Where was Play Dirty shot? Revisiting key filming locations of the upcoming heist thriller starring Mark Wahlberg

Prime Video's Play Dirty has brought another high-octane thriller to fans, thanks to Shane Black's genius direction and Mark Wahlberg's action instincts. Based on the Parker book series by Donald E. Westlake, the film follows the story of a thief who finds himself entangled in a mess, having to go up against a South American dictator, the New York mob, and the wealthiest man in the world.

Like any brilliant thriller movie, a lot of the character in Play Dirty's premise lies in the film's locations. Shot in various locations in Sydney, principal photography for the film started in March 2024. Before you watch Play Dirty when it drops on Prime Video this October, here's everything you need to know about the film's filming locations.

Play Dirty filming locations

Production for Play Dirty was anchored at Disney Studios Australia in Moore Park, which was previously known as Fox Studios Australia. The film occupied six sound stages and various facilities throughout the year it was filmed, which were critical for the film's intricate interior sets. This allowed the team to plan and produce elaborate heist sequences with precision.

Moving away from the studio, a few on-location sites helped build the tense atmosphere of the film. St Ives Bushland in Ku-Ring-Gai was one of the locations Play Dirty was shot. Located on Sydney's upper shore, the area's fire trails and native bushland serve as the perfect place to shoot visually rich environments for outdoor sequences. Another key location was Terrey Hills on the northern beaches, which was used for expansive outdoor scenes and chase sequences.

Another major location was Sydney Harbour itself, with its marinas, shoreline, and waters standing in for international ports and bustling waterfronts.

With all of that, Sydney really ended up being more than just a backdrop for the film, and instead made its appearance as one of the main characters.

More details about Play Dirty

Still from Play Dirty (Image via YouTube @/Prime Video)

Play Dirty follows Wahlberg's character Parker, who is a master thief and assembles a skilled crew for a major heist. He is joined by Grofield, played by Lakeith Stanfield, and Zen, played by Rosa Salazar. As he is up against some dangerous and influential organizations, the film aims at a premise that is action-filled and mysterious, with all the right elements of a crime thriller.

Production for Play Dirty began in March 2022 with Amazon MGM Studios and Team Downey, led by Susan Downey. The project was initially set to feature Robert Downey Jr, but Wahlberg replaced him later on. The cast also includes Keegan-Michael Key, Chukwudi Iwuji, Nat Wolff, Thomas Jane, Tony Shalhoub, Gretchen Mol, Dermot Mulroney, and Saskia Archer in undisclosed roles.