The film was shot in Los Angeles, Pasadena, but mainly in New York, where the main plot events take place. The key scene of the alien ship's arrival in human form was filmed on Liberty Island next to the Statue of Liberty. In New York's Central Park, the first encounter of the alien "hero" with Earth culture occurs. Filming in Manhattan, Times Square, and West 58th Street helped emphasize the contrast between technologically advanced aliens and everyday life on Earth. Additional filming took place in California. For example, in Pasadena, the scene where the boy Josh demonstrates the alien device was shot. All locations appearing in the film aimed to create a vivid contrast between the high-tech nature of the aliens and the earthly world, as well as to highlight the cultural differences between the two civilizations.

Filming Locations:

Statue of Liberty

In the Movie

Scene where the spaceship in human form lands at the foot of the Statue of Liberty. An unusual object arrives on Earth — a huge humanoid ship controlled by miniature aliens from the planet Nil. This ship, externally resembling a human and named Dave, lands on Liberty Island at the base of the Statue of Liberty. Its mission is to find and activate a special orb that was sent to Earth earlier to extract salt from the oceans. This salt is necessary for the survival of their planet, but its extraction will lead to the destruction of life on Earth.

In Reality

The scene was filmed on Liberty Island, located in Upper New York Bay, at the foot of the famous Statue of Liberty. This small island, about 15 acres in size, is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the United States. The Statue of Liberty, gifted by France in 1886, symbolizes freedom, democracy, and hope. It served as a welcoming sign for millions of immigrants arriving in America in search of a better life. The filmmakers chose this location for the first scene not by chance. The landing of the alien ship in human form at the foot of the Statue of Liberty emphasizes the symbolism of a new meeting of two worlds — alien and earthly, and it is also a logical arrival point given the history of this monument. Additionally, using such an iconic place adds scale and significance to the scene. Liberty Island, with its panoramic view of Manhattan, creates an impressive visual backdrop for the beginning of the story, setting the tone for the entire film.

Fountain Square

In the Movie

Scene where Dave poses for a camera for strangers. Dave, controlled by the captain (also played by Eddie Murphy) and his crew, begins exploring New York in search of the orb. However, the aliens face difficulties: they completely do not understand human culture and behavior. This leads to many comedic situations, such as Dave's attempts to learn to walk or his random interactions with people.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at the Pulitzer Fountain at the intersection of 58th Street and Grand Army Plaza in Manhattan. The Pulitzer Fountain is a famous New York landmark, created in memory of newspaper publisher Joseph Pulitzer. It was designed by architect Thomas Hastings and sculptor Karl Bitter in the Beaux-Arts style. The fountain is famous for its majestic structure: it is a multi-tiered composition with a central bronze statue of Pomona, the Roman goddess of abundance. This place has become popular with tourists and locals due to its beauty and historical significance. The filmmakers chose the Pulitzer Fountain for this scene because of its recognizability and central location. This spot on one of Manhattan's main streets provides a lively urban setting, ideal for showcasing Dave's interaction with people.

Apple Store

In the Movie

Scene where Dave comes to the Apple Store in downtown New York. The aliens inside Dave's head look around the store and laugh at human computers. They find them primitive compared to their own technology and cannot understand why people use such bulky and slow devices. The aliens see human computers as extremely outdated, which makes them laugh. This scene serves as a comedic moment in the film, demonstrating the aliens' misunderstanding of Earth technology due to their own advanced technical base. But it also lays the foundation for further plot development: the crew begins to appreciate the simplicity of human solutions and the emotional connections between people.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at the Apple Store on Fifth Avenue. This store is one of Apple's flagship retail locations in New York and is located in the prestigious Midtown Manhattan area. It is situated on the plaza in front of the General Motors Building and is famous for its unique architecture: the entrance is a large glass cube measuring 9.8 meters on each side. It is known for its modern design concept and large underground space. The glass cube serves as a symbol of the company's innovation and attracts tourists as a landmark in its own right. The store is open 24 hours, making it convenient for city visitors. The filmmakers chose this store for the scene because of its recognizability and symbolism of technological achievement. The store's interior is designed in a high-tech style and is perfect for showcasing Dave's reaction to human technology. Additionally, choosing such an iconic location adds realism and recognizability to the film.

Staten Island Ferry, New York Harbor

In the Movie

Scene where the crew sails across New York Harbor on the Staten Island Ferry, admiring the waterfront views and getting acquainted with the daily life of the city. The ferry ride becomes a transitional moment as the team advances through the metropolis on their mission.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at the Staten Island Ferry terminal and on the ferry itself, which runs between the Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan and the St. George Terminal on Staten Island. This free public transportation offers stunning views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Manhattan skyline. The ferry has been operating since 1905 and carries millions of passengers annually.

Times Square, Manhattan

In the Movie

Scene where the alien team walks through Times Square, where there is an overload of impressions from huge neon signs, crowds of people, and constant noise. The scene highlights the difference between the aliens' orderliness and the chaotic energy of one of the busiest intersections in the world.

In Reality

The scene was filmed in Times Square, the famous entertainment and commercial hub at the intersection of Broadway and Seventh Avenue in Midtown Manhattan. It is filled with huge illuminated billboards, Broadway theaters, and constant crowds. It is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the world, with about 50 million visitors annually. The area roughly extends from West 42nd to 47th Streets.