If you’re a fan of the 1992 comedy My Cousin Vinny , you might be curious about where the film was shot. The movie, known for its hilarious courtroom scenes and memorable characters, takes place in rural Alabama. However, the majority of the filming occurred in Georgia, just a short distance from Alabama. Let’s take a closer look at the key filming locations and explore which ones you can still visit today.
The Essence ofMy Cousin Vinny
My Cousin Vinny follows two young men from New York who are wrongfully accused of murder in Alabama. The film centers on their quirky defense lawyer, Vinny Gambini, played by Joe Pesci. Vinny’s cousin, Mona Lisa Vito (Marisa Tomei), also plays a pivotal role in helping the duo navigate their way through the unfamiliar southern setting. Marisa Tomei’s portrayal won her an Oscar, and the film is filled with iconic moments that have kept audiences laughing for decades.
My Cousin Vinny (1985) (Image via Getty)
What sets the film apart is the contrast between the two Italian New Yorkers and the rural southern environment they find themselves in. This cultural clash fuels much of the film’s humor, making the authenticity of the locations even more important. But where exactly was My Cousin Vinny filmed?
Georgia Doubles for Alabama
Despite the story taking place in Alabama, the filmmakers chose to shoot in Georgia. Director Jonathan Lynn explained that Alabama wasn’t equipped for film production, and Georgia offered the necessary infrastructure, including crew and equipment. The town of Greensboro, Georgia, served as the home base for filming, with other rural locations around the state also being used.
Georgia’s capital, Atlanta, is known as the “Hollywood of the South” due to its extensive film production resources. While the movie wasn’t filmed in Atlanta, many other films have been shot in the city, thanks to its well-established filming community.
The Iconic Sac-O-Suds Store
One of the first notable locations in the movie is the Sac-O-Suds store, where the two young men stop to buy snacks before being wrongfully arrested for a crime they didn’t commit. The old-fashioned country store has a distinctly authentic feel, and many fans may wonder, “Where was this store located?”
The Sac-O-Suds store was filmed in Monticello, Georgia, near the Ocmulgee River. The location has become a fan favorite, and the store itself has kept memorabilia related to the film. Although the original store closed in 2014, it has since reopened and continues to serve as a piece of My Cousin Vinny’s history. While visiting, you can also explore the beautiful Ocmulgee River area.
Downtown Monticello: The Heart of the Town
Much of the movie’s town scenes were filmed in downtown Monticello, Georgia. In these scenes, we see Vinny struggling to adjust to the small-town lifestyle, encountering locals who find his big-city persona amusing. Forsyth Street, located in downtown Monticello, was used extensively for the town’s street scenes. Monticello is known as the “Deer Capital of Georgia,” adding to the charm and authenticity of the filming locations.
Downtown Monticello (Image via Getty)
The town’s rural look is a key component of the film’s humor, as it highlights the stark contrast between Vinny and the locals. The streets of Monticello perfectly capture the small-town vibe that makes the movie’s setting feel so real.
The Historic Courthouse and Jail
The courtroom scenes in My Cousin Vinny are some of the most memorable in the film. The courthouse, with its neo-classical design, becomes a central location where much of the comedy and drama unfold. The actual courthouse used for exterior shots was the Jasper County Courthouse in Monticello. However, the interior courtroom scenes weren’t filmed at this location. Instead, they were shot in a warehouse in a nearby town.
Interestingly, the warehouse had a tin roof, which created challenges during rainy weather. Despite these difficulties, the warehouse provided the ideal space for recreating a courtroom, allowing the filmmakers to craft the movie’s unforgettable legal drama.
Additionally, the prison where the accused characters Bill and Stan are held is another important filming location. The prison scenes were filmed at the Lee Arrendale State Prison in Alto, Georgia. This prison is still operational as a women’s correctional facility, so it’s best to admire it from a distance!
Discover Filming Locations Like “My Cousin Vinny”
After exploring the various filming locations in Georgia, you might want to find your own unique filming spot. Platforms like Peerspace offer an array of production venues that can help bring your creative ideas to life. Whether you’re seeking a courtroom setting, a convenience store, or a rural town backdrop, Peerspace provides access to hundreds of unique spaces.
