Pop Goes The News – Various locations throughout Old Montreal were transformed this week into Azerbaijan for production of 40 North (aka The Looming Tower).

The 10-part series for U.S. streaming service Hulu, is based on Lawrence Wright’s Pulitzer Prize-winning book The Looming Tower: Al-Qaeda and the Road to 9/11.

Though primarily filmed in New York City – with stars like Alec Baldwin, Jeff Daniels and Peter Sarsgaard – the drama is using Montreal’s historic district for scenes set in the Muslim-majority republic.

Filming took place at Place Jacques Cartier and on Saint-Paul Street at Place Royale.

The 40 North title refers to the 40th parallel north which passes through Azerbajian (and parts of the U.S.).

The series explores the foundations of Al-Qaeda, the origins of various terrorist attacks, the rivalry between the FBI and CIA, and other events that led to the 9/11 attacks.

It is set to premiere on Hulu early next year. It’s not known if a Canadian broadcaster will secure the rights, similar to how Hulu’s made-in-Ontario series The Handmaid’s Tale ended up on Bell Media’s Bravo and Crave.

In recent weeks, Old Montreal has doubled as both New York City and Denver for the biopic On The Basis of Sex starring Felicity Jones, Armie Hammer and Justin Theroux. Its Theatre Saint James was also taken over for several days of shooting scenes for the comedy Flarksy starring Seth Rogen and Charlize Theron.

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Photos by John R. Kennedy. This post is brought to you by OldMontrealGuide.com