Get ready for Duster, an exciting crime thriller hitting Max on May 15, 2025. The series, produced by J.J. Abrams and LaToya Morgan, takes a turn into the Southwest in 1972, where the FBI’s first Black female agent, Nina (Rachel Hilson) and a nimble get away driver, Jim (Josh Holloway) confront a dangerous crime empire run by Ezra (Keith David). We’re delighted at NetFilming to disclose where Duster was filmed, showcasing the stunning desert areas that contribute to the value of this high-octane narrative. Therefore, let us guide you through all the details about the filming locations of Duster, starting with the barren highways and roads filled with trademark cacti.
What is Duster About?
Duster is a thrilling crime thriller that immerses viewers in the Southwest of 1972, a region rife with danger. The eight episode show releases weekly on Max and is known for intense humor, complex character development, insane car chases and much more. It chronciles the journey of Nina, an industrious FBI Agent, and Jim, a criminal driver, as they work alongside a mafia enterprise controlled by the deceitful Ezra. The iconic Plymouth Duster, roaring through dusty highways, is practically a character itself. Duster was filmed in real-life locations across Arizona and New Mexico, capturing a retro 1970s look with vintage diners, payphones, nostalgic roads, and much more which renders the scenes immersive and alive.
Where Was Duster Filmed?
Duster was filmed mostly in Arizona and New Mexico, which have vast deserts, historic towns, and freedom-filled highways. These locations are a perfect match for the show’s 1970’s aesthetic of the Southwest with its old diners, payphones, and dusty trails capturing the imagination. The crew selected locations that seem timeless, ranging from national parks to charming town roads, to authentically create the world of the syndicate. Now, let’s go over some of the primary filming locations.
Tucson, Arizona
Tucson, nestled in the Sonoran Desert, was a major hub for Duster’s filming. This culturally rich city has a major influence from a Native American, Mexican, and American blend and also is known for its warm weather and retro Southwestern style. Tucson also depicts a 1960s feeling with wide roads and old buildings, which are perfect to recreate the gritty crime world for the series. Tucson provided many of the show’s Tucson’s streets and landscapes with breathtaking moments, from car chases and face-offs to endless fights.
- Sonoran Desert: Located in Arizona, the Sonoran Desert is globally recognized for its outstanding biodiversity and iconic saguaro cacti. Duster filmed several high-speed car chases here; the desert landscape alone adds to the tension. It may surround the sandy roads and towering cacti, which serve perfectly as the backdrop, but the endless expanses blank even out, adding tension-seeking drama behind every chase.
- Saguaro National Park: Named after the giant saguaro cactus, this national park near Tucson provided stunning desert views for Duster. The park includes two parts that showcase the beauty of the Southwest region’s wildness.
- Tucson Mountain Park: One of the primary settings was this park, which contains untamed country of rough stone hills and the rugged wilderness of the desert. Its wild terrain was ideal for shootouts and dramatic confrontations, adding intensity to Duster’s story. The park also beautified some of the show’s real life overscaled moments.
- Vail, Arizona: Just outside Tucson, the small town of Vail introduced small-town Southwestern culture to Duster. Old highways and historic buildings made Vail a fitting location for scenes set in remote towns, contributing to the 1972 setting. Its serene streets are a counterpoint to the show’s high-velocity action, an intriguing dynamic.
- Pima County: Duster’s action-packed chase scenes were also set in the ancient Western towns venturing out of Tucson. The rocky mountains and expansive deserts of surrounding mined Pima Country supplemented some of Duster’s scenery.
New Mexico
New Mexico’s desert landscapes and historic towns were equally important to Duster’s look. The New Mexico Film Office confirms that filming took place at a number of places, including Albuquerque, Moriarty, Belen, Gallup, Sandia Pueblo, and Laguna Pueblo. These locations provided the series with a classic old-town atmosphere ringing with retro diners and dusty roads that scream 1970s.
- Belen, New Mexico, is called “Hub City” because of the railroads and their history. Belen was an exceptional spot. With its small-town character, complete with old diners and remote hideouts, the town helped sustain the verisimilitude of Duster’s world set in 1972. Belen’s Spanish roots and historic beauty contributed to the shrouded corners of the syndicate scenes. The infamous dusty streets of Belen enabled moments of suspense that made the show memorable.
When did the filming of Duster take place?
The first episode of Duster was filmed in Tucson, Arizona, starting in October 2021. Full season production started around Albuquerque, New Mexico and its vicinity in April 2023, concluding in March 2024. The crew meticulously crafted each episode, incorporating retro touches and capturing the sunsets of the desert in pristine visual detail. This schedule offered ample opportunity for the crew to make the most of the long, sunny stretches characteristic of the Southwest.
“Duster” Behind The Scenes
J.J. Abrams, LaToya Morgan, and their talented team worked tirelessly to create Duster. The production brought together a diverse cast and crew to craft a series that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Filming in the Southwest’s harsh deserts presented challenges, from scorching heat to coordinating complex car chases.
“The desert is unforgiving, but it’s also magical,” said director Steph Green in a Max press release. “It shaped how we told this story.” Josh Holloway, who plays Jim, shared his excitement: “Driving that Plymouth Duster through Tucson’s deserts was a dream—it’s pure 1970s cool.” The team worked closely with local communities in Arizona and New Mexico, ensuring authenticity while respecting the land. This dedication shines through in every frame.
Duster Official Trailer
Duster will be available on Max starting May 15, 2025, with new episodes released weekly for its eight-episode run.
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