The Netflix thriller iHostage, directed by Bobby Boermans, brings to life a gripping hostage crisis set in Amsterdam’s bustling Leidseplein square. Released on April 18, 2025, this Dutch crime drama recreates the real-life 2022 Apple Store hostage incident with striking authenticity. At TV Acute, we dive into the filming locations of iHostage, uncovering how the production team blended real-world settings and studio magic to craft this intense narrative. From the vibrant streets of Amsterdam to a meticulously built set in Katwijk, here’s everything you need to know about where iHostage was filmed.
Overview of iHostage
iHostage is a Dutch crime thriller that dives into a high-stakes hostage crisis at an Apple Store in Amsterdam’s Leidseplein square. Released on Netflix on April 18, 2025, the film draws inspiration from the real-life events of February 22, 2022, when 27-year-old Abdel Rahman Akkad stormed the store, taking a Bulgarian man hostage and demanding €200 million in cryptocurrency. In the film, the fictionalized gunman, Ammar Ajar, portrayed by Soufiane Moussouli, escalates the situation by brandishing a gun and claiming to wear explosives, putting the lives of civilians at risk. The 100-minute narrative unfolds through the perspectives of five key characters: the gunman, the hostage, a skilled police negotiator, and two others, offering a multifaceted view of the five-hour standoff.
Directed by Bobby Boermans and co-written with Simon de Waal, iHostage blends procedural accuracy with cinematic tension. The film explores themes of mental health, societal pressures, and the delicate balance of crisis negotiation, making it more than just a crime drama. The cast, including Admir Sehovic, Emmanuel Ohene Boafo, Loes Haverkort, and Matteo van der Grijn, delivers compelling performances that highlight the emotional weight of the situation. While staying true to the real event’s core details, the movie takes some creative liberties to heighten the drama, ensuring an engaging experience for viewers. Its focus on authenticity, from the real-life inspired plot to the carefully chosen filming locations, sets iHostage apart as a gripping addition to Netflix’s thriller lineup. The film’s intense pacing and realistic portrayal of police tactics, informed by consultations with authorities, make it a must-watch for fans of true-crime stories.
Where was iHostage Filmed?
The production of iHostage took place entirely in the Netherlands, with Amsterdam’s Leidseplein and a studio in Katwijk serving as the primary filming locations. Filming began in mid-February 2024 and wrapped by late March 2024, with the crew working closely with local authorities to ensure accuracy and minimal disruption.
Leidseplein, Amsterdam
The heart of iHostage’s filming lies in Leidseplein, a lively square in central Amsterdam known for its theaters, cafes, and cultural significance. The real-life hostage crisis unfolded at the Apple Store located at Hirsch & Cie, Leidseplein 25, 1017 PS Amsterdam. To capture the event’s authenticity, the production team filmed most outdoor scenes in and around this iconic location. The exterior of the Apple Store, with its sleek glass facade, features prominently in the film, showcasing the police and special forces surrounding the building.
The crew utilized Leidseplein’s streets and rooftops to create wide shots that convey the escalating tension. These vantage points allowed cinematographers to depict the Special Intervention Service’s preparations and the chaotic atmosphere of the square. Director Bobby Boermans, a local resident familiar with Leidseplein, leveraged his knowledge to maximize the location’s potential, ensuring every angle reflected the real event’s intensity.
Filming in such a busy area required careful coordination. The team collaborated with Amsterdam’s municipality, local police, and the municipal transport company GVB to manage tram traffic and public access. Trams were rerouted to accommodate close-up shots, and filming was restricted to Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays to avoid disrupting the square’s weekend bustle. These efforts ensured that iHostage captured Leidseplein’s vibrant yet tense ambiance while respecting the city’s daily rhythm.
Katwijk, Netherlands
Legal restrictions prevented the crew from filming inside the actual Apple Store, so they turned to Katwijk, a coastal town near Amsterdam, for interior scenes. In an airplane hangar, the production team, led by ReadySet Studios, built a replica of the Apple Store’s interior with remarkable precision. This set, designed by Florian Legters, included a customized pavement and large LED screens—standing 6 meters tall—that displayed virtual visuals of Leidseplein Square. These screens, powered by Unreal Engine and created by Planet X, seamlessly blended the indoor set with the real-world location, creating an immersive environment for actors and viewers alike.
The Apple Store at Hirsch & Cie is unique, resembling a high-end fashion boutique rather than a typical tech retailer. The Katwijk set meticulously recreated this aesthetic, incorporating details like sleek product displays and open spaces to mirror the real store’s layout. This attention to detail allowed the crew to film intense hostage scenes while maintaining the authenticity of the original setting. The use of virtual production techniques further enhanced the realism, making the Katwijk set a standout feature of iHostage’s production.
When Did Filming Take Place?
Filming for iHostage kicked off in mid-February 2024 and concluded by the end of March 2024. The production team worked efficiently to capture both the outdoor scenes in Leidseplein and the indoor sequences in Katwijk. By consulting with local police and individuals involved in the 2022 incident, the crew ensured that the film stayed true to the real events while adding cinematic drama.
Behind-the-Scenes Insights
Netflix has released behind-the-scenes content, including photos and a trailer, showcasing the filming process. These materials highlight the innovative use of virtual production in Katwijk and the logistical efforts in Leidseplein. The collaboration between the crew and Amsterdam’s authorities underscores the film’s commitment to realism. Boermans’ personal connection to Leidseplein also added a unique perspective, as he drew inspiration from the eerie calm he witnessed after the real crisis.
FAQs About iHostage’s Filming Locations
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Where was iHostage filmed?
iHostage was filmed in Amsterdam, Netherlands, with primary locations in Leidseplein square and a studio set in Katwijk. -
Did iHostage use the real Apple Store for filming?
Exterior scenes were shot at the Apple Store in Leidseplein, but interior scenes were filmed on a replica set in Katwijk due to legal restrictions. -
When did filming for iHostage take place?
Filming began in mid-February 2024 and wrapped by the end of March 2024 in Amsterdam and Katwijk. -
How did the crew recreate the Apple Store’s interior?
In Katwijk, the crew built a detailed set with a customized pavement and 6-meter LED screens displaying virtual visuals of Leidseplein, using Unreal Engine for realism. -
Why was Leidseplein chosen as a filming location?
Leidseplein was chosen because it’s the real site of the 2022 Apple Store hostage crisis, providing authenticity and a vibrant backdrop for the film’s outdoor scenes.
Stream iHostage on Netflix to experience the tension firsthand!
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