Where Was ‘Gen V’ Filmed? Exploring The Real Life Godolkin Campus

Amazon Prime Video subscribers may already be well acquainted with the series “Gen V.” The show, which premiered in 2023, serves as an intense spinoff of the dramatic action show “The Boys.” In both series, superpowered individuals known as “supes” flex their exceptional skills over average citizens, thanks to a serum known as Compound V. Even though “Gen V” hasn’t had enough time to garner the same cult-like following as “The Boys,” the show has already drawn in many viewers, as evidenced by the explosive response to the recent three-episode premiere of season two.

Now that viewers are so hungry for more adventures in the cinematic universe, it only makes sense that they’re wondering how to travel to the site of the Godolkin University School of Crimefighting. Though the series is meant to take place in and around New York City, the entirety of the show was shot just over the northern border in Toronto, Ontario. If you’re looking to visit the 6ix and take a walk in the footsteps of Marie Moreau and the gang, be sure to read ahead. We’ll outline a few key filming locations for “Gen V,” and offer some tips for where to eat, where to stay and what tourist stops are a must-see.

What Campus Was ‘Gen V’ Filmed On?

While this production locale may surprise some, hardcore film buffs will recognize Toronto as the site of numerous TV and movie productions. The city has even been nicknamed “Hollywood North” thanks to the sheer number of American productions that shoot there. This is mostly due to the city’s tremendous tax credits for film work, but also occurs because Toronto does a great job of subbing in for notable American locations. The thriving downtown area often serves as a replacement for New York, Baltimore or Chicago, while the rural areas and suburbs just outside of the city offer comprehensive coverage for woodsy outdoor scenes and idyllic suburbs, respectively.

Since most of “Gen V” takes place in and around the fictional Godolkin University, a number of real college campuses were utilized to bring the setting to life, per SoapCentral. Toronto’s University of Mississauga is the primary campus that appears on-screen, with the school standing in for both interior and exterior sequences. The school’s Erindale Studio Theatre is particularly useful for bringing indoor scenes to life. While the University of Mississauga is the main filming location for the show, “Gen V” does make use of a few other academic grounds to round out its series. These include Massey College, Victoria University and the Sobeys Stadium at York University, which is aptly renamed Godolkin Stadium for the narrative.

Make The Most Of Your Time In Toronto, Ontario

Key Scenes: As stated above, the whole of “Gen V” was shot in and around Toronto, Ontario. Key filming locations for the show include the Claireville Conservation Area in Brampton, the Stardust Drive-In Theatre in Newmarket, the Southwest Centre for Forensic Mental Health Care and numerous downtown Toronto streets such as St. Clair Avenue West.

Best Time to Visit: Though Toronto is a beautiful place to visit year-round, most natives recommend dropping in during the late spring. The months of May through June are particularly enticing, as they offer mild temps, outdoor events and plenty of cinematic filming locations to explore. Winters in the region are known to be quite frigid, and the dog days of summer are often overrun with tourists. Though each season offers different seasonal experiences, be sure to book your first visit in the spring to get the best first impression of the big city.

Transportation Options: As long as you’re looking to stay within the downtown Toronto area, you’ll find plenty of easy-access pubic transportation. Buses, trams and cabs are frequently used by visitors and permanent residents alike to traverse the city in style. Those looking to head to the outskirts of town and experience every single “Gen V” filming location, may need to rent a car or rely on rideshare apps. Even still, Toronto is an easy-to-navigate city that should provide everything you need to step off the plane and explore.

As of this writing, there are no official production tours for “Gen V” available in the 6ix. While this may come as a surprise, due to the show’s popularity, it actually makes a lot of sense considering the circumstances. Students attending the University of Toronto Mississauga campus are justifiably focused on their studies, leaving little room for a tour bus full of super-fans to invade the grounds for photo opportunities. If you do decide to make the pilgrimage to the school to snap a few keepsakes, be sure to show up when classes are not actively in session, in order to leave the students to their studies.

Of course, you’re bound to run into at least one other fan in the vicinity, who will likely get a kick out of scenes where Homelander blows up their school with heat vision. Beyond that, fans are invited to embark upon their own self-guided adventure in Toronto, where the local businesses and bustling city streets serve as background dressing for numerous television and film projects.

Things to Do: Even if you have no interest in “Gen V” filming locations, you’re sure to find plenty to love about Hollywood North. Museums, historical sites and local markets are open year-round, giving visitors of all stripes something to focus on. Harbour cruises are always recommended to first-timers looking to get their bearings, offering a scenic look at the city’s iconic landmarks like the CN Tower. The Steam Whistle Brewery, Toronto Distillery and Hockey Hall of Fame are some of the most highly favored tourist spots in the city, while those with an interest in the great outdoors can check out canoe trips, fishing expeditions and day-trips to Niagara Falls.

Where to Eat: Toronto is fully loaded with upscale eateries and quick bites alike, making it an ideal destination for every type of foodie in your party. Those looking for a top-shelf culinary experience are encouraged to check out Harriet’s Rooftop, Black + Blue or the Michelin star-rated Madrina Bar Y Tapas. If you’d rather save your cash for a few expensive excursions and keep your food prices more reasonable, you can always stop at the international food walk. This portion of town offers a wide array of choices, allowing you to expand your culinary palette in style. Be sure to try some Canadian staple foods while you’re up north, like poutine, ketchup chips and Nanaimo bars.

Where to Stay: When it comes to visiting the 6ix, you’ll have plenty of choices for hotel stays. The city is littered with inexpensive chains like the Radisson, Delta and Hyatt, where you can save a few bucks and get the most out of your time in the city. If you’re in need of a breathtaking view, or a ritzy, centrally-located accommodation, you can always check availability at the Omni King Edward Hotel, Victoria’s Mansion Guest House or the InterContinental Toronto. Any way you slice it, you’re sure to have a super time when you make your visit. Just be sure to avoid any pedestrians with glowing eyes and negative dispositions. You wouldn’t want to get swept up in some kind of Supe civil war, after all.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the strongest character in “Gen V”?

It’s hard to say who exactly is the strongest character in the series. A strong case could be made that Sam Ryarden, Marie Moreau or Cate Dunlap are the most powerful supes in the show. Even still, their power scaling generally gives them a competitive edge depending on the time, place and situation where they find themselves. As in “The Boys,” physical strength is not always the most important form of power. Sometimes even a regular old civilian can turn the tables on the supes, provided they have enough prep time and personal leverage.

Where does “Gen V” fit in “The Boys” timeline?

The first season of “Gen V” serves as a bridge between seasons three and four of “The Boys.” The spin-off provides an alternate view of Homelander’s political rise to power, and showcases how someone outside of the loop might view the superhero team known as The Seven. So far, it looks like season two of “Gen V” will overlap a bit with the events of “The Boys” season four, meaning future seasons might venture into the narrative of “The Boys” season five and beyond.

Was “The Boys” filmed in Canada?

Yes, much like “Gen V,” “The Boys” was shot almost entirely in and around Toronto, Ontario.

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