When the San Andreas Fault’s nightmare scenario becomes reality, California faces total devastation. In San Andreas (2015), directed by Brad Peyton and starring Dwayne Johnson, a rescue helicopter pilot races against time to save his family through chaos and destruction.
Packed with breathtaking action and relentless suspense, the film has become a fan favorite, landing a spot in Netflix’s Top 10. Here’s everything you need to know about San Andreas — from plot and cast to reviews and behind the scenes. The trailer is at the end of the article.
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San Andreas – all the key details
- Title: San Andreas
- Format: Film
- Length / Runtime: 1h 54m
- Genre: Action, Thriller
- Country of production: United States
- Original language: English
- Release date: May 29, 2015
- Director / Creator: Brad Peyton
- Lead cast: Dwayne Johnson, Carla Gugino, Alexandra Daddario
- Produced by: Warner Bros. Pictures
What San Andreas is about
The San Andreas Fault has long been a ticking time bomb, ready to unleash devastating earthquakes across California. In San Andreas (2015), that nightmare becomes reality: a massive magnitude 9 quake tears through the state, leaving destruction in its wake. In the midst of the chaos, Ray Gaines (Dwayne Johnson), a search-and-rescue helicopter pilot, embarks on a perilous journey from Los Angeles to San Francisco to save his wife and daughter.
As the family navigates the shattered landscape, they face not only nature’s fury but also the strains in their own relationships. The film delivers intense action while exploring themes of survival, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds of family amid one of Earth’s most formidable forces.
San Andreas cast: the main characters
Dwayne Johnson plays Ray Gaines, a man determined to reunite with his family despite overwhelming odds. Known for his roles in Fast & Furious and Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, Johnson brings depth and intensity to Ray. Carla Gugino, who we’ve already seen in Watchmen and Night at the Museum, portrays Emma Gaines, Ray’s estranged wife. Alexandra Daddario takes on the role of Blake Gaines, the couple’s daughter, combining vulnerability and strength as she navigates the film’s perilous events, building on performances from Percy Jackson and Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
Is San Andreas based on a true story?
San Andreas is a work of fiction inspired by the real-life San Andreas Fault, a major geological feature in California. While the catastrophic events depicted are dramatized for cinematic effect, the film draws from scientific research and expert consultations to portray the potential consequences of such a disaster. The narrative centers on a fictional family, using their story to explore universal themes of survival and familial bonds in the face of calamity.
What reviews say about San Andreas
Critics have praised San Andreas for its spectacular visual effects and thrilling action sequences. The Hollywood Reporter highlighted the actors’ chemistry and the film’s ability to keep audiences engaged, noting the high-stakes drama as California faces a catastrophic disaster.
The film is clearly also resonating with audiences, currently holding the fourth spot in Netflix’s Top 10.
Where was San Andreas filmed?
San Andreas was filmed across a variety of locations to bring the story’s disaster-stricken California to life. Scenes in San Francisco feature recognizable landmarks and cityscapes, adding authenticity to the devastated urban environment. In Queensland, Australia, the production used The Pines Shopping Centre in Elanora to stand in for Bakersfield Mall, while additional urban sequences were filmed in Brisbane. These diverse locations helped create an immersive backdrop that enhances the film’s intense action and dramatic scale.
San Andreas: behind the scenes
The production of San Andreas involved meticulous planning and execution to bring the catastrophic events to life. The film employed over 1,300 crew members, including extras and cast, and utilized seven of the eight sound stages at Village Roadshow Studios in Queensland, Australia. Notably, a portion of the Hoover Dam scene was constructed in the studio’s car park, showcasing the scale of the film’s set designs.
San Andreas release date on streaming
Available now. San Andreas is already streaming on Netflix, where it has been trending in the Top 10. Watch San Andreas on Netflix!
Watch the trailer
Here’s the trailer to get a first taste.
