Close to 20 international films will be shot across Greece in 2021, confirming the country’s beautiful landscapes, historical monuments and archaeological sites are becoming more and more popular amongst the world’s film industry.

Since the beginning of May, the Athenian neighbourhood of Sepolia, in the heart of Athens, has been used as a backdrop for Disney+’s film Greek Freak, based on the life of NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Milwaukee Bucks’ leading player was born and raised in Sepolia, which is currently the primary location for the much-anticipated biopic of the elite athlete and the live-action film; inspired by the true story of Antetokounmpo’s life and family. 

A new gangster movie Barracuda, starring Antonio Banderas, has also commenced shooting in the Greek region of Central Macedonia. 

“This is a big Hollywood production worth over €20m. It is a very important moment for the goal we have set as a region, to put Central Macedonia on the world map of film producers,” announced the region’s governor, Apostolos Tzitikostas. In 2020, the Film Office of the Central Macedonia Region was established and has since operated as a managing team for foreign production crews in search of filming locations in the area, helping the Barracuda project come to life. 

It has also been confirmed that the eagerly awaited Knives Out sequel will be shot and set in Greece. The star-studded ensemble will include Katherine Hahn, Edward Norton, Dave Bautista, Leslie Odom Jr., Kate Hudson, Janelle Monae, and Jessica Henwick; who have all joined the cast for the film.

And earlier this year, Greek-Canadian actress, screenwriter, and director,  Nia Vardalos announced her romantic comedy My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 will be shot in Greece. 

Other major projects choosing to shoot in Greece include season three of Amazon and paramount’s Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, Australian director Jason Raftopoulos’ Voices in Deep, and David Cronenberg’s sci-fi film Crimes of the Future will be coming to Athens in early August.

And if you are in Greece this summer and wondering which other famous actors you might bump into? Keep an eye out for Kate Bosworth, Daniel Craig, Kristen Stewart, John Krasinski, La Seydoux, Rian Johnson, and Janelle Viggo Mortensen who are all making their way over to the Aegean in the next few weeks.