Washington Black, the highly anticipated mini-TV series, is set to premiere on Hulu on July 23, 2025. The series is based on Esi Edugyan’s best-selling book and tells the powerful story of George Washington “Wash” Black, an 11-year-old boy who escapes a brutal sugar plantation in Barbados and goes on a life-changing journey around the world.
With a compelling mix of history, adventure, and self-discovery, Washington Black spans continents—from the Caribbean to the Arctic. The show consists of eight episodes, all dropping at once. And while the plot is rooted in the 1800s, the visuals feel alive and immersive thanks to incredible real-world filming locations.
On NetFilming, we’ll explore all the major places where Washington Black was filmed, along with some production insights, trivia, and cultural relevance that make this series stand out.
Where Was Washington Black Filmed?
The show takes viewers to a wide range of places, from Caribbean plantations to Arctic landscapes. The production team filmed in several countries to get the feel of the 19th century. They chose places that fit the story’s adventurous and historical tone. We break down the main filming locations below, each with its own unique scenery and cultural importance.
Nova Scotia, Canada
The main filming location was Nova Scotia, a beautiful province in eastern Canada. The charming coastal towns, historic sites, and rough landscapes were perfect for the 1800s setting. The show used a number of specific places in Nova Scotia to create its immersive world.
- Lunenburg: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its colorful buildings and historic fishing village charm. Its well-preserved 18th-century architecture made it an ideal stand-in for period settings.
Trivia: Lunenburg has appeared in other projects like The Covenant (2006) and Haven (2010–2015), showcasing its timeless appeal for film and TV.
- The Ovens: A coastal park with dramatic sea caves and cliffs, The Ovens made a rough, natural setting for intense scenes. Its wild beauty helped show how adventurous Wash’s journey was.
Trivia: The Ovens has been featured in documentaries and travel shows, highlighting its unique geological formations. - Mount Uniacke: This area, with its historic estates and lush nature trails, was used for countryside scenes. Its serene yet grand setting fit the story’s reflective moments.
Trivia: Mount Uniacke’s Uniacke Estate Museum Park has been a backdrop for historical reenactments and small-scale productions. - Halifax: Nova Scotia’s capital, with its cobblestone streets and historic waterfront, provided urban scenes with a period feel. Its mix of old-world charm and bustling energy was perfect for key moments.
Trivia: Halifax has starred in films like Titanic (1997) for its maritime heritage and in The Lighthouse (2019) for its coastal vibe. - Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site: This rebuilt French fort from the 1700s stood out as a wonderful place to film scenes that needed a fortified, colonial setting.
Trivia: The fortress has been used in historical dramas like Black Sails (2014–2017), cementing its status as a go-to spot for period pieces.
Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas – U.S. Virgin Islands
The crew filmed in Charlotte Amalie, the capital of St. Thomas, to get the warm, colonial Caribbean feel of Barbados. This place did a great job of recreating the early scenes of Wash’s life in Barbados with its historic waterfront, narrow streets, and pastel-coloured buildings.
Trivia: Charlotte Amalie has also been in other big films and TV shows, like The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and The Island from the 1980s.
Virginia, USA
Virginia was the setting for scenes that showed early America. The state’s preserved plantations, fields, and period homes helped recreate the American South in the 19th century. The historical importance and natural settings of Wash’s trip through North America fit the tone and authenticity of the story.
Trivia: Virginia has been the setting for many historical dramas, such as Lincoln, Turn: Washington’s Spies and Harriet.
Morocco
The Moroccan desert was very important in showing the hardest physical and emotional parts of Wash’s journey. Morocco’s huge sand dunes, rocky valleys and bright colours made it the perfect place for parts of the story that needed a harsh, open and exciting setting.
Trivia: Morocco is a go-to spot for epic stories—filming has taken place there for Game of Thrones, Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven and Black Hawk Down.
Iceland
For scenes that needed a colder, more expansive backdrop, the production headed to Iceland. Known for its wide open landscapes, snowy terrains, and volcanic formations, Iceland gave the series a stark and beautiful contrast to its tropical and temperate scenes.
Trivia: Iceland has been featured in global hits like Interstellar, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Game of Thrones, and The Northman.
Mexico
Filming wrapped in Mexico City on September 18, 2024, as confirmed by showrunner Selwyn Seyfu Hinds in a heartfelt post. The story’s global journey was made more interesting by using Mexico’s historic areas and varied landscapes to show different places in the 1800s. The last scenes of the series were connected by the city’s mix of colonial buildings and lively culture.
Selwyn Seyfu Hinds, the show’s screenwriter, shared an emotional behind-the-scenes moment on the final day of filming in Mexico:
“Here I am, trying to say goodbye and thank everyone, without breaking down in tears.”
Trivia: Mexico is a favourite for period dramas and blockbusters, including Romeo + Juliet, Spectre, Frida, and Troy.
Production Timeline
Here’s a quick look at the timeline of the series’ production:
| Phase | Time Period | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Script Development | 2020 – 2021 | Selwyn Seyfu Hinds adapted the novel for screen; series was greenlit by Hulu. |
| Pre-Production | Late 2021 – Early 2022 | Location scouting, casting, and set design. |
| Principal Filming Begins | Mid 2022 | Started filming in Nova Scotia and Virginia. |
| Overseas Shoots | Late 2022 – Early 2023 | Morocco, Iceland, Mexico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. |
| Post-Production | 2023 – Early 2024 | Editing, VFX, sound design, and scoring. |
| Release Date Announced | Early 2025 | Set for July 23, 2025 on Hulu. |
Washington Black Behind The Scenes
Everyone who worked on Washington Black, from the writers to the cast and crew, had a very personal and ambitious goal. The production wanted to add depth and honesty to every frame by telling a story that crossed continents and emotional extremes.
The showrunner and screenwriter, Selwyn Seyfu Hinds, collaborated closely with the production team to ensure the story remained authentic. Hinds talked about in an interview,
“It wasn’t just about telling a historical story. It was about giving Wash’s journey the breath and weight it deserves.”
Filming across five countries meant tight coordination and adaptability. Actor Sterling K. Brown, who plays Medwin Harris and also serves as executive producer, explained,
“Every location changed the way we performed. You could feel the history in the air, especially in Nova Scotia and Morocco.”
Producer Kimberly Ann Harrison emphasized the emotional commitment on set, saying,
“This wasn’t just another period drama. Every scene had to carry Wash’s truth.”
The crew often faced tough weather, language barriers, and remote environments—especially in Iceland and Morocco—but the entire team believed these real conditions enhanced the show’s tone and visuals. Even with the logistical challenges, the cast noted how rewarding the experience was.
Ernest Kingsley Jr., who plays the older Wash, said:
“You don’t get many chances to tell a story this rich, this layered. It changed how I see history—and my own place in it.”
Washington Black Official Trailer
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