It was the year of 1989 and the science fiction movie total recall or as it was titled in Latin America, The future Avenger, was filmed almost entirely in Mexico City. Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, it was the Hollywood film with the highest budget to date (65 million dollars) and was shot in various locations in the capital such as the Insurgentes subway roundabout; the Military College south of Mexico City and the Churubusco Studios.
It was also filmed at the Chabacano Metro station in the capital and curiously, this location would be the most remembered by the Mexicans who saw it. Perhaps because of its exciting action sequences or because most of the capital’s residents recognize its gray tiled corridors, stairs and signage; Of note, it was replaced by Metrotown and DN.Town to make it feel like the New York subway.
Arnold Schwarzenegger in tacky metro
The Chabacano station, located in the Cuauhtémoc mayor’s office, corresponds to Lines 2, 8 and 9 and is one of the largest and busiest stations, with more than eight million passengers in 2021.
Consequently, it was the ideal setting to film Arnold Schwarzenegger escaping by escalating the venue, running through the crowd to reach one of the subway cars (which appear gray) and breaking the glass of the windows to enter the train.
During the filming, an endless number of extras were hired; In addition, some residents of the capital were able to observe the action sequences. Even several passengers were asked to move in the most natural way through the stairs and platforms; yes, without turning to the camera and in order to give it the realism that the film required.
What is Future Avenger about?
Directed by Paul Verhoeven, the film has a futuristic theme and is set in the year 2084, when the main character, Douglas Quaid, a bored construction worker who dreams of visiting the already colonized planet Mars, decides to hire the services of the Rekall company. , which plants false travel memories in people without them leaving their city. However, this visit will reveal Quaid’s true identity.
Finally, the film was a success at the box office, as it raised almost 262 million dollars around the world; partly because of the originality of its argument; outstanding performances; the talent of the director but also for its unforgettable locations in Mexico City. Have you seen her yet?
Keep reading: Do you know who designed the iconography of the CDMX Metro?