Lesser known facts about this inhumane punishment
Since the first ‘Star Wars’ films came out in the late 1970s, the world has been gifted many other films and series that have expanded the beloved fictional universe. But while there are many parts of the filming process that use CGI to bring our favorite worlds to life, there are some scenes that were filmed on location (i.e. planet Earth).
Curious? Click through the gallery to see which otherworldly locations were used to shoot scenes for ‘Star Wars.'
Madeira is an autonomous Portuguese archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean, and it is known for its variety of dramatic landscapes that truly seem somewhat alien in origin. It’s no wonder that the islands were the ideal shooting ground for many episodes of ‘The Acolyte’ (2024).
The Tunisian island of Djerba has been the home of many ‘Star Wars’ films and series over the years. The island is the primary filming location for the planet Tatooine, while there are also many spots on mainland Tunisia that were used in ‘A New Hope’ (1977).
‘Star Wars’ fans with a keen eye may find a similarity between the Italian Dolomites and the snowy mountains of the planet Vandor in ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’ (2018). Well, they wouldn’t be wrong! The Italian mountain range served as the backdrop for many scenes in the film, especially views of Monte Piana and Cortina d’Ampezzo.
In ‘Attack of the Clones’ (2002), several scenes of the planet Naboo were filmed at Italy’s Lake Como, the nation’s third-largest lake. Even the secret wedding between Padmé and Anakin included the nearby Villa del Balbianello, a lavish mansion that was built in the 18th century.
The desert planet of Jakku was first introduced to use in ‘The Force Awakens’ (2015), when we were introduced to the film’s protagonist, Rey. Interestingly, these scenes were filmed in the rolling dunes and sands of Abu Dhabi.
In order to portray the forest moon of the planet Endor (which is home to the endearing Ewoks) in ‘Return of the Jedi’ (1983), the ‘Star Wars’ filmmakers used California’s Redwood National and State Parks as a filming location. The trees found in this forest are truly a marvel to behold, and it’s shocking that they exist on Earth.
Any avid ‘Star Wars’ fan would be able to recognize this location immediately. The world's largest salt flat in Bolivia was the inspiration for the mineral world of Crait in ‘The Last Jedi’ (2017). Its vast, white expanse and reflective surface provide a breathtakingly surreal experience.
The vast desert expanse of Wadi Rum in Jordan was used to bring the fictional planet of Pasaana to life in ‘The Rise of Skywalker’ (2019). Fascinatingly, the location was also used to depict the desert moon Jedha, a holy Jedi site.
Nestled in the Highlands of Scotland is Cruachan Dam, a stark concrete structure that was used as a filming location for the series ‘Andor’ (2022). Interestingly, the location was purposely chosen because of its visual similarity to Darth Vader’s mask.
This disused quarry located on the fringes of England’s Jurassic Coast was also featured in ‘Andor’ (2022), chosen for its rugged cliffs and caves.
The picturesque village of Grindelwald in Switzerland, nestled in the shadow of the Eiger mountain, served as a filming location for ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’ (2018). Its stunning alpine scenery and snow-covered landscapes added an element of breathtaking beauty to the film's wintry scenes.
Another location that was used to shoot scenes for ‘The Acolyte’ (2024) is the Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales. Interestingly, this is actually the first time that the ‘Star Wars’ universe shot in Wales.
The Forest of Takodana that can be seen in ‘The Force Awakens’ (2015) was brought to life in the mystical woodlands of Puzzlewood, a lush forest that stretches over 14 acres in the United Kingdom. The otherworldly scenery even features caves and ancient ruins!
Nestled on the island of Skellig Michael (Sceilg Mhichíl in Irish) are a series of beehive houses that ‘Star Wars’ fans would recognize as Luke Skywalker’s hideaway in ‘The Last Jedi’ (2017). These houses were once home to monks between the sixth and eighth centuries.
In ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’ (2018), the island of Fuerteventura in the Atlantic Ocean was used to create the planet of Savareen. Several locations were used, including the sand dunes of Cañada de la Barca in Jandía Natural Park.
The black sand beaches and basalt columns of Reynisfjara provided the perfect otherworldly setting for the planet Eadu in ‘Rogue One’ (2016). This hauntingly beautiful location is a must-see for fans of the film.
The steaming lava fields and volcanic explosion crater found in Krafla served as the perfect filming location for the fictional planet of Ilum in ‘The Force Awakens‘ (2015). A more extensive volcanic system lies beneath Krafla, which make this area seem eerily alien.
The Croatian city of Dubrovnik has certainly seen its fair share of filming. Between ‘Game of Thrones’ (2011–2019) and ‘The Last Jedi’ (2017), this medieval place has lent a lot of beautiful scenery to many productions.
The ‘Star Wars’ planet of Scarif is a tropical paradise before a massive battle unfolds on its shores in ‘Rogue One’ (2016). In order to bring the battle to life, the filmmakers selected the Laamu Atoll as a location, in a move that was inspired by the real-life battles of World War II when Laamu was used as a British military base.
With its grand, semi-circular design and its beautiful, tiled fountains, the Plaza de España in Seville, Spain, was the perfect filming location for the royal palace of Naboo in ‘Attack of the Clones’ (2002).
For the scenes that take place inside Naboo’s royal palace, the Palace of Caserta in Italy was used as a representation. Its opulent interiors and expansive gardens create a luxurious and majestic atmosphere befitting the home of Queen Amidala.
The remote ice planet of Hoth made an appearance back in 1980 with ‘The Empire Strikes Back,’ where the now-famous AT-ATs were first introduced. The Battle of Hoth was actually filmed on a glacier near the town of Finse in south Norway.
The stark, stunning desert landscape of California’s Death Valley was used some time ago for several Tatooine scenes in ‘A New Hope’ (1977). Visiting the area offers a surreal experience as you walk through the same desolate dunes and rocky terrain where Luke Skywalker once roamed.
This stunning location in Oahu was used in ‘The Rise of Skywalker’ (2019) for some incredible underwater scenes. Its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life provided an exotic and otherworldly setting for key moments in the film.
This modern underground station was used for interior scenes of the Imperial base on Scarif in ‘Rogue One’ (2016) Riding the escalators and walking through the station's sleek corridors feels like stepping into the heart of the Empire.
Both ‘The Force Awakens’ (2015) and ‘The Last Jedi’ (2017) featured scenes of the rebel base on the planet of D’Qar. These scenes were shot in Greenham Common, since the former airfield’s open spaces provide a truly authentic backdrop for the Rebel Alliance's operations.
Malin Head, the northernmost point of Ireland, was used as Luke Skywalker’s hideaway on the planet Ahch-To in ‘The Last Jedi’ (2017). Its rugged coastline, dramatic cliffs, and sweeping ocean views create a wild and remote setting for a seemingly uninhabited location.
Sources: (National Geographic) (Disney+) (Architectural Digest) (Distractify) (Travel Channel) (Time Out)
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TRAVEL Cinema
Since the first ‘Star Wars’ films came out in the late 1970s, the world has been gifted many other films and series that have expanded the beloved fictional universe. But while there are many parts of the filming process that use CGI to bring our favorite worlds to life, there are some scenes that were filmed on location (i.e. planet Earth).
Curious? Click through the gallery to see which otherworldly locations were used to shoot scenes for ‘Star Wars.'