Tom Holland is filming the latest Marvel Cinematic Universe installment, *Spider-Man: Brand New Day*, using Glasgow as a stand-in for New York City [1, 2].
The production highlights the growing trend of using international cities to replicate the visual aesthetic of American metropolitan hubs. By transforming Scottish streets into the backdrop of the fictional New York setting, the production reduces the logistical burden of filming in the U.S. while maintaining the scale required for a blockbuster [2].
Tom Holland returns to play the role of Peter Parker [1]. The production has utilized various locations across Glasgow to create the necessary urban environment for the web-slinging hero [2]. This approach allows the filmmakers to control the environment more effectively than in the crowded streets of the actual New York City.
The director of the film said that filming in Glasgow is fun because the local people "know how to party" [3]. This positive relationship with the local community has facilitated the extensive transformations needed to make the city look like the U.S. metropolis [2].
Despite the spectacle of the city's transformation, some critics have focused on the character's role within the narrative. Alistair Harkness of *The Scotsman* said, "it's a shame he keeps getting sidelined in his own movie" [2].
BBC News said that Parker is not the only star in disguise during the production [1]. The use of Glasgow as a primary location continues to bring significant attention to the city's architecture, and its viability as a global filming destination [1, 2].
“Glasgow filming is fun because people ‘know how to party’”
The decision to use Glasgow as a double for New York City reflects a strategic shift in high-budget filmmaking toward 'destination doubling.' This practice allows studios to maintain high production values and a specific visual identity while leveraging the cost-efficiencies and logistical flexibility of international locations, further cementing Glasgow's status as a major hub for the global film industry.
