Duster is an upcoming crime thriller series created by J. J. Abrams and LaToya Morgan for Max. Set in 1972, the show follows the FBI’s first Black female agent (Rachel Hilson) as she teams up with a getaway driver (Josh Holloway) to take down a crime syndicate in the Southwest.
With an exciting mix of action, suspense, and classic car chases Duster is set to premiere on May 15, 2025, on Max, with new episodes released weekly.
The series was filmed in stunning desert locations, bringing the Southwest’s unique landscape to life.
Where Was Duster Filmed?
Filming for Duster took place in Arizona and New Mexico, capturing the rugged beauty of the desert and old highways that make the show’s setting feel real. The production team carefully chose historic towns, national parks, and scenic desert roads to match the 1970s time period.
Tucson, Arizona, USA
Many scenes in Duster were filmed in Tucson, a city surrounded by stunning desert landscapes. With its wide roads, old buildings, and classic Southwestern vibe, Tucson was the perfect place to recreate the gritty crime world of 1972.
Tucson, Arizona, is a city nestled in the Sonoran Desert, known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes. It boasts a vibrant blend of Native American, Mexican, and American influences, and is famous for its warm, sunny climate.
Sonoran Desert, Arizona, USA
The Sonoran Desert is one of the most famous deserts in North America. The show filmed several car chase scenes and dramatic moments here, using the endless sandy roads and towering cacti as a dramatic backdrop.
The Sonoran Desert, located in Arizona, USA, is known for its unique biodiversity, featuring iconic saguaro cacti and a wide array of desert-adapted plants and animals. It experiences a distinct bimodal rainfall pattern, with both summer monsoon and winter rains, contributing to its relatively lush desert ecosystem.
Saguaro National Park, Arizona, USA
Named after the giant Saguaro cactus, this national park is known for its incredible desert views. Some of Duster’s action-packed scenes were filmed here, featuring dusty trails and breathtaking sunsets.
Saguaro National Park preserves the iconic saguaro cactus and the diverse Sonoran Desert ecosystem. It’s divided into two districts, offering unique landscapes and hiking opportunities near Tucson, Arizona.
Tucson Mountain Park, Tucson, Arizona, USA
This beautiful park provided another wild, untamed setting for the show. The area is filled with rocky hills and desert landscapes, making it the perfect location for chases, shootouts, and dramatic confrontations.
Vail, Arizona, USA
Vail is a small town near Tucson that was used to film scenes set in small Southwestern towns. With historic buildings and old highways, Vail helped bring the 1970s world of Duster to life.
Belen, New Mexico, USA
Filming also took place in Belen, New Mexico, which has a classic old-town feel. This location helped create the authentic look of 1972, with its dusty roads, small diners, and remote hideouts. Belen, New Mexico, is a city with a rich history, notably as a significant railroad hub. Known as “Hub City,” it gained importance with the arrival of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway.
The city’s origins date back to 1740, and it retains a strong connection to its Spanish heritage, reflected in its name and local traditions.
Pima County, Arizona, USA
Some Parts of Duster were also filmed in Pima County, which surrounds Tucson. This area is known for its vast deserts, rocky mountains, and old Western towns, making it a great backdrop for the high-speed chases and action-packed scenes in the show.
When Did Filming for Duster Take Place?
Filming for Duster began in Tucson, Arizona, in October 2021. Later, the full series started production in April 2023 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and surrounding areas. The final filming took place in March 2024.
Duster Official Trailer
Max Official YouTube Channel released the official teaser trailer for Duster on March 19, 2025. You can watch it here:
FAQ
Q: What is Duster about?
A: Duster is a crime thriller set in 1972, following the FBI’s first Black female agent as she teams up with a getaway driver to stop a dangerous crime syndicate.
Q: Where was Duster filmed?
A: The series was filmed in Arizona and New Mexico, with key locations including Tucson, Sonoran Desert, Saguaro National Park, and Belen.
Q: When was Duster filmed?
A: The series was filmed on Mar 11, 2024.
Q: Were all scenes filmed in real locations?
A: Yes, most of Duster was shot in real desert towns, national parks, and highways to make the setting feel as authentic as possible.
Q: When will Duster be released?
A: Duster will premiere on May 15, 2025, on Max.
Q: Who are the directors of Duster?
A: The series is co-created by J. J. Abrams and LaToya Morgan, with Steph Green directing the first two episodes.
With action-packed scenes, incredible desert landscapes, and a thrilling story, Duster promises to be an exciting ride. Don’t miss its premiere on Max on May 15, 2025!