Lift: Filming Locations of Kevin Hart’s Heart-Pounding Heist

Updated On: April 30, 2024 by   Raghda Elsabbagh

Heist movies and TV shows are so darn exciting, and we simply can’t get enough of them. According to Netflix statistics, La Casa de Papel, also known as Money Heist, was the most-watched show in 2020, streamed 99.2 million times that year!

And since we’ve been waiting long enough for another heist to keep us on the edge of our seats, Netflix is finally giving us what we want. Brace yourself for the release of Kevin Hart’s comedy-heist action movie, Lift, which will be available exclusively on the streaming platform in January 2024. This time, the heist isn’t in a bank; it’s on a plane mid-flight. And it seems it’s going to be one hell of a turbulent ride and will ‘lift’ us off our seats with heart-pounding excitement.

This article will first enlighten you with the Lift‘s plot, cast, and crew. Then we’ll trace its filming locations and all the action-packed activities you can do there. So, fasten your seatbelts; we’re going airborne!

What is it About Heists That Appeal to Us?

First off, heist flicks are like watching a super-smooth dance of action and suspense. Everything is well-planned to the tiniest detail and seeing it all come together flawlessly is incredibly satisfying. There’s no room for accidents in a heist – it’s all about skill and precision.

These movies also follow a neat and organised structure. You’ve got the planning phase, the thrilling execution, and then the aftermath. It’s like a recipe for a perfect story that keeps us hooked. But what really gets us is that we get to be part of the action without breaking any laws. We’re in on the secret plans and right there with the characters, feeling the adrenaline rush.

Plus, heist stories often make us root for the “bad guys.” These characters break the rules, and we can’t help but cheer them on. It’s like we’re living a little rebellious fantasy through them. And don’t forget the Robin Hood aspect. These stories often involve taking from the rich and giving to the not-so-rich. We love seeing the underdogs win and the big shots getting a taste of their own medicine.

Heist movies give us a thrilling mix of suspense, clever planning, morally complex characters, and a chance to live on the wild side – all in the safety of our comfy seats. That’s why we keep coming back for more heist action!

What Is Netflix’s Lift About?

The plot of the upcoming action-comedy flick is still mostly kept under wraps, but here is what we know: Kevin Hart and an international crew are recruited by the FBI to perform an impossible heist. Their mission is to steal $100 million worth of gold on board a passenger plane flying from London to Zurich while airborne to prevent a terrorist attack. Unfortunately, there’s still no trailer for the movie; Netflix has only released a promotional image which gives us a glimpse of most of the cast in a warehouse, which is probably where the heist was planned.

When will Lift Be Premiered on Netflix? 

Lift is set to launch on Netflix on 12 January 2024. It is considered one of the first movies to be released next year alongside Lights Out, The Beekeeper, The Book of Clarence, and Bob Marley: One Love, which are also coming out on the same date.

Who’s Starring in Lift?

The upcoming action-packed film Lift boasts an impressive ensemble cast. The charismatic Kevin Hart is leading the charge, renowned for his comedic prowess and roles in best-selling movies like Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, Jumanji: Next Level, Central Intelligence, Think Like a Man, and Ride Along film series. 

Joining Hart are accomplished actors and stars from various corners of the entertainment world, including Gugu Mbatha-Raw, known for her roles in Loki, Belle, and Beauty and the Beast; Sam Worthington, the one and only Avatar star, Vincent D’Onofrio, who gained acclaim as Kingpin in Netflix’s Daredevil series, and Úrsula Corberó, recognised for her role as Tokyo in Netflix’s Money Heist, also known as La Casa de Papel. With such a star-studded lineup, Lift promises to be a thrilling cinematic experience that action and comedy fans won’t want to miss. 

Who is the Crew Behind Lift?

We can confidently say that Lift is in excellent hands with an impressive crew led by director F. Gary Gray. Known for his work on the thrilling heist and action films like The Italian Job, The Negotiator, Men in Black: International and Law Abiding Citizen, Straight Outta Compton, and The Fate of the Furious (which, by the way, became the 23rd highest-grossing film of all time), Gray’s expertise promises epic action mingled with comedy and compelling characters. 

The screenplay was penned by Daniel Kunka, a brilliant screenwriter in Hollywood known for scripting the 2009 12 Rounds. Behind the scenes, a talented team of big-name producers includes Kevin Hart and Brian Smiley from HartBeat Productions, Simon Kinberg and Audrey Chon representing Genre Pictures, Matt Reeves, and Adam Kassan from 6th & Idaho. 

Bernhard Jasper, who previously worked on Army of Thieves and Adrift, handles the film’s cinematography and is expected to bring the film’s settings to life. With such a flawless crew, Lift is poised to deliver a captivating and action-packed cinematic experience for the eagerly waiting Netflix audiences.

Filming Locations of Lift

Filming occurred between February 2022 and May 2022 in multiple locations in Northern Ireland and Italy. BelfastLive reported that filming took place in Belfast, and Kevin Hart was spotted performing at a local comedy club while filming in March. Moreover, many scenes were filmed in Belfast’s Harbour Studios, also home to filming Netflix’s The School for Good and Evil. 

