Where Was 2016’s THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN Filmed?

Look familiar? “The Magnificent Seven” filmed here? (free4kwallpapers.com)

Where was the 2016 remake of the classic 1960* movie, “The Magnificent Seven“, filmed?

The answer is not that simple. In fact, the exact answer is surprisingly hard to come by.

Would you believe Louisiana?

No way, you say? Well, the Louisiana Film Commission is thanked in the credits. Wikipedia says it was filmed north of Baton Rouge, in the St. Francisville and Zachary areas. And indeed sets were built, casting calls were held and a significant amount filming (see photo below) was done in those areas.

The Battle of Baton Rouge? (The Advocate)

How about Arizona?

The movie website, International Movie Database (IMDB), adds the San Francisco Peaks and Cononino National Forest in northern Arizona. Those areas are north of Flagstaff, just south of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Despite some scenic similarities, I’m not so sure about that.

In the credits, the New Mexico Film Office is prominently mentioned. And the producers did take advantage of New Mexico’s generous production tax credits for movie filming in the state. Some mention is made of filming north of Sante Fe.

But that’s still not exactly the answer, is it? (Come on, you know it isn’t.)

Filming at the “State of Enchantment” golden hour

The film gives a big, fat hint: Rose Creek.

That’s not a real place, but it hints at the Santa Rosa de Lima ghost town, near Abiquiu.

Ever hear of Abiquiu?

It’s known for its matchless brilliant blue skies and breathtaking mountains, canyons and rivers. It was where Georgia O’Keeffe lived and created her works of art. The Ghost Ranch is also in that area. Also, the Rio Chama runs through it. (That’s where the photo at the top of the article was taken.) Other signature Abiquiu locations include Vista de Pedernal, Copper Canyon and Abiquiu Lake.

Mining camp along Rio Chama, snapped by photog Geraint Smith

Dozens of movies have been shot in these areas – westerns, space odysseys, contemporary romances and comedies, etc. It’s a favorite of directors like Steven Spielberg (Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull), Lawrence Kasdan (Silverado and Wyatt Earp), and the Coen brothers (True Grit and No Country for Old Men).

This is also where “The Magnificent Seven” was filmed – at least those iconic exterior shots that show red rock mountains, sparkling lakes and rivers, and limitless vistas.

Now, that’s magnificent; but it ain’t Lou-zee-anna.

Jerry Garrett

September 26, 2016

* The  magnificent, incomparable 1960 movie was filmed in northern Mexico and near Tucson, Arizona.