In the 1960s, superpowered humans Charles Xavier and Erik Lensherr work together to find others like them, but Erik's vengeful pursuit of an ambitious mutant who ruined his life causes a schism to divide them.
The 1960s-set X-Men origin story plays out against the Cuban Missile Crisis – and filmed its globe-spanning tale across England, with an English country house for Xavier’s mansion, a Welsh wind tunnel for a secret base, and the Georgia coast standing in for Cuba.
Where was X-Men: First Class filmed?
X-Men: First Class was filmed in England (Xavier’s mansion and studios), Wales, the United States (Georgia, as Cuba) and Argentina.
Every X-Men: First Class location, explained
1
Xavier’s school – an English estate
Charles Xavier’s mansion used a grand English country estate near Reading in Berkshire.
2
Cuba – the Georgia coast
The climactic Cuba scenes used Jekyll Island in Georgia, USA.
3
The research base – Wales
A secret facility interior used a real wind tunnel at Llangattock in Wales.
4
Argentina and London
The film reached Argentina for a mountain-lake scene, with London locations like the Courtauld Institute as a Geneva bank.
Planning a visit
Jekyll Island in Georgia is a scenic coastal retreat, and the film’s grand English estate near Reading is the kind of stately home that dots the Home Counties.
X-Men: First Class Fun Facts
1
Set during the Cuban Missile Crisis The film weaves its mutant origin story into the real 1962 stand-off.
2
Georgia plays Cuba The Cuba scenes were filmed on Jekyll Island off the coast of Georgia.
3
A Welsh wind tunnel A secret-base interior used a real wind tunnel at Llangattock in Wales.
4
An English country mansion Xavier’s school used a stately estate in Berkshire.
5
A 1960s reboot The film rebooted the franchise with a period-set younger cast.
Frequently Asked Questions
What plays Cuba in the film?
Jekyll Island in Georgia, USA.
Can you visit the locations?
Yes – Jekyll Island in Georgia is a scenic, accessible coastal destination.
