Hollywood Stars Shine in Southwest Florida

Movies shot in Naples, Fort Myers, and other SW Florida locations showcase the region's diverse landscapes.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Film crews have been flocking to Southwest Florida in recent years, using the region's diverse landscapes as backdrops for major Hollywood productions. From zombies shuffling through downtown Fort Myers to Dakota Fanning kissing a boy on a Captiva Island beach, the cameras have been rolling to capture it all.

Why it matters

The influx of movie productions has provided an economic boost to the region, generating jobs and tourism. It also showcases Southwest Florida's versatility as a filming location, from urban cityscapes to pristine beaches and natural habitats.

The details

Recent films shot in Southwest Florida include a zombie movie filmed in downtown Fort Myers and a movie featuring Dakota Fanning that included scenes shot on Captiva Island. The region's diverse landscapes, from urban centers to coastal environments, have attracted filmmakers looking for unique backdrops for their projects.

  • In recent years, film crews have been visiting Southwest Florida to shoot various productions.

The players

Dakota Fanning

An American actress who has appeared in numerous films, including a recent production that included scenes shot on Captiva Island.

Nicholas Ray

A renowned film director best known for the 1955 James Dean classic "Rebel Without A Cause."

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The takeaway

Southwest Florida's diverse landscapes, from urban centers to pristine beaches and natural habitats, have made the region an attractive filming location for Hollywood productions, providing an economic boost to the local economy.