Where Was 'Where the Crawdads Sing' Filmed? See the Stunning Filming Locations
If you haven't noticed, we're big fans of the bestselling Delia Owens novel Where the Crawdads Sing here at The Pioneer Woman. So, it should go without saying that we've been anticipating Reese Witherspoon's movie adaption of the story for some time. And now that it's finally here (accompanied by an original Taylor Swift song), we can hardly contain our excitement.
Though there are many reasons to look forward to seeing the novel brought to life on the big screen, one thing that stands out is the book's setting. There's a reason why the main character of the story, Kya, is nicknamed the "Marsh Girl," and it's because she spends all of her years living in and learning about the vast, sun-dappled wetlands of North Carolina. In the novel, Owens describes Kya's lifelong home in great detail, transporting readers to the picturesque setting that she loves so much. In fact, the marsh is so central to Kya's life that it's basically a character in its own right.
By now you might be wondering: Where was Where the Crawdads Sing filmed? It might feel obvious to answer with "North Carolina," but that would be incorrect. Filming actually occurred in New Orleans and Houma, Louisiana, as well as its surrounding areas. To help you envision it, we'll break down the filming locations with pictures.
Houma, Louisiana
Downtown Houma was used to replicate Barkley Cove, the fictional North Carolina town featured in Where the Crawdads Sing. According to The Courier, the area was completely "transformed to look as it might have in the 1950s and 60s as crews filmed scenes in late June for the movie." Storefronts were given retro makeovers and vintage cars were parked along the roads.
Fontainebleau and Fairview-Riverside State Parks
Fontainebleau State Park in Mandeville, Louisiana and Fairview-Riverside State Park in Madisonville, Louisiana served as the filming locations for Kya's marsh. And according director Olivia Newman, both locations were hot! "I never sweated so much in my life,” she told Vanity Fair. But it seems like it was all worth it. Witherspoon added, "I think you’re going to be blown away by the cinematography, it's gorgeous."
Historic St. Bernard Parish Courthouse
When Kya isn't at the marsh, she's probably defending herself in court. Some of the most intense scenes of the story take place here. And according to Southern Living, a representative from Sony Pictures Entertainment confirmed that these scenes were shot at the Historic St. Bernard Parish Courthouse in Chalmette, Louisiana.
After taking a look at the trailer for Where the Crawdads Sing, and hearing that Owens "nearly cried" after visiting the cast on set in Louisiana, we think it's safe to say that the location choices did right by the book.
Well, we can't wait to be first in line at the premiere!
