Nathan Fillion has called filming the Prague-set premiere of ‘The Rookie’ Season 8 “like a James Bond movie,” revealing the cast’s glamorous getaway was more than just a romantic second honeymoon — it was an adrenaline-fueled action sequence with suit-clad detectives, historic squares, and unexpected danger.
The hit ABC police procedural The Rookie is about to take its most exotic leap yet. For the first time ever, Season 8 kicks off not in Los Angeles or Miami, but in the cobblestone streets and riverfronts of Prague — and according to lead actor Nathan Fillion, it felt less like a TV shoot and more like a cinematic espionage thriller.
In exclusive interviews with PEOPLE, Fillion and his on-screen wife Jenna Dewan described their experience as surreal, glamorous, and unexpectedly tense — all while portraying married police officers John Nolan and Bailey Nune on the show’s most internationally themed outing yet.
“It felt like a James Bond movie,” Fillion declared. “I wasn’t wearing a cop uniform — I was wearing a suit. I felt very fancy. And we’re walking in these incredible squares and beside these beautiful rivers.”
Dewan added, “You feel like you are back in time. It just felt so special. It felt like we were in the midst of a film, an action film. It was so cool.”
The couple’s characters, who previously endured a chaotic first honeymoon filled with crime scenes and near-misses, now have a chance at romance — albeit one that quickly turns perilous.
“It was a lot of murder,” Dewan joked. “So this one felt like, well, while we’re here, let’s make this romantic because how can you not?”
Fillion echoed her sentiment, calling himself “very, very badass” during filming — a far cry from his usual portrayal of a weary rookie detective.
“Beggars can’t be choosers,” he quipped, adding, “Yet, I think they’re two very grateful people who enjoy each other at the very least.”
While the setting offered visual grandeur — including castle tours, scenic dinners, and historical landmarks — it also brought unexpected challenges.
“Lots of unexpected yet bonding adrenaline,” Dewan teased. “We had to adapt fast.”
The pair’s chemistry remains central to the show’s success — and their latest adventure promises more than just romantic tension.
“There’s a lot of suspense and scare almost, but there’s so much comedy, and there’s a lot of banter and there’s the romance,” Dewan said. “That blending of tones really works well.”
If fans had to summarize the upcoming season’s tone in three words, the cast would say: teamwork, friction, and opportunity.
Season 8 premieres Tuesday, January 6 at 10 p.m. ET on ABC, with streaming available on Hulu the following day.
For fans wondering if this international storyline hints at future expansions or spin-offs, Fillion remains coy — though his excitement suggests something bigger may be coming.
“It felt different,” Dewan noted. “It was amazing. We had an incredible time.”
The Prague location isn’t just visually stunning — it’s strategically perfect for the show’s evolving narrative. The city’s mix of romantic architecture and gritty urban landscapes mirrors the duality of Nolan and Nune’s partnership: equal parts love story and high-stakes investigation.
Though fans might assume the cast simply took a vacation between seasons, both actors revealed the trip was packed with purposeful downtime — and even more purposeful work.
“I was the busiest because I went sans kids,” Dewan admitted. “Every free moment I had — living. We went to dinners, we did tours. I felt like I finally matured to the point where I wanted to do tours all day long.”
Fillion, meanwhile, extended his stay beyond filming — turning the entire experience into a personal escape.
“It was so good,” she gushed. “The castles — it was fun.”
What makes this season particularly compelling is how it blends the genre-defining elements of the show — suspense, action, humor — with a fresh global backdrop.
As the premiere approaches, fans are buzzing about whether this international twist will bring new allies, enemies, or even a change in tone — but one thing is certain: Nathan Fillion’s “James Bond” comparison isn’t just hyperbole — it’s a promise of spectacle.
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