Marvel Studios, owned by Disney, has decided to shift major film productions from Georgia to the United Kingdom, dealing a heavy blow to thousands of local jobs in what was once called the Hollywood of the South. This move, reported in recent industry updates, comes as rising costs in Georgia push studios to seek cheaper options abroad, with impacts rippling through the state’s economy as of August 2025.
Reasons Behind the Big Shift
Marvel has filmed blockbuster hits like Avengers: Endgame and Black Panther in Georgia for over a decade, drawn by the state’s generous tax incentives that helped build a thriving film scene. But now, with production expenses soaring, the studio is turning to the UK for lower labor costs and similar tax breaks.
This decision aligns with broader industry trends where companies chase the best deals to keep budgets in check. Experts point out that Georgia’s incentives, while still strong, no longer outpace rising local wages and operational fees, making overseas spots more appealing. For instance, the UK offers competitive rebates that can cover up to 25 percent of qualifying spends, pulling in big players like Marvel.
Recent reports highlight how this shift affects upcoming projects. Films such as The Fantastic Four: First Steps and the next Spider-Man installment are now set to film in the UK instead.
Heavy Toll on Georgia’s Economy
Georgia’s film industry boomed thanks to Marvel and other studios, pumping billions into the local economy and creating steady work for crews, vendors, and support staff. Data shows that just one film, like Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, generated over $314 million and supported more than 1,800 jobs back in 2022.
Now, with Marvel pulling out, the state faces a sharp decline. Production spending has dropped nearly 50 percent in three years, from 412 projects in fiscal 2022 to just 245 by June 2025. This slide means fewer opportunities for electricians, caterers, and set builders who relied on these gigs.
Local businesses feel the pinch too. Hotels, restaurants, and equipment suppliers in areas like Atlanta and Fayetteville report slower bookings as film crews vanish. Community leaders worry this could lead to broader economic setbacks, including reduced tourism tied to movie locations.
- Key economic hits include lost wages for freelance workers.
- Reduced spending on local services like transportation and lodging.
- Potential rise in unemployment in film-related fields.
Trump’s Silence Sparks Questions
President Trump promised during his campaigns to boost American jobs and make Hollywood great again, yet he has stayed quiet on this issue. As Marvel moves operations overseas, many in Georgia wonder why there is no pushback from the White House to keep these productions stateside.
This lack of response contrasts with past political pressures on the industry. For example, in 2021, some studios threatened to leave Georgia over voting laws, but economic incentives kept them there. Now, with costs driving the exodus, calls grow for federal action like tariffs or new incentives to protect U.S. jobs.
Industry insiders argue that without intervention, more studios might follow Marvel’s lead, weakening America’s grip on global film production.
What Films Are Affected
Marvel’s pivot to the UK reshapes its slate of upcoming releases. This table outlines some major projects and their new filming plans:
| Film Title | Original Location | New Location | Expected Job Impact in Georgia |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Fantastic Four: First Steps | Georgia | UK | Loss of 500+ local crew jobs |
| Spider-Man 4 | Georgia | UK | Up to 800 jobs affected |
| Avengers: Doomsday | Georgia | UK | Over 1,000 positions at risk |
| Thunderbolts | Georgia | UK | Around 600 jobs impacted |
These changes highlight how the move disrupts not just current work but future pipelines that Georgia counted on.
Looking Ahead for Georgia and Beyond
As Marvel settles into UK studios, Georgia officials scramble to update incentives and attract new projects. Some propose capping tax credits or partnering with tech firms to diversify the economy, but recovery could take years.
On a brighter note, this shift opens doors for emerging film hubs in places like Canada or Eastern Europe, showing how global competition keeps evolving. For workers hit hard, retraining programs in digital effects or streaming content offer potential paths forward.
Meanwhile, fans and industry watchers eye how this affects movie quality and release dates, with some speculating delays if UK logistics snag.
What do you think about Marvel’s move and its effects on local jobs? Share your thoughts in the comments below and spread the word to keep the conversation going.