Additionally, filming stretched to Italy, the boot-shaped country, especially in Venice and Trieste. The Park and Castle of Miramare in Trieste were closed to the public for 6 days during filming.

Action-Packed Activities in Northern Ireland for Thrill-Seekers

Since you won’t be reading this article if you aren’t interested in action, we’ve compiled a list of adrenaline-filled activities to delve into if you are in Northern Ireland. With its breathtaking untouched nature, rugged cliffs and coastal vistas, it’s not surprising that Northern Ireland will satiate the adrenaline junkie in you! 

Rise High at Clip ‘n Climb Dundonald

Get harnessed up and challenge yourself and your friends at Clip’ n Climb Belfast, an indoor climbing centre with various colourful and exciting climbing walls to choose from. You need to hold on tight and make no mistakes to reach the top.

Skydive, But Only If You’re a Braveheart

Experience the ultimate adrenaline rush by skydiving in Northern Ireland — and that’s definitely not for the faint of heart; it needs nerves of steel! And since skydiving is such an extreme sport, you’d want to deal with professionals, and when we say professionals, we automatically recommend Skydive Ireland. The instructors offer a detailed briefing beforehand, and the pilots provide constant reassurance and make jokes that make you feel at ease before jumping from the plane. So, rest assured, you will be in safe hands. 

If you don’t have the guts to jump from a plane but still want this heart-pounding experience, try the indoor skydiving at We Are Vertigo, an indoor skydiving facility in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter that simulates the actual free fall skydive with winds that propel you into the air. Whether you are a first-timer or an expert skydiver, they offer different packages that suit each and every one of you—prices of indoor skydiving start at £36.

Unleash Your Adrenaline-Junkie at Todds Leap in County Tyrone

Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of County Tyrone in breathtaking Northern Ireland, Todds Leap is an adrenaline-fueled paradise offering more than 20 heart-pounding activities that will leave you breathless and exhilarated. 

Todds Leap has everything from high-speed off-road driving and exhilarating ziplining to paintball battles, archery, and clay pigeon shooting. When you’re there, try taking the ultimate leap at the drop zone, a recreational freefall jumping facility. You start building confidence by trying the lower platforms first before heading to the 30-foot platform and taking the plunge onto a giant puffy airbag.

Another exciting activity at Todds is the giant swing, also called the mother of all swings, where you get safely buckled up and secured, pulled back by a winch to a great height, and then released! You will oscillate like a pendulum back and forth on the cliff edge and feel like you’re flying. Don’t forget to breathe!

Get Muddy for Marie Curie

What about a muddy adventure for a great cause? Join Northern Ireland’s muckiest event, McVitie’s Jaffa Cakes Mud Madness, at Foymore Lodge near Portadown! It won’t be your typical fun run; you’ll be crawling, running, climbing, and swimming through challenging obstacles and mud pits, leaving you craving victory and the irresistible taste of Jaffa Cakes at the finish line.

For adults, the challenge includes 2 muddy laps of 8km dotted with more than 25 obstacles. There are also laps for children so that it can be a family activity. The cherry on top is that your participation in the race will help raise money for the event’s charity partner, Marie Curie, which has delivered nursing services to terminally ill patients across Northern Ireland for years.

So, get ready to embrace the mud, conquer the course, raise money, and savour the sweetness of McVitie’s Jaffa Cakes!

Splash Through Mud in an Off-Road Drive

Get your heart racing with a bumpy, boisterous off-road driving adventure in a 4×4 Landrover. Team up and navigate through some of the most challenging hills, muddy slopes, and mountainous terrains off-road while enjoying the lush greenery. This ride might be the on-spot doctor’s prescription for outdoorsy people.

To really get your adrenaline rushing, upgrade the activity to a Blind Landrover Drive, where each member of the team gets to drive the Landrover around an obstacle-filled course, but fully blindfolded! The mission is to drive based on your team’s instructions through steep slopes and muddy pits without knocking off the obstacles. You better choose a good team!

Zipline at Colin Glen Forest Park

Enough mud! Take a leap of faith and soar like a bird through the treetops, above Belfast’s lush landscapes, and on top of the Colin River with River Rapid, Ireland’s longest 700-metre zipline. That’s one exhilarating ride you’ll surely remember for years.

Try your Hands at Bouldering

Let’s take the adrenaline rush to a whole new level and venture into bouldering — a form of rock climbing without ropes or harnesses. With Northern Ireland’s seaside boulders overlooking the tides all the way to its granites nestled in the mountains, it promises one hell of a climbing adventure amidst stunning landscapes. Whether you’re a seasoned climber looking for a new challenge or a family seeking outdoor excitement, Northern Ireland’s bouldering scene won’t fail to impress.

If this sounds like your cup of tea, check out the bouldering areas of Fair Head, a colossal climbing area on the North Coast that boasts both tall cliffs for roped climbing and over 500 boulder problems. The scenic beauty here is a bonus, with panoramic views that extend all the way to Scotland on clear days. The boulders of Killynether Woods, located 15 minutes away from Belfast, can also suit your whole family, especially children. So, you just need to reserve climbing gear and boulder crash mats, and you’re ready to go.

