Murder Mystery 2 takes Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston’s globe-trotting comedy to a whole new level, not just in terms of action but also through its breathtaking filming locations. The Netflix sequel shifts from the Italian backdrop of the first film to visually striking destinations in Hawaii and France, giving the story a more exotic and cinematic feel. The film follows Nick and Audrey Spitz as they attend a lavish island wedding that quickly turns into a kidnapping mystery, sending them across continents.
What makes the movie stand out is how seamlessly it blends real-world locations with cinematic storytelling. From tropical lagoons and private island settings to the bustling streets of Paris, every location enhances the film’s scale and energy. This guide breaks down all the major Murder Mystery 2 filming locations, explaining where key scenes were shot and how they contribute to the movie’s visual appeal.
Where Was Murder Mystery 2 Filmed?
Murder Mystery 2 was primarily filmed in two major locations: O‘ahu in Hawaii and Paris in France. These destinations provide the perfect contrast between a luxurious island getaway and a fast-paced European city chase. According to production details, much of the first half of the film was shot in Hawaii, while the second half transitions to Paris for the high-stakes investigation.
Hawaii serves as the backdrop for the Maharajah’s extravagant wedding and the initial mystery setup. Its lush landscapes and secluded beaches create a sense of paradise that quickly turns chaotic. Paris, on the other hand, adds a layer of sophistication and urgency, with its historic landmarks becoming central to the film’s action sequences.
This combination of tropical and urban settings helps lift the movie’s scale. It also aligns with the franchise’s appeal of mixing comedy with international adventure.
Hawaii Filming Locations in Murder Mystery 2
Kualoa Ranch: The Heart of the Island Setting
One of the most important filming locations in Murder Mystery 2 is Kualoa Ranch on O‘ahu. This 4,000-acre nature reserve has been featured in numerous Hollywood productions, including Jurassic Park. In the film, it serves as the primary location for the Maharajah’s wedding and surrounding island scenes.
The ranch’s dramatic mountains, open landscapes, and coastal views create the illusion of a private island. Many aerial shots, including helicopter sequences, were filmed around this area. The location’s natural beauty plays a key role in establishing the film’s luxurious yet mysterious tone.
Kualoa Ranch also provided multiple filming spots within its grounds. Areas like Moli‘i Pond were used for scenes involving the wedding pier and surrounding environment, adding authenticity to the island setting.
Lanikuhonua Lagoon: The Beach Scenes
The beach scenes in Murder Mystery 2 were filmed at Lanikuhonua Lagoon, located within the Lanikuhonua Cultural Institute near Ko Olina. This location is known for its secluded shoreline, lush greenery, and clear ocean views.
In the movie, the lagoon is used for several key sequences, including moments around the wedding festivities and later plot developments. Its peaceful appearance contrasts sharply with the chaos that unfolds during the story.
This location adds a sense of realism to the film’s island setting. Rather than relying entirely on CGI, the production uses real Hawaiian landscapes to create a visually immersive experience.
Banyan House: The Luxury Mansion
The luxurious accommodation seen in the film, where Nick and Audrey stay, was filmed at the Banyan House in Honolulu. This historic property spans approximately 14,000 square feet and features a unique architectural design inspired by Japanese influences.
The mansion’s grand interiors and scenic surroundings make it an ideal location for portraying wealth and exclusivity. However, not all interior scenes were filmed on-site. Many of the indoor sequences were recreated on soundstages to allow for more controlled filming conditions.
Despite this, the Banyan House remains a key visual element of the film. It reinforces the idea of a high-end destination that matches the scale of the Maharajah’s wedding.
CGI Enhancements and Island Illusion
While Hawaii provided the primary backdrop, some elements of the island setting were enhanced using CGI. The fictional “Vikram Island” seen in the film is not entirely real but is inspired by locations like the Pitons in Saint Lucia.
Mountains, waterfalls, and certain scenic elements were digitally added to create a more dramatic environment. This blend of real locations and visual effects helps the film achieve a larger-than-life aesthetic.
The use of CGI also allows the filmmakers to craft a unique identity for the island. It feels both realistic and fantastical, fitting the tone of an action-comedy mystery.
Paris Filming Locations in Murder Mystery 2
Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Élysées
When the story shifts to Paris, the Arc de Triomphe becomes one of the most important locations. It is used as the ransom drop-off point, placing the characters in the center of one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
The surrounding area, including the Champs-Élysées, is featured in high-speed chase sequences. These scenes capture the energy of Paris while adding tension to the narrative.
Filming in such a busy location required careful planning. Some sequences were shot during off-hours to avoid disrupting the large number of tourists who visit the area daily.
Eiffel Tower and Le Jules Verne Restaurant
The Eiffel Tower plays a major role in the film’s climax. Several scenes were filmed on location, including sequences at the famous Le Jules Verne restaurant on the tower’s second level.
This Michelin-starred restaurant offers panoramic views of Paris, making it a visually stunning setting for key moments. However, due to logistical challenges, some interior scenes were recreated on a soundstage.
The filmmakers also shot action sequences at the tower during late-night hours. This allowed them to capture dramatic shots without large crowds interfering with production.
Palais Garnier (Opera House)
Another standout location is the Palais Garnier, also known as the Paris Opera House. This historic building appears in scenes involving the investigation and interactions with local authorities.
The opera house’s grand architecture adds a sense of elegance and scale to the film. Its inclusion highlights the production’s commitment to using real, recognizable landmarks.
Filming inside such a prestigious location required limited access. Reports indicate that the production had a short window to capture the necessary scenes.
Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte
The Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte serves as the exterior for Countess Sekou’s palace in the film. Located near Paris, this 17th-century château is known for its impressive architecture and expansive gardens.
The estate’s grandeur makes it a perfect fit for the story’s high-stakes setting. It adds a layer of luxury and historical depth to the film’s European segment.
This location has also been used in other major productions, further solidifying its reputation as a cinematic landmark.
Additional Paris Locations and Chase Sequences
Murder Mystery 2 also features several other Parisian locations during its action sequences. Streets like Rue de Chaillot and Avenue Marceau are used for chase scenes involving the characters.
The film even includes a sequence near Notre Dame Cathedral, showcasing the city’s historic charm. Another notable location is the Passerelle Léopold-Sédar-Senghor, where a romantic moment takes place.
These locations help create a dynamic portrayal of Paris. They balance action, romance, and comedy while keeping the story visually engaging.
