The much-anticipated sci-fi comedy film “They Cloned Tyronne,” directed by Juel Taylor and featuring an outstanding ensemble cast including Jamie Foxx, Teyonah Parris, and John Boyega, has been creating a buzz since its trailer release on June 13, 2023.
This futuristic movie sets an intriguing premise against the backdrop of both Atlanta and Cape Town, making it a visual treat for audiences.
Juel Taylor’s debut feature seamlessly blends humor with futuristic elements, and it hit theaters on July 14, 2023, followed by a global release on Netflix on July 21, 2023. The IMDb synopsis provides an overview of the film’s plot:
“In a pulpy, sci-fi mystery caper, an unlikely trio embarks on an investigation into a series of eerie events, leading them to uncover a nefarious conspiracy hidden beneath their neighborhood. Fontaine, a neighborhood drug dealer, is shot dead by his rival Isaac, but surprisingly wakes up unharmed in his bed the next morning.”
The trio, including Fontaine, Slick Charles, and Yo-Yo, begins delving into the incident, ultimately discovering a vast underground complex where a government-backed lab conducts experiments on the local Black population. Fontaine realizes he is an artificial clone controlled by someone else and decides to stand up against the institutional overlords for the sake of his community.
“They Cloned Tyronne” brings a fresh perspective to the Blaxploitation genre, with its slick scenes and an impressive soundtrack featuring foot-tapping numbers like Michael Jackson’s “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough.”
Where was Netflix’s They Cloned Tyronne filmed?
The filming of “They Cloned Tyronne” took place primarily in two locations: Atlanta, Georgia, USA, and Cape Town, South Africa. Juel Taylor, known for his work on “Creed II” (2018), dedicated considerable time to bringing this project to life, with filming commencing in early December 2020 and concluding in April 2021. Despite the delays, the final product received widespread acclaim, earning a commendable 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Atlanta, Georgia, USA
As a major southeastern state renowned for its thriving hip-hop scene, Atlanta provided the perfect backdrop for many scenes in “They Cloned Tyronne.” The production extensively utilized Blackhall Studios, now known as Shadowbox Studios, located at 1415 Constitution Rd SE. This state-of-the-art film studio offered the ideal setting for bringing the film’s vision to life.
One of the film’s producers, Stephen “Dr.” Love, who graduated from Morehouse College in 2012, shared his thoughts with Atlanta Journal-Constitution, stating:
“It was unreal and cathartic. A lot of areas we shot were in the West End not far from Morehouse where I used to do short little student films. Atlanta is my second home where I became a man.”
Given that the film is not set in a specific time or location, it is challenging to pinpoint the exact outdoor locations used in Georgia.
Cape Town, South Africa
Famous for its breathtaking landscapes and diverse cultures, Cape Town served as another significant filming location for “They Cloned Tyronne.” The city has been a favored choice for multiple movie backgrounds, including blockbusters like “Mad Max: Fury Road” and “Tomb Raider.”
While the crew made Cape Town their base for a portion of the shoot, the majority of the filming was concluded in Atlanta, Georgia.
In conclusion, “They Cloned Tyronne” offers a refreshing blend of sci-fi and comedy against the stunning backdrops of Atlanta and Cape Town. Its unique storyline and exceptional filming locations promise an enthralling cinematic experience for audiences worldwide.