Madame Web is an American thrilling 2024 superhero film, featuring a character from Marvel Comics. The movie is produced by Columbia Pictures and Di Bonaventura Pictures, in collaboration with Marvel Entertainment and TSG Entertainment, and is distributed by Sony Pictures Releasing. It is the fourth film in Sony’s Spider-Man Universe (SSU). Directed by S. J. Clarkson, who co-wrote the screenplay with Claire Parker and the writing team of Matt Sazama and Burk Sharpless, the movie stars Dakota Johnson in the lead role. The cast also includes Sydney Sweeney, Isabela Merced, Celeste O’Connor, Tahar Rahim, Mike Epps, Emma Roberts, and Adam Scott. The story revolves around Cassie Webb, played by Johnson, as she deals with her past while trying to protect three young women from the villain Ezekiel Sims, portrayed by Rahim.
Overview of the Story
The film follows Cassandra Webb, a paramedic in New York City, who begins to exhibit clairvoyance. As she uncovers mysteries about her background, she realizes she must protect three young ladies from a violent opponent who wishes to eliminate them. This film delves deeply into Cassie’s journey as she attempts to protect these ladies from Ezekiel Sims, who believes they will become Spider-ladies in the future and constitute a threat to him.
Development and production
Sony began producing the Madame Web film for their shared universe in September 2019, with Sazama and Sharpless writing the script. S. J. Clarkson joined as director in May 2020, making her feature film directorial debut. Dakota Johnson was cast in early 2022, with additional cast members, particularly for the Spider-Women, joining in the next months. Filming began in mid-July 2022 and will conclude by the end of the year, with locations ranging from Massachusetts to New York City and Mexico.
Filming Locations
Principal Photography in Boston
Principal photography started on July 11, 2022, in the Financial District of Boston, which was used to represent New York City from the 2000s. Filming continued in Boston through July 14, with notable areas like Chinatown in Manhattan being depicted. The working title for the project was “Claire,” and Mauro Fiore served as the cinematographer, having previously worked on Sony’s Spider-Man: No Way Home. Shortly after filming began, Adam Scott joined the cast, and the film’s release date was delayed to October 6, 2023.
Massachusetts
In late July, filming took place in Allston, notably on Kelton Street. By August, Zosia Mamet had been cast, and production was underway in Chelsea, Massachusetts. A set was built in Andover, Massachusetts, to represent the 4-Star Diner, a locale from the comics. Filming also took place on baseball fields in West Andover. The production team frequently filmed many versions of sequences with minor adjustments to suit Cassie’s visions, necessitating meticulous planning and preparation.
Worcester and the South Shore of Massachusetts
In mid-September 2022, filming occurred in Worcester, Massachusetts, focusing on precision driving and exterior street shots over three days. The working titles for these scenes were “Claire” and “Peru.” During this time, Dakota Johnson also filmed a day of stunt driving. Filming was planned to take place in other South Shore areas, including a former hangar at the Naval Air Station South Weymouth. The Massachusetts filming, particularly in Boston, lasted for three months until September 2022.
New York City and Mexico
The production then relocated to New York City on October 11, filming shots at Grand Central Terminal. Sydney Sweeney finished her scenes on October 18 following a three and a half-month shoot. She spent five months working on the project in Boston. Filming was completed by the end of the year, with a completion date of mid-January 2023 announced. Additionally, some filming occurred in Mexico. Sony estimated the film’s final production budget to be $80 million, however some reports speculated it could be in the low $100 million range.
Release and Reception
Madame Web premiered at the Regency Village Theatre in Westwood, Los Angeles, on February 12, 2024, and was released in the United States on February 14. Despite high expectations, the film was panned by critics and did not perform well at the box office, grossing just over $100 million worldwide against its production budget.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Madame Web
Q: Where was Madame Web filmed?
A: Madame Web was filmed in several locations across Massachusetts, including Boston, Worcester, Allston, Chelsea, and Andover. Additional scenes were shot in New York City, particularly in the Financial District and at Grand Central Terminal. Some filming also took place in Mexico to capture specific scenes needed for the movie.
Q: When did the filming for Madame Web begin?
A: The filming for Madame Web began on July 11, 2022. The earliest sequences were shot in Boston’s Financial District, and production continued in different sites throughout Massachusetts, New York City, and Mexico.
Q: How long was the filming of Madame Web?
A: The principal photography for Madame Web took several months. It began in mid-July 2022 and ended by the end of the year, with some final touches and filming completion scheduled for mid-January 2023.
Q: What specific filming locations were used in Massachusetts for Madame Web?
A: The film was shot in several important places in Massachusetts, including Boston’s Financial District, Allston’s Kelton Street, multiple streets in Worcester, and specific sites in Chelsea and Andover. The production team also used a former hangar at Naval Air Station South Weymouth for various sequences.
Q: When was Madame Web introduced to theaters?
A: On February 12, 2024, Madame Web opened at the Regency Village Theatre in Westwood, Los Angeles. It was later released in theaters around the United States on February 14, 2024.
