Prague’s historic Náměstí míru square has recently been swept up in the whirlwind of international filmmaking, as Netflix’s adaptation of Edith Wharton’s classic novel, The Age of Innocence, takes center stage. Over the week of January 12 to January 15, 2026, the usually modern and bustling square was transformed into a vivid tableau of 19th-century New York, complete with flower-festooned carriages, extras in elaborate period costumes, and the imposing Basilica of St. Ludmila as a dramatic backdrop. Passersby found themselves transported back in time, with dozens of actors and a flurry of production crew members orchestrating a grand wedding scene that drew crowds behind barriers, all eager for a glimpse of the magic unfolding.
This is no ordinary film project. Netflix’s new series, based on Wharton’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, is already creating a buzz not only for its ambitious scale but also for its star-studded cast. Kristine Froseth and Ben Radcliffe take on the lead roles, while the enigmatic countess is portrayed by American actress and model Camila Morrone, known for her performance in the crime drama Marmalade. The adaptation is highly anticipated, following in the footsteps of Martin Scorsese’s celebrated 1993 film, and promises to bring a fresh vision to the timeless tale of love, duty, and societal expectations in Gilded Age America.
But why Prague? According to The Age and FilmoGaz, the Czech capital has become a magnet for major streaming productions, thanks to its versatile architecture and the expertise of local film professionals. The Basilica of St. Ludmila, in particular, has earned a reputation as a go-to location for filmmakers seeking to evoke the grandeur of historic New York. Michal Červený, head of production at Stillking Films—the Czech company collaborating with Netflix—explained, “In this case, we’re looking for places that can stand in for New York, sometimes with minor architectural adjustments. We have a good relationship with the people at ‘Ludmila’. We’ve already completed two projects there, so they know what filming involves—whether it’s blacking out spaces, working with lighting, or furnishing interiors.”
The logistical demands of such a period piece are immense. Hundreds of people, including many Czechs, are involved in the shoot. “It’s a lavish period project set in 1870, and you have to adapt absolutely everything to that. You close the street, remove all the cars, bring in carriages and horses, build temporary structures. That means you need a huge crew to take care of it all,” Červený added, as reported by The Age. The transformation is meticulous: modern vehicles vanish, replaced by horse-drawn carriages; contemporary street signs are hidden; and every detail, down to the costumes and props, is carefully curated to evoke the era’s unique atmosphere.
Filming for The Age of Innocence began in Prague in the autumn of 2025 and is expected to continue until March 2026. The production is not limited to Náměstí míru; other locations in the Czech Republic, such as Liberec and the renowned Barrandov studios, are also being utilized. After wrapping up in the Czech Republic, the crew will head to Spain for additional scenes. Despite the excitement, Netflix has yet to announce an official premiere date for the series, keeping fans in suspense.
The choice of the Czech Republic as a filming destination is not just about picturesque settings. As The Age and FilmoGaz highlight, streaming platforms like Netflix have become vital partners for Czech production companies. The country’s film industry has been bolstered by recently increased incentives, with the government now offering up to a 25 percent refund on local expenditures. This policy has made the Czech Republic an even more attractive location for international productions, drawing in big-budget projects and providing a significant boost to the local economy.
The impact of such productions extends beyond the film set. Local businesses benefit from the influx of cast and crew, while Czech technicians, costume designers, and other specialists gain invaluable experience working on high-profile international projects. The collaboration between global streaming giants and Czech companies like Stillking Films has helped cement Prague’s reputation as a European filmmaking hub, capable of standing in for cities as iconic as New York.
For the people of Prague, the filming has been both a spectacle and a source of pride. The sight of flower-decorated carriages and actors in 19th-century finery has drawn curious onlookers, who jostle behind security barriers hoping for a peek at the stars or a behind-the-scenes moment. While the production is tightly managed—with much of the equipment and facilities concealed in white tents and parked vans—the excitement is palpable. The transformation of familiar streets into scenes from another era is a reminder of the magic of cinema and the city’s growing role in bringing global stories to life.
It’s not just the locals who are taking notice. International attention has focused on Prague as a destination for major productions, with its blend of historic charm and modern infrastructure. The city’s ability to adapt its architecture to fit a variety of settings—whether Victorian New York or another era entirely—has made it a favorite among location scouts and directors alike. As Červený noted, “We’re looking for places that can stand in for New York, sometimes with minor architectural adjustments.”
Of course, such large-scale projects come with their own set of challenges. Street closures, the removal of modern vehicles, and the construction of temporary sets require careful coordination with city officials and residents. Yet, as the ongoing success of productions like The Age of Innocence demonstrates, the rewards can be substantial, both culturally and economically.
As filming continues through the Czech winter, the anticipation for Netflix’s adaptation only grows. With a talented cast, experienced production teams, and the atmospheric streets of Prague as its canvas, The Age of Innocence looks set to captivate audiences worldwide. Until Netflix announces the much-anticipated premiere date, all eyes remain on the city, watching as history and fiction intertwine on its storied streets.
For now, Prague’s Náměstí míru stands as a testament to the enduring allure of storytelling—and the city’s starring role in bringing Edith Wharton’s world to vivid, unforgettable life.
