The Villena Castle was the backdrop for the new King of Kings film project
The Villena Watchtower Castle served as a location for the latest adaptation of the classic 1960s epic King of Kings, a landmark in early 2000 cinema. Footage was captured outside the castle and in several interior spaces to recreate the era depicted in the film.
Last Thursday, a crew from the American production company Beach Movies arrived in Villena with technical staff and five cast members to shoot a variety of scenes.
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The crew directed by the filmmakers who bring life to the story of Jesus and the twelve apostles chose the arena area, specifically the inner corridor between the castle walls, along with several exterior spots to authentically evoke the period.
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Tourism adviser Paula Garcia stated that Villena can leverage this niche activity thanks to its rich heritage and the varied landscapes within the municipal area. This effort is seen as a chance to boost cultural tourism and attract film, television, and advertising work.
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The team of actors and technicians working at the Villena castle this week is part of a larger push to showcase the city as a versatile film location and cultural hub. The latest project underscores Villena’s appeal as a setting for large scale productions.
The production is a modern reinterpretation of the enduring King of Kings narrative, a project that traces back to a Hollywood decision in the 1960s. This revival continues a tradition of Spain serving as a cinematic stage for grand historical films. The original production era spotlighted Spain for its diverse landscapes and architectural grandeur, attracting major studios and crews from around the world.
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García highlights that this filming aligns with a broader promotional strategy. An international team of scouts visited the Villena region to explore the local environment, its castle, and nearby vineyards as potential filming locations. The mayor notes that such productions help spread Villena’s heritage globally while stimulating the local economy through crew spending and tourism interest. [Citation: local government press materials, 2025].