Netflix’s new action movie “Carry-On” has transformed an empty airport terminal into an accurate copy of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), marking a creative breakthrough in filmmaking. This novel approach allows for an immersive movie experience without disrupting airport operations.
Director Jaume Collet-Serra, known for his compelling storytelling, chose to film the historic terminal of Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY). This decision gave the production team unrivaled access and flexibility, which would be difficult to obtain in a crowded international airport.
“We took over the old MSY in New Orleans and redesigned it to look like LAX,” Collet-Serra stated in an interview with Tudum. “It was thrilling to have the entire space to ourselves and explore areas of an airport not usually seen by passengers.”
The film, which debuted on Netflix on December 13, follows a young TSA agent, played by Taron Egerton, who finds himself in a dangerous scenario with a strange traveler, played by Jason Bateman. By utilizing an entire disused terminal, the filmmakers reproduced the hectic ambiance of LAX while avoiding the logistical hurdles of filming at an actual airport.
This strategy contrasts with previous airport-based films such as “Die Hard 2,” which required many locations and complex production methods. Collet-Serra’s technique streamlined production while improving the film’s authenticity.
While viewers may not perceive the variations between the New Orleans airport and LAX, this location choice represents a careful mix of artistic vision and practical shooting. The empty terminal acted as a blank canvas, allowing the team to modify the scene to the film’s specifications.
“Carry-On” joins a lengthy line of films that have exploited LAX and other airports as shooting locations. Notable instances include Christopher Nolan’s “Tenet,” which used LAX’s Tom Bradley International Terminal as a stand-in for Oslo Airport.
