While The Boys may be set in a chaotic, superhero-infested version of New York City, much of the action actually takes place further north—well outside of the Big Apple. The hit Prime Video series, known for its satirical take on the superhero genre, was primarily filmed in and around Toronto, Canada.
Toronto serves as a stand-in for New York thanks to its versatile cityscape and favorable filming conditions. You’ll recognize several iconic Toronto locations throughout the series, cleverly disguised as parts of Manhattan. From the towering Vought International headquarters (filmed at Roy Thomson Hall) to alleyway battles and gritty street-level chaos, the city provides a believable backdrop for the show’s fictional world.
The Real Places That Bring The Boys to Life
Many key scenes were shot in recognizable parts of Toronto, including Mel Lastman Square, Massey Hall, and the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. These locations help the show blend urban realism with the over-the-top drama that defines The Boys. Vought Tower, the center of superhero corruption in the series, was portrayed using the exterior of Roy Thomson Hall with some digital enhancements to give it a more imposing look.
The show also uses various neighborhoods across the Greater Toronto Area for residential scenes, car chases, and hideouts. The gritty underground labs and secret Vought facilities were often filmed in industrial zones and repurposed interiors around the city.
Some scenes, including big set pieces and action sequences, were filmed on carefully constructed soundstages. This allows the creators to go all out with effects, explosions, and gore—without disrupting the busy city streets. Toronto’s experienced film crews and soundstage facilities make it an ideal home for a series with The Boys’ ambitious production scale.
Why Canada Is a Superpower in TV Production
Beyond the visual match, Toronto also offers generous tax incentives, which is one reason so many shows and movies choose to film there. These perks help productions like The Boys maintain their high production values without breaking the budget.
So while the chaos of Vought’s superheroes might seem like a New York story, it’s Canada that really brings the series to life. If you ever find yourself in Toronto, you might just stumble upon a spot where Billy Butcher, Homelander, or Hughie once stood.
