What Zombie Movie Was Filmed in Austin?
As a proud Austin business, Sparkly Maid Austin has seen our city change many times, but none quite so dramatically as when Robert Rodriguez turned our streets into a zombie-infested wasteland for his 2007 grindhouse masterpiece "Planet Terror."
The Birth of an Austin Horror Classic
In the mid-2000s, Rodriguez teamed up with Quentin Tarantino to bring about "Grindhouse," a double feature that would forever change Austin's cinematic landscape1. "Planet Terror" follows Cherry Darling, a go-go dancer whose life takes an unexpected turn when a biochemical weapon turns the local population into flesh-eating monsters3. For $23 million, the film transformed familiar Austin locations into a post-apocalyptic nightmare horror fans are still talking about today3.
Austin Locations That Survived the Apocalypse
The Texas Chili Parlor on Lavaca Street was ground zero for the zombie outbreak in which so many characters met up before their world was turned upside down1. Guero's Taco Bar, very popular on South Congress Avenue, also made an unforgettable appearance, but you may have to look past the apocalyptic destruction to recognize it1.
Behind the Scenes of the Infected
Of course, you're not going to see any zombies when you have a move out cleaning situation, but for Rodriguez's production team, they saw them every day. Troublemaker Studios, his Austin-based facility, labored to bring the film's practical effects and the grotesque creatures that terrorize our streets.
Beyond Austin's City Limits
Production moved out of Austin proper to the small town of Luling, where the historic Zedler Mill became the infamous Bone Shack BBQ1. This location played host to some of the film's most memorable scenes, including intense zombie battles and explosive action sequences that would make any horror fan proud.
The Rodriguez Touch
What really sets "Planet Terror," apart, however, is its authentic Austin flavor. Rodriguez is a native son and deliberately shot on location in places that showcased the character of the city1. The movie features practical effects as an homage to older horror movies, intentionally degraded film quality for that true grindhouse feel, and a Texan atmosphere that only Rodriguez could capture3.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
The success of "Planet Terror" helped cement Austin's reputation as a filmmaking destination1. This movie's unique blend of horror and action, with its use of practical effects and local landmarks, set a template for future productions. The $11.4 million box office might seem modest, but its cultural impact far exceeds its commercial performance3.
The Modern-Day Horror Tourist
To this day, fans of horror can still visit the vast majority of filming locations for "Planet Terror." Even though the Texas Chili Parlor is still serving its bowl of reds and Guero's Taco Bar remains an institution of South Congress, today it all bears an additional veneer of cinematic history1. You won't find any zombies with machine-gun prosthetics, but the real Austin that made this film is alive and well.
After visiting all these iconic filming locations, Sparkly Maid Austin will help restore order to your space-just don't expect protection against biochemical outbreaks or zombie invasions.
The Future of Austin Horror
The influence of Planet Terror lives on through those filmmakers who come to Austin seeking that perfect blend of weird and wonderful our city offers5. The success of the film has helped to establish Austin as a go-to destination for genre filmmaking, proving our city can handle any kind of production, from indie dramas to full-scale zombie apocalypses.
Remember, whether you're visiting these iconic locations or just enjoying Austin's unique film history, you're walking in the footsteps of one of horror's most memorable zombie outbreaks. Just watch out for any mysterious green gas, and keep your prosthetic limbs ready for action.
