Georgia, once affectionately called the "Hollywood of the South," is facing a dramatic transformation as Disney’s Marvel Studios—one of the state’s most prolific film producers—packs up and heads across the Atlantic. On August 19, 2025, news broke that Marvel, which has anchored more than 20 blockbuster movies and TV series in and around Atlanta, has shifted its next wave of productions to a studio just outside London, where Disney holds a long-term lease. This decision marks a pivotal moment for Georgia’s film industry, which has recently suffered a nearly 50% drop in production spending, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Marvel’s move is not a mere blip on the radar. The studio’s departure is expected to ripple throughout the local economy, threatening thousands of jobs and undermining Georgia’s reputation as a global production hub. For years, Georgia’s sound stages and scenic backdrops were the chosen sets for not just Marvel’s superheroes, but also for megahits like The Hunger Games, Stranger Things, and the Fast & Furious franchise. Now, the state finds itself at a crossroads, fighting to retain its status and keep the cameras rolling.
Why the sudden exodus? The answer, as always, is money—and a bit of healthcare policy. As The Wall Street Journal reports, Marvel’s move is driven by the search for cheaper labor and the financial relief that comes from filming in a country with universal healthcare. In the UK, studios aren’t required to subsidize workers’ medical expenses, a perk that can shave millions off a film’s colossal budget. With Marvel’s average production budget hovering around $190 million, every bit of savings counts.
Marvel’s next slate of films—including The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, and the upcoming Avengers sequels—will all be filmed at Disney’s UK studio. This shift is part of a broader trend, as other major productions follow suit. The Greta Gerwig-directed Barbie film, for instance, was largely shot at Warner Bros. Studios in Hertfordshire, north of London. That single production reportedly injected £80 million into the UK economy, highlighting just how much is at stake for host regions.
The toll on Georgia’s economy is already becoming apparent. According to The Wall Street Journal, the number of projects shot in the state plummeted to 245 in the last fiscal year, down sharply from 412 just three years ago. Entertainment industry reporter Ben Fritz summed up the situation bluntly: “This is what happens, industries come and go, they go where it’s cheapest. As soon as it’s cheaper somewhere else, they’ll go. It’s not like they build a factory.”
Fritz didn’t mince words about the impact, calling Marvel’s exit “devastating.” He noted, “Marvel’s projects have generated thousands of jobs in Georgia.” For many families and local businesses, the studio’s presence was more than just a source of pride—it was a lifeline.
The warning signs have been mounting for some time. Georgia’s industry insiders have watched production spending tumble by nearly 50% over the past three years, a trend eerily reminiscent of the challenges that beset Los Angeles, which has been hit even harder by industry slowdowns. “I think the real lesson is don’t ever rest on your laurels,” Fritz advised. “Don’t think, ‘Oh, look at how much stuff is getting made in my state now, I can be confident it’s going to stay.’ They can leave.”
It’s a sobering reality for a region that once seemed untouchable. Georgia’s film boom earned it the nickname “Hollywood of the South” and transformed Atlanta into a magnet for creative talent. But the winds have shifted. Since the Hollywood labor strikes, the industry has struggled to return to its pre-strike heights, leaving many entertainment workers scrambling for new opportunities.
Yet, not all hope is lost. Efforts are underway to keep Georgia competitive in the global production game. Trilith Studios, a major player in the state, is investing in companies that commit to producing projects in Georgia. Meanwhile, the Georgia Film Academy has opened a new training space at Assembly Studios in Doraville, aiming to strengthen the local workforce and entice future productions. The state’s job website for the industry continues to list openings, including positions for two feature films slated to begin production soon.
These initiatives reflect a broader determination to adapt and survive. As studios chase lower costs and international incentives, states like Georgia are forced to innovate, offering everything from tax breaks to workforce development. The hope is that by building a robust, skilled labor pool and fostering a supportive environment for filmmakers, Georgia can once again become irresistible to Hollywood heavyweights.
Meanwhile, the UK is enjoying a renaissance as a film and television powerhouse. With its storied history—think the original Star Wars trilogy—and a steady stream of blockbusters on the horizon, the country is cementing its reputation as a global hub. The scheduled Harry Potter television series and a string of Marvel movies are set to keep British studios bustling for years to come.
For Georgia, the challenge is clear: adapt or risk being left behind. The competition is fierce, and the stakes are high. As Ben Fritz put it, “Don’t ever rest on your laurels.” The film industry, for all its glitz and glamour, is a business first—and businesses go where the numbers make sense.
For now, the cameras may be rolling elsewhere, but Georgia’s story is far from over. The state’s resilience, creativity, and willingness to invest in its future could yet spark a new act in its cinematic saga.