheon, a former Roman temple; and the Spanish Steps, which cover the climb between the Piazza di Spagna at the bottom and the Trinità dei Monti church at the top. Another historical site that appears significantly in the movie is the St. Angelo Bridge. Built in 134 AD by Emperor Hadrian, the bridge connects the city center to Castel Sant’Angelo.
Considering its ancient sites and scenic sites, Rome has hosted the production of several other films as well, such as Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, The Passion of the Christ, Normal People, Once Upon a Time in America, The Talented Mr. Ripley, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, and The Godfather Part III.
Also Read: Where was Netflix’s Rest in Peace Filmed? All Filming Locations Revealed