The original “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” was a smash hit back in 2002, grossing over $360 million worldwide and becoming the highest-grossing romantic comedy of all time. Naturally, fans have been eagerly anticipating a sequel for years. Finally, in 2016, “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2” was released, bringing back the lovable characters and zany family dynamics that made the first film so successful.
One of the key elements of the “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” movies is their setting – the vibrant, boisterous world of a large Greek family. So where, exactly, was “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2” set? In this post, we’ll dive into the locations of the film and explore the real-life places that served as inspiration for the movie’s depiction of Greek culture.
Corfu, Greece
One of the primary filming locations for “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2” was the island of Corfu, located off the northwest coast of Greece. Corfu is a popular tourist destination thanks to its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rich history. It’s also home to a large Greek community, making it an ideal setting for the movie.
Several scenes in “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2” were filmed on location in Corfu, including a wedding scene that takes place at the Achilleion Palace. This palace was built in the late 19th century for the Empress Elisabeth of Austria, who was known for her love of Greece. Today, it’s a popular tourist attraction and a must-visit spot for fans of the movie.
Chicago, Illinois
While much of “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2” was filmed on location in Greece, the movie’s primary setting is Chicago – specifically, the city’s Greek-American community. The film’s protagonist, Toula, is a second-generation Greek American who struggles to balance the traditions and expectations of her close-knit family with her own desires and ambitions.
Many of the Chicago scenes in “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2” were filmed in the city’s Greektown neighborhood. This area, located just west of downtown, is home to some of the best Greek restaurants and shops in the city. It’s a vibrant and bustling community that reflects the proud cultural heritage of its residents.
The Inspiration Behind the Movie
In addition to these specific filming locations, “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2” draws inspiration from the broader Greek-American community. The movie’s writer and star, Nia Vardalos, grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, as part of a large Greek immigrant family. Many of the characters and storylines in the film are based on her own experiences and observations.
Vardalos has said that the original “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” was inspired by her decision to marry a non-Greek man – a choice that resulted in plenty of cultural clashes with her family. “I knew that every Greek in the world could identify with this theme,” she has said. “It’s about finding the person you love, and then you have to make them love your family.”
The success of the first film led to Vardalos creating a sequel, which explores the lives of Toula and her family years later. Through their struggles and triumphs, the film offers a heartfelt and humorous look at the enduring influence of family and tradition.
Conclusion
“My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2” is an ode to the Greek-American community and the enduring power of family. With its setting in both Greece and Chicago, the film captures the cultural richness and complexity of these two distinct worlds. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the franchise or simply appreciate a heartwarming story, there’s plenty to love about this beloved movie series.
FAQ
What part of Chicago was My Big Fat Greek Wedding filmed?
My Big Fat Greek Wedding is a romantic comedy film that was directed by Joel Zwick and released in 2002. Although the movie is set in Chicago, it was actually filmed in various locations across the city, including Toronto. One of the most commonly asked questions about the movie is which part of Chicago was used for filming.
According to various sources, several locations throughout Chicago were used to film different scenes in the movie, such as the Hellenic Museum and Cultural Center, which was used to represent the church that Toula and Ian got married in. However, the most notable location that was used was 439 Danforth Ave, in the Danforth area. This location is located in the Greektown neighborhood on the west side of the city.
The building at 439 Danforth Ave was used for the fictional restaurant called Dancing Zorba’s, which was owned by the Portokalos family in the movie. The restaurant was an essential location in the film and was used for several key scenes, including Toula’s birthday party, as well as multiple family gatherings throughout the movie.
The actual location at 439 Danforth Ave is recognized as one of the most iconic spots in the neighborhood. The street itself is the main street in the Danforth area and is filled with dozens of Greek restaurants and shops. Across the street from the location is Pappas Grill, a well-known Greek restaurant that is seen numerous times in the movie as it is visible through the window.
The iconic scene for My Big Fat Greek Wedding that was located in Chicago was filmed at 439 Danforth Ave, which is located in the Greek town neighborhood of Chicago.
Will there be a sequel to My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2?
Yes, there will be a sequel to My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2. The third installment in the popular rom-com franchise, My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3, is set to premiere on September 8, 2023, as confirmed by its director, writer, and star, Nia Vardalos.
Fans of the series have been eagerly waiting for news of a possible third movie since the release of the second film in 2016. The first movie, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, became a worldwide phenomenon in 2002, grossing over $368 million at the box office and becoming the highest-grossing independent film of all time. Its sequel, My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2, was also a commercial success, grossing over $88 million worldwide.
Details about the plot of the upcoming film are still being kept under wraps, but it has been confirmed that the entire cast will be returning for the latest Portokalos family adventure. The cast photo that has been released shows familiar faces such as veteran actors Andrea Martin and Lainie Kazan, and of course, Nia Vardalos herself, who plays the lead character, Toula.
Fans of the franchise will likely be excited to see their favorite characters back on screen again, as the My Big Fat Greek Wedding films have always been beloved for their endearing characters and heartwarming family themes. With its September 2023 release date, there is still some time to wait for the third installment, but many are already eagerly anticipating this long-awaited sequel.
How old is toula in my big fat greek wedding 2?
Toula Portokalos, portrayed by Nia Vardalos, is the protagonist of the romantic comedy film “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2.” In the movie, Toula is a middle-aged woman who lives in Chicago with her husband, Ian Miller, and their 17-year-old daughter, Paris. The plot of the movie revolves around Toula and her family’s preparations for her parents’ 50th wedding anniversary, while also dealing with the struggles of accepting that Paris is about to go to college in another city.
While Toula’s age is never explicitly stated in the movie, it can be inferred from the fact that her daughter, Paris, is 17 years old. This implies that Toula is likely in her late 40s or early 50s, which is consistent with Nia Vardalos’ age at the time of filming. Vardalos was born on September 24, 1962, making her 53 years old when the movie was released in 2016.
Toula’s age in the movie is significant because it represents a significant contrast in cultural expectations between Greek and American society. In the film, Toula’s family is deeply rooted in their Greek heritage, which means that they value traditional gender roles and have specific expectations for women within their community. These expectations include getting married at a young age, having children, and prioritizing family over one’s career.
As an unmarried middle-aged woman, Toula challenges these expectations and pushes back against her family’s traditional beliefs. In doing so, she asserts her independence and shows that she is capable of pursuing her own happiness, which is one of the central themes of the movie. while Toula’s age in “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2” is never explicitly stated, it is clear that she is a middle-aged woman who challenges traditional Greek cultural expectations and asserts her independence.