- Reading
- 3 min
- Access
- boat
- Difficulty
- hard
Cave from the Popeye film (1980) starring Robin Williams — the famous octopus scene shot in a natural grotto. Accessible by boat, hidden in Comino's northern cliffs.
Robin Williams in the Cave
In 1980, Robert Altman was filming "Popeye" on Malta with Robin Williams in the lead role. Most scenes were shot at the famous Popeye Village (Anchor Bay on the main island), but one crucial scene — the fight with a giant octopus — needed a natural, dark grotto.
The film crew found the perfect spot in Comino's northern cliffs. A cave about 8 metres high and 15 metres long, accessible only by boat, provided the ideal dramatic effect. Williams, wearing his Popeye costume with prosthetic forearms, filmed the fight scene in cold water for three days.
Today
The cave is a popular stop on boat tours around Comino. Guides love telling anecdotes from the set — like how Williams improvised jokes between takes, entertaining the entire Maltese crew.
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Tip
Only accessible by boat or kayak. Cave entrance is on the western side of the island.
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