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Rachel McAdams has just begun filming Netflix’s ambitious AI thriller “2034” in Belgrade. The acclaimed actress stepped into the role after Anne Hathaway exited, now leading a groundbreaking project directed by Joseph Gordon-Levitt that explores humanity’s relationship with artificial intelligence.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Filming Start Date: May 4, 2026, in Belgrade, Serbia, with expected completion in July 2026
- Director: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, making his third directorial feature
- Lead Cast: Rachel McAdams replaced Anne Hathaway due to scheduling conflicts
- Theme: Set in the near future, the film explores AI themes in a negative light
Rachel McAdams Takes the Lead
Rachel McAdams, the Oscar-nominated actress known for “Spotlight” and “The Notebook,” committed to the project after Anne Hathaway’s departure. McAdams brings her acclaimed talent to what Netflix describes as a high-priority package. Her recent success in “Send Help” alongside Dylan O’Brien proved her versatility in thriller projects.
The Canadian star has built an impressive career spanning 25 years and 33 films. She appeared in Marvel’s “Doctor Strange” and Guy Ritchie’s “Sherlock Holmes” series. Now, she enters a narrative that directly challenges artificial intelligence’s role in creative industries.
Rachel McAdams begins Netflix’s AI thriller ‘2034’ filming in Belgrade
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Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s Third Directorial Venture
Joseph Gordon-Levitt directs and co-writes “2034” alongside Kieran Fitzgerald, who previously collaborated with him on “Snowden.” The film marks his third directorial feature, following the sex comedy “Don Jon” and Apple TV+ series “Mr. Corman.” Gordon-Levitt also shares a story credit with Natasha Lyonne, known for “Russian Doll.”
Rian Johnson and Ram Bergman’s T-Street Productions produce the film, marking another collaboration. Johnson directed Gordon-Levitt in “Brick” and “Looper,” while Bergman previously produced “Don Jon.” The ensemble represents Hollywood’s most thoughtful voices on creative storytelling.
Production Timeline and Locations
| Detail | Information |
| Filming Locations | Belgrade, Serbia and Montenegro |
| Start Date | May 4, 2026 |
| Estimated Completion | July 2026 |
| Release Date | TBA, likely 2027 |
According to Production Weekly’s March 2026 issue, filming commenced on May 4, 2026 in Belgrade’s industrial locations. The production also extends to Montenegro, utilizing Eastern European settings for the near-future narrative. Post-production timelines suggest a 2027 Netflix release.
A Director’s Campaign Against AI’s Dark Side
“AI companies are amoral. More laws govern the sale of a sandwich than the development of AI technology.”
— Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Utah State Legislature Testimony (January 2026)
What Makes “2034” a Must-Watch?
Gordon-Levitt has spent three years building a public case against unchecked AI in creative industries. He testified before Utah lawmakers, called AI businesses “amoral,” and co-founded the Creators Coalition on AI in December 2025. He warned at the UN Internet Governance Forum that the film industry is the “canary in the coal mine” for AI’s labor displacement.
“2034” transforms this crusade into a mass-audience narrative. The near-future thriller portrays AI in a negative light, centering on friction between human creativity and automated systems. With McAdams leading the charge, Netflix has secured a culturally timely project that questions technology’s role in society. Production details remain closely guarded, but the conceptual stakes couldn’t be higher.
