Mr. & Mrs. Smith Season 2: Latest filming updates look promising as production moves to L.A. County

Mr. & Mrs. Smith is about to film its second season, and according to reports, season 2 will be filmed in Los Angeles County, unlike season 1, which was primarily shot in New York and partially in Italy. Season 1 was notably shot in Lake Como and the Dolomites.

The makers have relocated the filming location this time for Season 2 due to the Film and TV Tax Credit Program in California. Governor Gavin Newsom has announced the move while promoting the state's new $750 million funding package, designed to attract and retain high-profile productions. Read on to know the details regarding Mr. & Mrs. Smith season 2.

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Mr. & Mrs. Smith season 2 to be shot in Los Angeles County

As mentioned, Mr. & Mrs. Smith season 2 will be filmed in Los Angeles County, rather than New York. The report confirms that the reason behind this shift is California's friendly tax policy, which has not only increased its credit amount to $750 million but also offers additional benefits, particularly for TV series. Governor Newsom expressed, while announcing the program, that several other states, such as Georgia, Texas, and Louisiana, have introduced "lucrative incentives" for filmmakers, and they want to catch up.

While the location of the show's filming is confirmed, the exact production details, such as the shooting schedule and specific sets, are still being finalized. Moreover, this geographical change in season 2 could impact the visual tone and setting of the new season, especially if the story diverges from the more international and urban vibe of season 1 to something more rooted in the various locations California offers.

Although Mr. and Mrs. Smith received a tax incentive, it's not explicitly listed under its name in the California Film Commission's records, likely because it was filed under a code name, a common practice for high-profile projects. The move is being hailed as a victory for Governor Gavin Newsom and a positive signal for California’s film industry.

A big win for California

California has faced challenges when film and TV projects opt to shoot in other states or countries for financial incentives. However, after the COVID pandemic, the issue intensified. The 2023 actors' and writers' strike has also contributed to it, along with the recent devastating LA wildfires. New York has increased its own tax credit funding, intensifying competition. International locations continue to offer attractive incentives, making it harder for California to retain productions.

“The world we invented is now competing against us,” Newsom said while launching the new policy. “We’ve got to step up our game.”

Therefore, this program, along with a high-profile series deciding to shift its location entirely for the new season, is a big win for California. Despite previous production declines, several new shows are emerging in California. HBO Max’s The Pitt, Hulu’s Paradise, and CBS’ NCIS: Origins have chosen to film in the state, pointing towards a slow but hopeful rebound in the state's production ecosystem.

In season 2 of Mr. & Mrs. Smith, the new leads will be Mark Eydelshteyn and Sophie Thatcher, which suggests that the show might introduce a new spy couple or a significant shift in the narrative. In addition to this, the leadership remains largely unchanged, with Francesca Sloane returning as showrunner and executive producer, ensuring narrative consistency. Donald Glover steps back from acting but remains on board as executive producer, suggesting continued creative influence.

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