You won’t believe which movies were shot inside Freemasons’ Hall!
Freemasons’ Hall, in all its glory, stands in the middle of London as an iconic landmark oozing history, tradition and magnificence. The unique art deco building has cameoed and starred in some of cinema's greatest franchises, wowing global audiences and critics alike. Here’s a list of some popular movies (and series) that have featured Freemasons’ Hall.
Fast and Furious: Hobbs & Shaw (2019)
When Dwayne Johnson (aka The Rock) and Jason Statham team up, you know you’re getting an action-packed, high-octane blockbuster. Fast and Furious: Hobbs & Shaw (2019) was precisely that! The movie follows Luke Hobbs (The Rock) and Deckard Shaw (Jason Statham) forming an unlikely alliance to take down the cybernetically enhanced anarchist Brixton (Idris Elba), who looks to release a bio-threat that could alter humanity forever. The movie features Shaw arriving at a nightclub in London, the exquisite exterior of which was none other than Freemasons’ Hall.
The Crown (2019)
The critically acclaimed and beloved TV series that delves into the world's most famous monarchy used the regal Freemasons’ Hall as a filming location for its third season. The masterfully curated series depicts the life of Queen Elizabeth II, spanning from the 1940s to modern times. The nerve-racking fifth episode of the third season, titled ‘The Coup,’ sees Freemasons’ Hall serve as the backdrop for the ‘Bank of England’ and the ‘Theatre.’
The Hitman’s Bodyguard (2017)
When an all-star ensemble featuring Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson, and Gary Oldman graces the screen, cinematic fireworks explode! Such is the case in The Hitman's Bodyguard (2017), a thrill-ride blockbuster that sees Michael Bryce (Ryan Reynolds) protect Darius Kincaid (Samuel L Jackson) as they make their way to the International Criminal Court for Kincaid to testify against Vladislav Dukhovich (Gary Oldman). The Hague (The International Criminal Court), which plays a pivotal role in the movie and has multiple breath-taking fight sequences unfold, has its corridors and lobby set in London's own iconic art deco building, Freemasons’ Hall.
Assassins Creed (2016)
The renowned video game franchise that has enthralled millions worldwide made its debut at the box office in 2016 with Michael Fassbender leading the dystopian sci-fi film as Callum "Cal" Lynch, who is abducted due to his heritage and connection to the Assassins Brotherhood. At the heart of the film lies the Grand Templar Hall, where crucial scenes unfold. This ornate venue, pivotal to the lore was set inside Freemasons’ Hall.
Johnny English (2003)
What better way to round up this list than to take a trip down memory lane? Rowan Atkinson suited up as the titular character in the 2003 classic spy action film, Johnny English. The movie follows Johnny English, the last remaining British spy, as he tries to take down Pascal Sauvage (John Malkovich), a villain intent on stealing Britain's Crown Jewels. The hilarious blockbuster had numerous exterior and interior scenes depicting the ‘MI7’ headquarters shot on location at and within London's Freemasons' Hall.
These are but a few of the movies and series that have been filmed at the Freemasons’ Hall. Here are few more recent iconic blockbusters that has featured the art-deco landmark. On your next visit, see if you can spot these same locations that once hosted Hollywood stars, capturing cinematic history beneath these ornate walls.
For a more in-depth experience and an unforgettable adventure, try out one of our public guided tours of Freemasons’ Hall.