It Chapter Two, the 2019 sequel to the 2017 horror film, is primarily set and filmed in multiple locations across the United States and Canada to depict the adult lives of the Losers’ Club. Principal photography took place mainly in Toronto, Ontario, and the surrounding areas, with select U.S. cities standing in for the story’s Maine setting. This guide provides a verified overview of where key scenes were shot, including studio work and notable exterior spots, based on production records and on‑location reports.
Primary Production Base and Studio Work
The core of It Chapter Two was constructed on soundstages and in studio backlots rather than on the streets of Derry, Maine. Most interior sets—homes, the library, the hospital, and sewers—were built and filmed in Toronto and at nearby studio facilities. Controlled lighting, greenscreens, and set dressing allowed the production to recreate the town’s interior spaces efficiently and consistently.
Toronto Studio Facilities
Toronto’s extensive studio infrastructure, including facilities run by major studios and third‑party backlot operators, provided soundstages, water tanks for the sewers, and flexible standing sets. These Toronto locations are common for large horror productions that require intricate set pieces and controlled environments.
Key Exterior Filming Locations in Ontario
Several recognizable exterior scenes in It Chapter Two were shot in and around Toronto and other parts of Ontario, standing in for the streets, houses, and landmarks of Maine. These areas were chosen for tax incentives, available architecture, and production support services.
- Toronto streets and neighborhoods used for suburban and downtown Maine vistas.
- Ontario parks and institutional buildings doubling for town scenes and the asylum.
- Waterfront and riverbank locations in the region, adapted to represent the Barrens and canal scenes.
Limited U.S. Exteriors for Authenticity
To add authenticity to specific landmarks, the production incorporated a small number of U.S.-based exterior shots. These were carefully selected to match the look of Derry without requiring the cast and crew to move the entire production to Maine. The use of stand‑in locations is a standard practice in studio filmmaking when budgets and schedules don’t allow for principal photography in the story’s nominal setting.
Stand‑In U.S. Sites
Certain downtown and facade shots were captured in U.S. cities with comparable architecture, including buildings that resembled the fictional Derry Town Hall and the library. These locations were used primarily for plate shots, establishing visuals, and limited dialogue scenes that required a recognizably American streetscape.
Logistics and Why Toronto Became the Hub
Toronto became the main hub for It Chapter Two because of its mature film‑production ecosystem, experienced crews, and financial incentives. The city offers purpose‑built studios, a range of architectural styles, and the ability to simulate both small‑town Maine and urban environments within a manageable distance. This concentration of resources reduces downtime and supports the complex visual effects required for the film’s horror elements.
Factual Filming Overview Table
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Filming Country | Canada | Production records |
| Key Province/City | Ontario, Toronto | Set reports & studio filings |
| U.S. Stand‑In Locations | Selected exterior shots in U.S. cities | Location databases & crew interviews |
| Filming Period | June to October 2018 | Industry publications |
| Production Companies | Warner Bros., New Line Cinema | Official credits |
Common Misconceptions About the Filming Locations
Because the story is set in Maine, some viewers assume the movie was shot there. In reality, the production relied on Toronto and surrounding areas for most of the filming, using U.S. stand‑in shots only where necessary. Understanding this distinction helps clarify why certain street scenes look like New England while the majority of filming occurred in Canada.
How Stand‑In Locations Are Chosen
When a production needs a U.S. look without filming in the actual state, location scouts search for neighborhoods and buildings that closely match the target architecture. Factors like street width, building materials, signage, and surrounding vegetation are compared to story references. Stand‑in locations are then vetted for permitting, logistics, and compatibility with the shooting schedule.
Visual Effects and Location Integration
Even when a scene appears to take place on a Maine street, much of that backdrop may have been added or enhanced in post-production. The combination of practical Toronto shoots and digital extensions allows filmmakers to maintain continuity, control lighting, and insert weather or sky elements that would be unpredictable on a distant location shoot.
Evergreen Takeaways for Horror Filmmakers
It Chapter Two demonstrates how a major horror sequel can use Toronto as a flexible foundation while selectively incorporating U.S. stand‑in locations to preserve narrative authenticity. This approach balances budget constraints, schedule demands, and creative vision, setting a template that other genre productions continue to follow for credible small‑town storytelling outside the story’s nominal setting.
Quick Comparison: Story Setting vs. Filming Reality
| Aspect | Story Setting | Actual Filming Regions |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Location | Derry, Maine | Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| U.S. Stand‑In Shots | Maine landmarks | Selected U.S. city facades and streets |
| Majority of Interior Scenes | Maine interiors | Toronto soundstages and sets |
Wrap-Up
It Chapter Two was predominantly filmed in Toronto, Ontario, with select U.S. exterior shots used to enhance authenticity. Toronto’s studios, flexible backlots, and experienced crews enabled the production to recreate Dern’s version of Maine while staying efficient and on schedule. Understanding these realities helps viewers separate story setting from production geography and appreciate the logistical craft behind big‑budget horror sequels.