Join a Nighttime Ghost Tour 

For a hair-raising kind of adrenaline rush, join a nighttime ghost tour through the haunted streets of Belfast. Listen to chilling tales of the city’s dark history, lingering souls, and paranormal encounters for spine-tingling chills. Spooky!

Get your Adrenaline Surge by Coasteering in County Antrim

Up for a heart-pounding aquatic adventure like no other? Try coasteering in the dramatic, rugged coastlines of Northern Ireland! Nothing will spike your adrenaline levels like jumping from towering cliffs into crystal-clear waters, rock-hopping, exploring caves, and being tossed around by the Atlantic waves.

Hydro bike on Lough Erne 

Let’s take cycling off the road and onto the Irish waters. Hop onto a hydro bike and pedal your way onto Lough Erne. Glide across the tranquil waters and enjoy the scenic landscapes of Northern Ireland. You’ll have a front-row seat to the region’s lush greenery, hidden coves, and charming villages. This activity is available at Castle Archdale Boat Hire and Watersports in Lisnarick and Enniskillen County Fermanagh.

Mountain Bike in Barnett Demesne Trails

Take on the mountain biking trails at Barnett Demesne for an exciting ride through challenging paths, thrilling descents, and twisty, well-designed trails.

Spend A Day Like Tarzan in Jungle NI in County Londonderry

If you’re ready to embrace the call of the wild and channel your inner thrill-seeker, Jungle NI is your ticket to an action-packed adventure. Nestled amidst the lush greenery of Northern Ireland, Jungle NI promises you an exhilarating escape from the ordinary. 

Soar through the treetops on a high ropes course (rope bridges, tunnels, scramble nets, and swings) with the Tarzan Tree Top Adventure, hurtle down ziplines with the wind in your hair, and satiate your thirst for adrenaline with a free fall jump at Power Fan Drop. 

If you prefer water adventures, there’s canoeing and kayaking on serene lakes. If you crave speed, there are off-road quad biking challenges. 

Adrenaline-Pumping Activities in Trieste and Venice, Italy

When you think of Venice and Trieste, you might conjure images of romantic gondola rides and tranquil waterfront promenades. However, beyond the serene canals and historic architecture, these Italian gems have a heart-pounding, adrenaline-pumping side waiting to be explored. 

Experience a Bird’s-Eye View from the Top

Take to the skies and soar up high over the Adriatic Sea. Whether you choose skydiving, paragliding, parasailing, hang gliding, or if you don’t have the nerves, an aerial tour in a seaplane, you will fly over Venice‘s iconic skyline and be fascinated with out-of-this-world views of its intricate canals, historic buildings, and surrounding islands. 

Don’t Miss the Thrilling Water Activities

What activities are expected in cities immersed in water from all directions? Here’s a list of some of the heart-pounding water sports you can indulge in:

• Harness the power of the wind and waves as you windsurf or kitesurf in the Gulf of Trieste or the Venetian Lagoon; such a unique way to dash through the city from the water.
• Scuba Dive in the Gulf of Trieste and discover underwater caves, shipwrecks, and a diverse range of marine species and corals.
• Unleash your inner adventurer and go on a canyoning expedition in Rio Sušec, descending waterfalls, swimming through natural pools, and navigating through the narrow canyon.
• Try flyboarding in the Gulf of Trieste, wakeboarding on the scenic Brenta River, or for a more serene but still adrenaline-inducing option, go for paddle boarding at sunrise and glide over the canal waters before the city wakes up.
• Channel your need for speed by participating in a motorboat racing experience in the Venetian Lagoon, where you can cruise and compete against the backdrop of Venice’s landmarks or head to the colourful islands of Murano and Burano and explore their charm.

Explore the Caves of Grotta Gigante

Descend into the depths of one of the world’s largest show caves, Grotta Gigante, an underground marvel nestled near Trieste. This awe-striking limestone cave, aptly named “Giant Cave,” lives up to its name with jaw-dropping dimensions that will leave you speechless and with caverns large enough to comfortably house entire cathedrals. Stalactites and stalagmites, formed over millennia, add an otherworldly beauty to the cave’s vast expanse, creating an atmosphere of natural grandeur.

Scale the Iconic Napoleonica Cliffs

Feel the rush of adrenaline coursing through your veins as you conquer the world of rock climbing at the Napoleonica Cliffs. This destination combines history, nature, and the sheer thrill of scaling rugged heights. These dramatic cliffs, nestled near the enchanting Trieste, were once part of the ancient military road built by Napoleon’s forces. Today, they offer an exhilarating playground for climbers of all levels. As you ascend, you’ll be treated to breathtaking vistas of the Adriatic Sea, adding a stunning backdrop to your climbing adventure. 

From heart-racing water sports in the crystal-clear Irish and Adriatic Sea to gripping land-based adventures that take you through rugged terrain, Northern Ireland, Venice, and Trieste are not just for the leisurely traveller but also for the adrenaline junkie seeking a pulse-quickening escapade amid breathtaking beauty. Prepare yourself to discover a side of Northern Ireland, Venice, and Trieste that will leave you breathless and craving more adventure.