13 Movies Filmed at the Toronto Castle: Casa Loma
FROM X-MEN TO CHICAGO AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN
BY: V.Rhodes
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010), motion picture, Universal Pictures.
DISCLAIMER: THERE ARE A LARGE NUMBER OF IMAGES ON THIS PAGE, PLEASE BE PATIENT AS THEY LOAD.
THE 100 YEAR HISTORY
Casa Loma is commonly known as ‘The Toronto Castle’. What once was the private residence of Sir Henry Pellatt and his wife Mary Pellatt, has since become a historic house museum and local landmark. The name ‘Casa Loma’ comes from the previous owner. The land had been named Casa Loma, a Spanish phrase that translates to “Hill House.”
Casa Loma was designed by architect E.J. Lennox, and constructed between 1911-1914. It cost $3.5 million, which would be almost $80 million in today's Canadian dollar. At the time, Casa Loma was the most extravagant private home in North America. It was an homage to the medieval knights and castles of England, containing priceless artwork and secret passageways. Today, Casa Loma remains one of the only true castles in North America.
The Pellatt’s were very lavish people. They were constantly throwing parties and hosting philanthropic events on their grounds. But Casa Loma couldn’t be the Toronto Camelot forever. To finance the expansion, Pellatt had taken out loans on the family electric company, and became severely in debt. Their one source of income came from the family’s privately owned company which had a monopoly on electrical power. But when political decisions allowed for public ownership of electricity, the money ran out. By 1924, the Pellatt’s had gone bankrupt.
In 1925, architect William Sparling led the project to convert Casa Loma into a hotel. It was fully functioning between 1926-1929. Sparling had completed some of the rooms Pellatt hadn't finished including the Great Hall and Billiards room. A New York syndicate offered to purchase the hotel in 1928, but the deal fell through when the hotel failed in 1929. By the Great Depression, Casa Loma was vacant again.
Due to back taxes owed, in 1933, the City of Toronto took ownership of Casa Loma. Although many proposals were made for the use of the property - including a high school, an art gallery, a home for veterans or even just knocking it down - by 1937 it became a tourist attraction and has stayed that way since.
Today, this midtown Toronto neighbourhood is actually named after the castle. Casa Loma’s unique architectural style has attracted the public and has become a popular location for tourist trips, filming locations, restaurants, escape rooms and wedding ceremonies. If you haven’t, I highly recommend taking a self-guided tour of the castle and grounds. They are beautiful! You can even move through the old secret passageways. Also, if you’re looking for a swanky restaurant for a fancy occasion, the two restaurants on site are really lovely options. But be warned, they are pricey.
ARCHITECTURE
In addition to designing Casa Loma, architect E.J. Lennox was the brainchild for dozens of other Ontario buildings in the late 1800’s and 1900s. (Such as Old Toronto City Hall, Bank of Toronto, Toronto Power Generating Station and King Edward Hotel and more.)
Casa Loma a Gothic Revival style mansion and garden. It is one of the only true castles in North America. Gothic architecture made a comeback in the UK in the late 1700’s. Culture has always influenced art and architecture. This was partially brought on by the public's renewed obsession with medieval themed literature - so this nostalgic movement made a comeback!
Unlike original Gothic architecture, which was primarily used for religious cathedrals, the revival could be applied to all building types. By the end of the 1800’s London was the epicenter of this movement, the most famous examples being the Tower Bridge, Palace of Westminster and Strawberry Hill.
As North America often copies the trend of the UK, Gothic Revival was a big influence in Canadian Architecture as well. Casa Loma is only one example. The most famous Canadian example of Gothic Revival is Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal, but this movement can be found all over the country.
In addition to Casa Loma being a popular tourist attraction and museum, it has become famous for it’s escape rooms. There are three separate escape rooms that are hosted after hours in the castle: Escape from the Tower, Station M, and King of the Bootleggers. These escape rooms are fantastic! They are the most immersive and interactive rooms I’ve ever participated in. There are live actors who play along with the theme, and each “escape room” is actually a series of rooms you need to solve.
I have played King of the Bootleggers twice, and both times had a fantastic and unique experience. The theme is 1920’s gangsters and speakeasies. The actors portray the real life Toronto gangster Rocco Perri’s wife and crew. Everyone is asked to help them take Perri down by solving the escape room! This specific escape room actually takes you through a secret passageway from the castle into a separate house across the grounds. Once in the house the participants are separated into three teams, they are asked to solve their individual rooms (a library, a study, and a distillery) then all the participants work together to solve the final riddles.
