Contemporary Blockbusters Filmed in Toronto Face Possible Tariffs under Trump's Proposed Policy

In a nutshell, Toronto, famously known as Hollywood North, is a city that's played host to numerous iconic films. If Donald Trump's threats of 100% tariffs on foreign-made films materialize, it could be catastrophic for Toronto, which saw 1,500 productions shoot there in 2021, adding $2.5 billion in direct spending. Here are nine films that had Toronto as their backing, some even masquerading as other cities.

Mean Girls

Filled with high school drama, Mean Girls seems to unfold in suburban Evanston, Illinois. However, it was actually filmed in Toronto, with locations including Etobicoke Collegiate Institute, Malvern Collegiate Institute, and Sherway Gardens.

American Psycho

Don't be fooled by the title; this cult classic was shot almost entirely in Toronto. Starring Christian Bale, we find him dining at Biff's Bistro at Front and Yonge and getting his dry cleaning at Valet Service Cleaners on Church Street. The police shootout was filmed on Pearl Street, between Simcoe and Duncan.

The Shape of Water

Director Guillermo del Toro considers Toronto a second home, and it played a considerable part in his 2017 sci-fi romance The Shape of Water. The movie was partly shot at the brutalist Science and Humanities Wing on the University of Toronto Scarborough campus, which has also served as a backdrop for movies like Total Recall and Resident Evil.

My Big Fat Greek Wedding

With a tiny budget of only $5 million (U.S.) and a staggering box office of over $360 million (U.S.), My Big Fat Greek Wedding was the surprise hit of 2002. Toronto had a starring role, with scenes shot at Toronto Metropolitan University, Jarvis Collegiate Institute, the Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church, and St. Nicholas Ukrainian Church.

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, unlike the other entries, is actually set in Toronto, embracing the glory of the Bathurst and Bloor Pizza Pizza and the "totally awesome castle" that is Casa Loma. Bonus points for starring Brampton-born Michael Cera.

Good Will Hunting

Good Will Hunting launched the careers of Matt Damon and Ben Affleck and raked in big bucks at the box office. Despite appearing to be centered in Boston, including scenes set at Harvard University and MIT, it was partly shot in Toronto. The now-defunct Upfront Bar & Grill on Front Street was where the famous "How do you like them apples?" scene was filmed.

Suicide Squad

Although critically panned with a 26% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Suicide Squad made nearly $750 million (U.S.) worldwide. In the movie, Will Smith's character rappels down the side of 151 Front St. W., a snowstorm hits Adelaide Street, and a plane crashes on Yonge Street between College and Wellesley.

Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle

The Harold and Kumar cinematic universe—consisting of three movies, including a Christmas special—all started with a trip to White Castle, an iconic American fast food chain. However, this stoner comedy buddy was also filmed in Toronto. Locations include 398 Avenue Road, the University of Toronto, and a Pet Valu in Mississauga.

Hairspray

The Lakeview diner at Dundas and Ossington, a renowned location, made appearances in films like Tom Cruise's Cocktail, The Shape of Water, The Boondock Saints, and Cosmopolis. Hairspray joined the ranks, filming there, as well as Lord Lansdowne Public School, not far from College and Spadina. Part of the opening scene was filmed on the west end. Unfortunately, "Good morning, Dundas and Roncesvalles" doesn't have the same ring to it.

With files from Bruce DeMara

If tariffs were implemented, U.S. distributors and exhibitors would face increased costs, making foreign films less competitive against domestic content. Canadian films could see their U.S. market share shrink, and U.S. studios may reconsider their strategies, potentially shifting production back to the U.S. straining international relations. The city's economy could also suffer significant losses, and the global film industry's complicated supply chains and creative partnerships could be disrupted.

If implemented, Donald Trump's proposed 100% tariffs on foreign-made films could be catastrophic for Toronto, particularly since it hosted 1,500 film productions in 2021, contributing $2.5 billion in direct spending.
The 2004 film Mean Girls, while appearing to be set in suburban Evanston, Illinois, was actually filmed in Toronto, utilizing locations such as Etobicoke Collegiate Institute and Sherway Gardens.
Canadian-Mexican director Guillermo del Toro, who considers Toronto a second home, featured the city in his 2017 film The Shape of Water, which was partly shot at the University of Toronto Scarborough campus.
In 2002's My Big Fat Greek Wedding, scenes were shot at various Toronto locations, including Toronto Metropolitan University and St. Nicholas Ukrainian Church.
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, unlike some other films, was set in Toronto and showcased city landmarks like the Bathurst and Bloor Pizza Pizza and Casa Loma.
Good Will Hunting, though appearing to be set in Boston, partiality shot scenes in Toronto, notably at the Upfront Bar & Grill on Front Street, where the famous "How do you like them apples?" scene was filmed.
Suicide Squad, despite its less than stellar critical reception, generated nearly $750 million worldwide. Several scenes in the movie, including Will Smith's character rappelling down 151 Front St. W., were filmed in Toronto. The city also served as the backdrop for other infamous events in the film, such as a snowstorm on Adelaide Street and a plane crash on Yonge Street between College and Wellesley.