20 Things You Didn't Know About War Of The Worlds

9. The Bridge Scene Was Completed In Just Four Weeks

War of the Worlds 2005 Tom Cruise
Paramount Pictures

One of the most distinctive images in the entire movie is the sequence in which the aliens annihilate the Bayonne Bridge, destroying every house in the vicinity in a gigantic fireball.

And despite the complexity of the scene - especially back in 2005 - it was actually shot and completed within a mere four-week period.

Basically, Paramount wanted the shot to be used in their Super Bowl commercial for the movie, and per the film's already intensely tight production schedule, VFX artists had to work around to clock in order to complete the shot to a satisfactory standard.

Tougher still, the original plan was for a mere gas station to be destroyed, but Spielberg decided during production that the bridge should be blown up also.

Though the effects are a little dated today, it's still extremely impressive how quickly the VFX team got a convincing shot ready for a prime-time debut.

Contributor
Contributor

Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.