For years, Georgia rode high as the “Hollywood of the South,” thanks largely to Marvel Studios. The state offered big tax breaks, and Marvel brought the blockbusters—along with billions in spending and steady jobs for thousands. But that run is over. Marvel has moved its productions to the UK, and Georgia’s film industry is suddenly on shaky ground.
The shift is a hard blow. What looked like a long-term win now feels like a warning: when studios chase savings overseas, even booming local industries can collapse overnight.
A Sudden End to a Southern Boom
Marvel didn’t just shoot movies in Georgia—it built a whole economy around them. Films like Endgame and Black Panther kept studios humming, and jobs flowed to builders, drivers, artists, caterers, and hundreds of small businesses across the Atlanta area.
That wave has crashed. People who once earned six figures are now scraping by. Script supervisor Janine Gosselin, who used to make nearly $200,000 a year, says she’s burning through her retirement fund just to stay afloat. Statewide production has dropped nearly 50% since 2022.
Trilith Studios, once the heart of it all, has slowed to a crawl. Its once-busy sets sit quiet. For workers who built their lives around this industry, the feeling is personal—like being dumped without warning.
Why Marvel Left—and Why It Matters
Marvel’s move is about money. Even with Georgia’s 30% tax credit, the UK turned out cheaper. Labor costs less, health insurance isn’t a factor, and the tax breaks overseas are just as good—if not better.
Disney also already rents soundstages near London. Centralizing production there cuts costs and keeps projects like Fantastic Four: First Steps and the next Avengers films on a tighter schedule.
But the deeper story is bigger than Marvel. Studios everywhere are looking outside the U.S.—Canada, Australia, and now Europe—chasing lower costs. Georgia bet big on one player. Now that player’s gone, and the question is whether the state can stay in the game.
Searching for a Way Forward
With Marvel gone, Georgia is scrambling for its next move. Trilith’s leaders say they’re hopeful things will level out by 2027. They’re backing small content startups and waiting to see what sticks. State officials are reviewing tax rules, trying to bring in smaller studios—but few believe anything soon will match Marvel’s scale.
For crew members, the future is murkier. Some are thinking about leaving. Others are banking on indie films, TV shows, or streaming gigs to fill the gap. But for many, the loss is more than a paycheck—it’s the end of a dream that once made Georgia feel like it could rival Hollywood.
Analysts say the state has options: focus on smaller, more flexible productions or push harder with incentives. Either way, the golden years of fast growth are over. Georgia now has to rebuild—this time, without leaning on a single giant to carry the load.
Conclusion
Marvel’s exit didn’t just shrink Georgia’s film industry—it gutted its core. Disney’s move may be smart business, but the people left behind—crew, craftspeople, small business owners—are paying the price. Georgia still has the tools to stay in the film game, but its role as Hollywood’s Southern twin is in real doubt.
The next couple of years will decide what comes next. If Georgia can pivot and bring in a wider mix of projects, there’s a shot at recovery. If not, Marvel’s departure might mark the start of a long, slow slide.
