Introduction
Since its debut in 2022, HBO Max’s Our Flag Means Death has captivated audiences with its unique blend of historical fiction, romantic comedy, and swashbuckling adventure. The series, created by David Jenkins and inspired by the real-life pirate Stede Bonnet, transports viewers to the early 18th-century Caribbean. But where was Our Flag Means Death actually filmed? The answer involves a mix of soundstages, coastal locations, and clever set design. This guide provides a complete, up-to-date breakdown of every filming location used across all seasons, verified as of September 2026.
Primary Filming Location: Los Angeles, California
The majority of Our Flag Means Death was filmed in and around Los Angeles, California. The production utilized soundstages at Sunset Gower Studios in Hollywood for interior sets, including the interior of the Revenge, Stede’s cabin, and various taverns. Exterior scenes for the ship decks and docks were often built on backlots or at nearby locations.
Sunset Gower Studios
Located at 1438 N. Gower Street, Hollywood, this historic studio complex housed the main interior sets. The show’s production designer, Raquel Tarbet, created elaborate period-accurate interiors, from the opulent captain’s quarters to the cramped crew quarters. These sets were built on stages 5, 6, and 7. As of 2026, the studio remains a popular filming location for television series.
Universal Studios Backlot
Several exterior scenes, particularly those set in the fictional Republic of Pirates (Nassau), were filmed on the backlot of Universal Studios Hollywood. The iconic New York Street and Courthouse Square sets were redressed to resemble a 1717 Caribbean port town. The production also used the studio’s large water tank for some ship scenes.
Coastal Filming: California’s Beaches and Harbors
To capture the authentic ocean environment, the production filmed at several coastal locations in Southern California.
Point Dume State Beach, Malibu
This scenic beach served as the backdrop for several island landings and beachside encounters. The rugged cliffs and sandy shores doubled for various Caribbean islands. The famous “beach party” scene from Season 1 was filmed here.
Port of Los Angeles (San Pedro)
The historic waterfront area of San Pedro, including the Los Angeles Maritime Museum and the surrounding docks, was used for harbor scenes. The replica ship Lady Washington (often used as the Revenge) was moored here for some shots. The Lady Washington is a full-scale replica of an 18th-century merchant vessel and is based in Grays Harbor, Washington, but was brought down for filming.
Paramount Ranch (Agoura Hills)
Though primarily known for Westerns, the Western Town at Paramount Ranch was used for some exterior tavern and street scenes. The production dressed the set with tropical plants and period props. (Note: The ranch was heavily damaged by the Woolsey Fire in 2018 but has since been partially rebuilt; the show used surviving structures.)
International Location: Puerto Rico (Season 2)
For Season 2, which premiered in October 2023, the production expanded to Puerto Rico to capture more authentic tropical environments. Filming took place in and around San Juan, particularly at the San Juan National Historic Site (El Morro and Castillo San Cristóbal) and the El Yunque National Forest. The historic fortifications provided a stunning backdrop for the Chinese pirate Zheng Yi Sao’s (played by Ruibo Qian) fortress scenes. The lush rainforest of El Yunque was used for jungle sequences. Puerto Rico’s film incentives and year-round warm weather made it an ideal choice.
Ship Filming: The Revenge
The primary ship, the Revenge, is a combination of practical sets and visual effects. The main deck and lower decks were built on a gimbal at Sunset Gower Studios to simulate ocean motion. For wide shots and sailing sequences, the production used the Lady Washington (mentioned above) and a smaller replica, the Hawaiian Chieftain, both operated by the Grays Harbor Historical Seaport Authority. These ships were filmed off the coast of California and later in Puerto Rican waters for Season 2.
Other Notable Locations
- Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park (Agua Dulce, CA): Used for the desert island scenes in Season 1, where Stede and Blackbeard are stranded.
- Leo Carrillo State Park (Malibu, CA): Another beach location used for pirate landings and camp scenes.
- Santa Clarita, CA: Some rural and forested scenes were filmed in the Santa Clarita Valley, standing in for the less-tropical parts of the Caribbean.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ship in Our Flag Means Death real?
Yes and no. The interiors are studio sets, but the exterior shots of the Revenge use real replica ships, primarily the Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain.
Was any of the show filmed in the actual Caribbean?
Only for Season 2, when the production moved to Puerto Rico. Season 1 was entirely filmed in California, with careful set dressing and visual effects to create a Caribbean feel.
Can I visit the filming locations?
Yes! Most locations are public parks or beaches. Point Dume, Vasquez Rocks, and the Port of Los Angeles are open to visitors. The Universal Studios backlot is accessible via the studio tour. The Puerto Rico locations (El Morro, El Yunque) are also open to the public.
Conclusion
Our Flag Means Death masterfully blends studio work, California coastal landscapes, and Puerto Rican tropical scenery to create its immersive pirate world. From the soundstages of Hollywood to the historic forts of San Juan, the filming locations are as diverse and charming as the show itself. Whether you’re a fan planning a pilgrimage or just curious about behind-the-scenes magic, the real-world settings of this beloved series are well worth exploring.