This is a high recommendation from me. We usually take out of town visitors here, and it is always a huge hit!
CASA LOMA ON SCREEN
Almost 100 different productions have shot at Casa Loma. In fact a lot of these movie posters are on display at the castle. Movies like Crimson Peak (2015), X-Men (2000), and The Vow (2012). It is impossible to talk about all of them, but we’ve done a deep dive into some of our favorites. Let’s explore!
#1
X-Men (2000)
Main floor Hallway
This was one of my favourite movies as a kid. I had watched every episode of the old 90’s X-Men (1992-1997) the animated series, and so of course I ecstatic when a live action movie came out! X-Men is iconic enough to skip the synopsis, but for those of you who aren't obsessed with superheroes I'll explain.
PLOT: The movie is based on the Marvel Comic superhero team of the same name consisting of iconic characters like Professor Xavier (Patrick Stewart), Wolverine (Hugh Jackman), Magneto (Ian McKellen), Jean-Grey (Famke Janssen), Storm (Halle Berry), Cyclops (James Marsden), Rouge (Anna Paquin), and Mystique (Rebecca Romiijn). Mutants (people with superhuman abilities) are feared by a society who cannot accept their differences. Led by Professor X, the X-Men fight to protect the world against former friend Magneto who believes humans and mutants shouldn’t co-exist.
Professor X runs ‘Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters’ which is a school and home for mutant children. Where is this school you might ask? Well, Casa Loma in Toronto, of course! (Not in Westchester, NY as they say in the film.)
Professor X’s Office: BlueBlood Main Room
Strap in, because we have A LOT to talk about here! I think the first question we should ask is, “Where at Casa Loma haven't they filmed X-Men at?”, because that might make it easier to narrow it down! Although all of the exterior shots were filmed at Oshawa’s Parkwood Estate, the interior shots are here, at Casa Loma!
Conservatory & stables
Storm’s classroom is actually the Casa Loma conservatory, which in real life is a popular wedding venue. Wolverine and Professor X can be seen walking through the main hallway, office and the stables, you can notice the dark wood wall paneling. Professor X’s office is has been converted into the new upscale steakhouse: BlueBlood.
#2
Chicago (2002)
Despite this Oscar winning movie-musical being named “Chicago”, the majority of filming locations are actually in Toronto!
PLOT: When famous nightclub performer Velma Kelly (Catherine Zeta-Jones) murders her husband, lawyer Billy Flynn (Richard Gere) takes on her case. But when Roxie Hart (Renée Zellweger) ends up in prison Flynn takes on Hart’s case, and she becomes a media sensation. Neither murderess will be outshone by the other on their climb to celebrity.
The Oak Room at Casa Loma was the backdrop for lawyer Billy Flynn’s office. You can see it in the scene where Roxie’s husband, Amos Hart (John C. Reilly) asks for Flynn’s help defending his wife.
#3 & #4
Twitches (2005) & Twitches Too (2007)
Twitches (2005), motion picture, Buena Vista Television, Disney Channel
Twitches (2005) and the sequel Twitches Too (2007) are Disney Channel Original Movies starring twins, Tia and Tamera Mowry. ‘Twitches’ being a hybrid of twin-witches. This cult-classic movie series is a Disney Channel staple around Halloween time.
Twitches Too (2007), motion picture, Buena Vista Television, Disney Channel
PLOT: Alex and Camryn didn’t meet until they were 21, but their combined power managed to save their home. Since then they have been working together to strengthen their magic powers.
Where is there home? Casa Loma! It is even featured on the Twitches Too movie poster! Although Casa Loma is only in two exterior scenes of the original Twitches, the sequel a huge number of exterior and interior shots.
#5
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World (2010)
Our second superhero movie on this list is Scott Pilgrim vs. The World (2010). I remember seeing this movie in theatres and only really recognizing Micheal Cera. But now revisiting it, you’ll recognize almost every actor! This movie features some crazy famous actors prior to them being in big Marvel and DC properties like Chris Evans, Brie Larson, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Brandon Routh, and Aubrey Plaza. You’ll also see fan favourites like Anna Kendrik, Allison Pill, Mae Whitman, Jason Schwartzman, and Kieran Culkin.
PLOT: When Scott Pilgrim (Cera) meets Ramona Flowers (Winstead) he realizes she’s got a lot of baggage. He then has to battle all of Romona’s seven deadly exes to win her heart!
