Code 8 takes place in an alternate reality where superheroes, known as Powers, are outcasts and unjustly treated as criminals, and the entirety of principal photography for both movies in the franchise occurred in one city. Netflix’s science fiction action series originated from the 2016 short film of the same name, also directed by Jeff Chan and starring Robbie and Stephen Amell, who are cousins in real life. The first feature-length Code 8 received positive reviews upon its debut in 2019, resulting in Netflix ordering a sequel, Code 8: Part II, which premiered in 2024.
The Amell cousins reprise their roles as Connor Reed and Garrett Kelton in the sequel, and other members of the cast of Code 8: Part II include Sirena Gulamgaus as Pavani, Altair Vincent as Office Stillman, Alex Mallari Jr. as Sergeant Kingston, Moe Jeudy-Lamour as Officer Cirelli, Aaron Abrams as Officer Davis, and Jean Yoon as Mina. The cast and crew traveled to the same filming location as the first film, seemingly since it worked well for them originally. However, the Amell cousins ventured to a specific spot that holds a special place in their hearts to capture one scene for the sequel.
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Code 8
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Code 8 centers on Connor Reed, a young construction worker who becomes deeply involved with a group of criminals after receiving superpowers to help his sick mother. Robbie Amell stars in the action sci-fi film directed by Jeff Chan alongside Kari Matchett, Penny Eizenga, Lawrence Bayne, and Jai Jai Jones.
- Director
- Jeff Chan
- Release Date
- December 6, 2019
- Writers
- Chris Pare , Jeff Chan
- Cast
- Lawrence Bayne , Stephen Amell , Shaun Benson , Penny Eizenga , Laysla De Oliveira , Robbie Amell , Alex Mallari Jr. , Kari Matchett , Martin Roach , Aaron Abrams , Jai Jai Jones , Sung Kang
- Runtime
- 100 minutes
The entirety of principal photography for Code 8 and Code 8: Part II took place in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, per The Cinemaholic. A successful crowdfunding campaign in 2016 allowed the producers, including Robbie and Stephen Amell, to turn their short film into a feature-length project, and the Amell cousins chose their hometown of Toronto as their production base. Filming began on June 1, 2017, and concluded toward the end of July.
The cast and crew of Netflix’s science fiction action series filmed in numerous places around the Canadian city, and several establishing shots of Toronto can be spotted in both movies. A handful of specific locations utilized in Code 8 and Code 8: Part II include a branch of TD Canada Trust for the bank heist scene, East Chinatown for Connor’s interrogation, and the Main Square. Additionally, Code 8‘s ending was captured at the RC Harris Water Treatment Plant.
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Berkindale Drive In Toronto
During an interview with People, Robbie and Stephen Amell discussed what it was like to film Code 8 and Code 8: Part II in their hometown of Toronto. The cousins also revealed that the filming location for King’s house in the sequel was especially special for them because was near where one of them grew up. Robbie Amell explained:
“We shot one day down the block from where Steve grew up. We were standing there and he goes, ‘Do you know where we are?’ I was like, ‘Oh, no way.’ He’s like, ‘Yep, right down that street.’ I’m like, ‘The house with the pool.’ He’s like, ‘Oh, yeah.'”
Stephen Amell added:
“[The house is] literally a stone’s throw from 42 Berkindale Drive, where I spent 10 years in my childhood.”
Berkindale Drive is located about 30 minutes north of downtown Toronto in the administrative district of North York, so the cast and crew truly ventured around various spots in the city to shoot both movies. Toronto is the biggest city in Canada, so it’s quite a coincidence that one scene in the 2024 science fiction action movie was shot near Stephen Amell’s childhood home on Berkindale Drive. Nevertheless, it was undoubtedly a memorable moment for the Amell cousins as they worked on the Code 8 series together.
Code 8: Part II
Code 8: Part II is the sequel to the 2019 sci-fi action film by director Jeff Chan. Connor has been released from prison and intends to turn his life around, but he is dragged back in when a teenager named Pav crosses his path. Running afoul of corrupt police officers, Pav flees with the help of Connor, but to succeed, he’ll have to reach back out to his former criminal partner, Garrett.
- Director
- Jeff Chan
- Release Date
- February 28, 2024
- Writers
- Chris Pare , Jeff Chan , Sherren Lee , Jesse LaVercombe , Sirena Gulamgaus
- Cast
- Robbie Amell , Stephen Amell , Alex Mallari Jr. , Jean Yoon , Aaron Abrams
- Runtime
- 100 Minutes
Sources: The Cinemaholic, People
