A jet-setting cosplayer has swapped studios and green screens for something far grander – turning the entire planet into her personal film set.
Beaches drenched in sun, thick jungles, towering mountains – Sweetie Fox seeks out real-world backdrops to breathe life into her fantasy characters.
The 24 year old’s movie-worthy shots have pulled in millions of followers, who are just as gripped by the stunning settings as they are by the costumes.
READ MORE: Blokes wrote me off as a bikini model – then I left them for dust in my 1,000HP Supra
And in a scene packed with creators, her travel-led method is what sets her apart.
“For me, it’s about finding locations that actually match the character’s world,” said Sweetie, from the US, who has amassed a following of 3.7million on Instagram @swfx_real by mixing cosplay with a love of travel.
“Instead of recreating everything in a studio, I look for real places that already have the right atmosphere – whether it’s nature, architecture, or just a certain vibe that fits the story.
“A good location adds depth and storytelling that’s hard to fake in a studio. It helps the viewer believe in the character more, not just see a costume.”
The concept took shape organically as her travels ramped up, with shoot-worthy spots frequently catching her eye along the way.
Sweetie said: “I’d see a place and instantly think, ‘this would be perfect for a certain character,’ and from there it just became part of my process.”
One of her earliest breakthroughs happened during a stay at a villa overseas.
She said: “I remember staying at a villa with a beautiful blooming garden and a big gazebo, and I instantly thought this is the perfect spot for a Chel cosplay from The Road to El Dorado.
“That was one of those moments where everything just clicked visually.”
In the time since, Sweetie has captured content across all kinds of eye-catching backdrops – from beaches and jungles to cascading waterfalls.
Among her most unforgettable shoots was one staged in a red sand quarry, which she reimagined as a Fallout-style scene.
She said: “I’ve shot near waterfalls, on beaches and in jungle settings, but one of the most memorable locations was an old quarry with red sand.
“It wasn’t the Grand Canyon, of course, but it still looked really beautiful and atmospheric.”
She also remembered stumbling upon a deserted park dotted with stone statues while away on a trip.
Sweetie said: “I once randomly came across an abandoned park with stone statues and it instantly reminded me of Lara Croft, so I turned it into a shoot idea right away.
“It felt incredibly authentic – almost like being inside the movie.”
Her creative approach runs in both directions – on some occasions she builds a character to suit a destination, while at other times a spot alone ignites the whole idea.
Yet for all the glossy end results, Sweetie confesses the behind-the-scenes reality is a good deal less dreamy.
She said: “The heat is probably the worst part, especially as a cosplayer. Makeup starts melting, you’re sweating under the costume – it’s not glamorous at all.
“And if you’re shooting in places like jungles, insects become another big challenge.”
Sweetie has also had to battle last-minute hiccups while on the road for shoots.
She said: “Sometimes I forget something important at home, and then I have to improvise and fix things using whatever I can find on the spot.”
But for Sweetie, all the graft simply comes with the territory.
She said: “I wouldn’t say every trip is just for cosplay, but I almost always plan at least one shoot when I’m somewhere new.
“Sometimes it pays off and even goes viral, but not every time. Most of the time I do it because I genuinely enjoy it – it’s something I have fun with.”
She reckons taking her cosplay on the road has sharpened her creativity and strengthened her brand.
Sweetie said: “People notice when something feels different or more cinematic. A unique location adds a lot of atmosphere and makes the content more memorable.
“I think it’s one of the key things that helps me stand out. It’s not just about the costume – it’s about the whole picture.”
And while her feed might read like an endless run of holidays, she insists the truth is a blend of hard work and downtime.
She said: “Behind every ‘perfect’ shot there’s planning, stress and a lot of effort. It’s not just relaxing – it’s a job.
“People assume it’s glamorous travel, but it’s really a balance between creating content and actually trying to enjoy the place.”
For Sweetie, seeing the world doubles as a never-ending well of inspiration.
She added: “It’s a mix of freedom and inspiration. Changing locations resets your mind – you see new colours, cultures and atmospheres.
“It keeps things from feeling repetitive.”
As for what’s next, she’s setting her sights on even bolder, more dramatic settings.
She added: “I’d love to shoot somewhere really cinematic and large-scale, like ancient ruins or somewhere that feels almost untouched.
“A place that already looks like a fantasy world without needing much editing.
“I’d also love to shoot in snow or the desert – I think extreme environments make the character feel even more powerful.”