This is the only movie on our list that is not only filmed in Toronto, it is actually set in Toronto! How rare! The comic book that this movie is based on even has panels of the characters at Casa Loma. The final movie cut is very similar to the original graphic novel art.
Battle of the evil exes Level 2 takes place at Casa Loma. The front exterior courtyard is turned into a fake movie set for the Lucas Lee (Chris Evans) action movie that is being filmed. This is where Scott Pilgrim battles Lucas Lee and his stunt doubles. Just before Lucas Lee gets destroyed, he does a bunch of cool skateboard tricks down the famous Baldwin Steps. There is a better shot of the Baldwin Steps when Scott and Ramona walk up from Davenport Road to the castle.
#6
The Vow (2010)
We’ll take any excuse to talk about Rachel McAdams and Channing Tatum! The Vow has one of my favourite rom-com clichés: a person gets amnesia and their partner spends the movie trying to remind them they are in love.
PLOT: Paige (Rachel McAdams) and Leo (Channing Tatum) are newly married when they get into a car accident that leaves Paige in a coma. When she wakes up, she’s lost her memory of Leo and gets back together with her ex-fiance, Jeremy (Scott Speedman). Leo spends the rest of the movie trying to get back Paige and rebuild their marriage.
Much like real life, Casa Loma is the backdrop for a wedding! The interior and exteriors can be seen in the film.
#7
Cocktail (1988)
Who doesn't love a young Tom Cruise movie? Just a couple of years after Top Gun (1986), Tom Cruise was in the iconic 1988 movie Rain Main and less iconic movie Cocktail.
PLOT: Brian Flanagan (Tom Cruise) is working as a bartender to pay for business school in NYC. He gets recognized for his charm and flashy tricks behind the bar, and moves to Jamaica to open up his own bar with business person Doug Coughlin (Bryan Brown). Brian meets waitress Jordan Mooney (Elizabeth Shue) the rest of the romantic-drama ensues.
In Cocktail, the Mooney family’s Park Avenue penthouse is actually the Lady Pellet Suite at Casa Loma.
#8
The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones (2013)
Twilight (2008) walked so The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones (2013) could run! The early 2010’s saw a boom in two types of teen movies - the dystopian future or fantasy love triangles. All of which were based on a popular teen book series. I will be honest, The Mortal Instruments is not the best version of a movie in this genre. It did so terribly at the box office that a pending sequel was canceled and eventually a tv show was picked up to replace it.
PLOT: Seemingly normal New York teen, Clary Fray (Lily Collins), discovers that she is actually a descendant of half-angel warriors known as the Shadowhunters who protect humanity from evil.
Mortal Instruments locations can be found all over Toronto. Clary’s house is actually in Cabbagetown and she can be seen riding the TTC subway into Lower Bay station. And of course, the Shadowhunter Institute interior scenes take place at Casa Loma.
#9
The Tuxedo (2002)
Jackie Chan is a living legend. His acrobatic stunts and physical humor helped bring kung fu movies into mainstream American culture. After having a crazy career transitioning from opera singing to martial arts to acting in asian cinema, he got his Hollywood big break in the 1999 movie, Rush Hour. Once he solidified himself as an A-Lister, he did a whole string of movies in the early 2000s that were such a big part of my childhood. Shanghai Noon (2000), Around the World in 80 Days (2004), Rush Hour 2 (2001), Kung Fu Panda (2008) and he even voiced Li Shang in the standard Chinese and Cantonese dubbed version of Disney’s Mulan (1998). But back to The Tuxedo.
PLOT: When chauffeur Jimmy Tong’s (Jackie Chan) boss Clark Devlin (Jason Isaacs) gets hurt in an explosion, Jimmy puts on Clark’s tuxedo and realizes that it gives the user incredible martial arts abilities. Jimmy gets paired with Del Blaine (Jennifer Love Hewitt) and becomes a secret agent.
If Clark Devlin is rich enough to have a personal chauffeur, he must be rich enough to live in a castle. Casa Loma is actually the backdrop for Clark’s home! There is a party out on the patio, and the interior wood paneled walls are also visible throughout the film.
#10
Crimson Peak (2015)
Crimson Peak (2015) is another Guillermo del Toro movie filmed in Ontario. His other movies like The Shape of Water (2017) and Nightmare Alley (2021) feature Toronto heavily, and lots of city landmarks can be seen.
Guillermo del Toro is famous for writing and directing monster movies like Pan's Labyrinth (2006) and Hellboy (2004), so Crimson Peak’s beautifully eerie feeling is very in line with his other works. As Steven King said: Crimson Peak is “gorgeous and just fucking terrifying.”