One standout location is a Los Angeles-based courtroom set that mimics the look and feel of a real courtroom, perfect for creating a My Cousin Vinny -inspired scene. The space is large and versatile, making it ideal for filmmakers looking to capture an authentic legal setting.
quirky town of Monticello (Image via Getty)
A Lasting Legacy of Authentic Locations
The filming locations of My Cousin Vinny contributed significantly to the movie’s charm. The rural Georgia landscapes, the quirky town of Monticello, and the historic courthouse all help ground the film in a believable, memorable world. Even though the film wasn’t shot in Alabama, the choice of Georgia as the filming location ensured that the movie’s authenticity and humor would shine through.
For movie buffs or aspiring filmmakers looking for inspiration, visiting these filming locations or renting a similar space can be a way to tap into the magic of My Cousin Vinny . Whether you’re filming a courtroom drama or simply exploring the rural beauty of Georgia, the locations from the film remain iconic and full of charm.
In the end, My Cousin Vinny is more than just a comedy—it’s a testament to how authentic locations can enhance a film’s narrative. The next time you watch the movie, you’ll have a deeper appreciation for the real-life places that helped bring the film’s story to life.
Chained Soldier season 2 is officially set to debut in 2026, as announced during the Pony Canyon stage event at Anime Japan 2025 on March 23, 2025. The announcement was accompanied by the release of a new key visual featuring prominent characters from the upcoming season. The event also confirmed the involvement of a new co-production studio and introduced new staff members for the sequel.
Season Announcement and Production Details
Mato Seihei no Slave | Manga Cover (Credits: Shounen Jump Plus)
The new key visual for Chained Soldier season 2 highlights Ren Yamashiro, the head of the Magic Defense Force, positioned at the center. Behind her are Kyoka Uzen, the 7th Squad’s commander, Izumo Tenka, the 6th Squad’s leader, and Yuuki Wakura in his slave mode, suggesting that these characters will play central roles in the upcoming storyline.
The event also confirmed a significant production shift. While Studio Passione handled the first season alone, season 2 will be a joint production between Studio Passione and Hayabusa Film. Masafumi Tamura will direct the sequel, with Keiya Nakano designing the characters. Yasuhiro Nakanishi will oversee the series composition, while Kohta Yamamoto will handle the music.
▂▅▇ TVアニメ2期第1弾KV ▇▅▂ TVアニメ『 #魔都精兵のスレイブ 2』 2026年放送開始！ 2期重要人物である山城 恋をメインに スレイブ状態の優希、京香、天花が 描かれた新規ビジュアルを公開💥 2期の展開は原作で先読み⛓ https://t.co/uSGA0oy4eX #まとスレ pic.twitter.com/hMyh7nrH5z — 魔都精兵のスレイブ【公式】 (@mabotai_kohobu) March 23, 2025
Additional staff members include Chikako Yokota as the sound director, Dax Production for sound production, and Junpei Takatsu for concept composite. Shino Ohara will serve as the art director, Sakae Suzuki will manage color design, and Takamasa Taba from SANZIGEN will lead the CG direction. Mai Kabatani will assist with color design.
Kana Hanazawa will join the returning cast as Ren Yamashiro. The returning cast includes Akari Kito as Kyoka Uzen, Yume Miyamoto as Himari Azuma, Mari Hino as Shushu Suruga, Yuuya Hirose as Yuuki, Hina Tachibana as Nei, Maaya Uchida as Tenka Izumo, Tomori Kusunoki as Aoba, and Nene Hieda as Yachiho.
Plot and Expectations
Mato Seihei no Slave (Credits: Shounen Jump Plus)
Chained Soldier is set in a fantasy world where demonic gates have released monstrous creatures, threatening humanity’s survival. Women bestowed with special powers are the only ones capable of defeating these monsters.
The story follows Yuuki Wakura, a young boy who becomes involved with Kyoka Uzen, the leader of the 7th Anti-Demon Squad. After Yuuki forms a contract with Kyoka, he gains the ability to transform into a powerful weapon, assisting Kyoka and her squad in battling the demons.
Season 2 will likely adapt the story from chapter 45 of the original manga. The introduction of Ren Yamashiro as the head of the Magic Defense Force suggests a shift in the power dynamics within the series. Ren’s relationship with Yuuki and Kyoka, along with the broader conflict against the demonic forces, is expected to drive the narrative forward.
The sequel promises to expand on the world-building and deepen character development. With the combination of Studio Passione and Hayabusa Film, the production quality is anticipated to improve, enhancing both the action sequences and emotional depth. More details about the release schedule and additional cast members are expected to be revealed in the coming months.