PLOT: Edith Cushing (Mia Wasikowska) marries the charming Sir Thomas Sharpe (Tom Hiddleston) and ends up at a remote gothic mansion. As Edith is able to talk to the dead, she tries to figure out the mysteries of the ghosts haunting their house.
This horror movie is set in England but is actually filmed at some crazy old buildings around Hamilton, Kingston and Toronto. The ballroom party scene was filmed in the Casa Loma library. You can see the familiar wooden paneling and bookshelves in the background.
#11
The Skulls (2000)
I’ll be honest, I had never heard about this movie until I was doing research for this post. But I do love to talk about Joshua Jackson and Paul Walker.
PLOT: Luke McNamara (Joshua Jackson) is a scholarship student at an ivy league college. When he gets accepted into a secret society called ‘The Skulls’, he hopes it will better his chances at Harvard, but everything comes at a price.
Much of Toronto is recognizable throughout the movie. The college campus scenes are mostly filmed in and around the University of Toronto, but the big party scene is filmed at the Casa Loma conservatory.
#12
Mom’s Got a Date with a Vampire (2000)
For anyone that's read my blog before, you know that I will use any excuse to talk about obscure Disney Channel made for TV movies. Mom’s Got a Date With a Vampire (2000) is one of those films, but for Halloween!
PLOT: The Hanson kids all have plans but have been grounded. They try to set their mother, Lynette (Caroline Rhea), up on a date in order to sneak out of the house. Once they do, they realize this mysterious suitor, Dimitri Denatos (Charles Shaughnessy) might be a vampire.
First of all, it's fantastic to see Mr. Sheffield, Aunt Hilda Spellmen, Lizzie McGuire’s dad and Gary Giggles from Spy Kids 2 (2002) all in one movie! Disney has a fantastic string of made for TV Halloween classics. And unfortunately this one doesn’t get the same clout as some of the other classics. But it is worth a rewatch.
#13
The Perfect Man (2005)
Even a bad Hillary Duff movie is a good time. Hillary is one of the teen movie queens of the early 2000s! Although she is most known for her role as the title character in the Disney Channel show Lizzie McGuire (2001-2004) and the follow up movie The Lizzie McGuire Movie (2003), she was definitely an ‘it’ girl of Y2K.
As a kid, I remember being completely inundated with trailers for The Perfect Man. The ad campaign must have been huge, no matter where you looked they were trying to sell you this movie. The Perfect Man was clearly targeted at 12 year old girls, but it still ended up with an unfortunate Rotten Tomatoes score of 6%.
PLOT: Every time Jean (Heather Locklear) goes through a breakup, she relocates her family. Her oldest daughter Holly (Hillary Duff) is determined to make a home in New York, creating a fake secret admirer to lift her mom’s spirits.
Like a lot of movies set in New York, they are actually filmed in Toronto. The characters can be seen walking down Bloor West, the main bakery is Tre Mari Cafe on St Clair Ave W and of course Ben Cooper’s (Chris North) big wedding that Holly interrupts takes place in the iconic Casa Loma conservatory.
Which was your favourite movie? Did we miss one? Let us know in the comments!
WE KNOW YOU WANT MORE!
HOW DO YOU WANT TO FILMTRIP?
LIKE IT? PIN IT!
Image Credit
All screencaps are used for non-commercial entertainment and education purposes. We are not endorsed, sponsored or affiliated with any movie studios. All copyrights, trademarks, and logos are owned by their respective owners. If you own the rights to any of the images and do not wish them to appear on the site, please contact us and they will promptly be removed.
References
We would like to give a special thanks to David Fleischer at the TORONTOIST: REEL TORONTO, his articles have been an invaluable resource for my research of FilmTripping in Toronto!
Casa Loma: Official Website
E.J Lennox: Wiki
Atkinson, S. “39 Things You Notice When You Rewatch 'Twitches'.” Bustle, 18 October, 2016.
Fleischer, David. “Reel Toronto” (Full Series). TORONTOIST.
Minassian, Liana. “The Scott Pilgrim-age Guide To Toronto.” Geek and Sundry, 16 October, 2016.
Peregoy, Beau. “5 of the Best Gothic Revival Buildings in London.” Architectural Digest, 21 December, 2016.
“X-Men: Filming Locations”. Movie-Locations.
“Cocktail: Filming Locations”. Movie-Locations.
“Movies Filmed at Casa Loma.” Movie Maps.
Jackie Chan: Britannica