Where was Ewoks: The Battle for Endor filmed?
1985
City Locations
Marin County, CA (USA)
Location Types
Nature
Location Styles
Beachfront, Camper, Building Dated/Retro, Rustic
About Ewoks: The Battle for Endor
Journey into a distant galaxy with the 1985 American fantasy adventure film, Ewoks: The Battle for Endor. Set in the enthralling Star Wars universe, this captivating tale was skillfully directed by the Wheat brothers, Jim and Ken, and co-written by the pair along with George Lucas, the creator of the Star Wars franchise. The film, produced by Lucasfilm and released on November 24, 1985, features outstanding performances by a vibrant cast including Aubree Miller, Warwick Davis, Wilford Brimley, Carel Struycken, and Siân Phillips.
Ewoks: The Battle for Endor is the much-anticipated sequel to Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure, continuing the story of Cindel Towani. In this adventure, Cindel (Aubree Miller) joins the lovable Ewoks to protect their village from marauders who want to seize control of the Endor moon. Following an attack on the Towani family's star cruiser by the marauders, Cindel, and her furry friend Wicket (Warwick Davis) encounter and befriend Teek (Niki Botelho), a swift inhabitant of Endor. They find sanctuary with Noa Briqualon (Wilford Brimley), a curmudgeonly old hermit, who is in the midst of restoring his own star cruiser. This eclectic group bands together to combat the marauders and safeguard their village.
The visual beauty of Ewoks: The Battle for Endor did not go unrecognized. It was an honored recipient of juried-awarded Emmys for Outstanding Special Visual Effects at the 38th Primetime Emmy Awards. Moreover, it received well-deserved nominations for Outstanding Children's Program and Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Miniseries or a Special.
Ewoks: The Battle for Endor Locations
The 1985 TV movie Ewoks: The Battle for Endor was predominantly filmed in the picturesque Marin County, California, which also served as the location for the first Ewok movie. This region is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and is home to Skywalker Ranch, a movie ranch and workplace of film director George Lucas.
A significant portion of the movie's action was shot five miles away from Skywalker Ranch in a public parkland known as Roy’s Redwoods. This park is a veritable treasure trove of natural wonders, housing 300-year-old sequoias, the oldest in the area. The towering trees and lush greenery provided an apt backdrop, bringing to life the forest moon of Endor, the home of the Ewoks in the Star Wars universe.
Directed by Ken and Jim Wheat and executive produced by Lucas, Ewoks: The Battle for Endor was shot in mid-1985. Lucas’s involvement during production was primarily during the design and editing stages. The movie also stands as one of the last projects to feature intensive stop-motion animation work from Industrial Light & Magic before the advent of go-motion animation.
A trip to Ewoks: The Battle for Endor's filming locations would be worthwhile for both film and nature enthusiasts. These sites offer a glimpse into the making of this classic movie and an opportunity to explore some of California's most beautiful and historic natural landscapes.
Wicket and Cindel face the Marauders scene in Ewoks: The Battle for Endor
Marin County, California, USA
The movie vividly brings to life the forest moon of Endor, home to the Ewoks and the Towani family. At the start of this thrilling adventure, Wicket and Cindel find themselves face-to-face with the menacing Marauders who have captured all the Ewoks and tragically killed Cindel's family. Despite their dire circumstances, they are not alone in their struggle.
Much like the rest of the film, this captivating scene was shot in the breathtaking landscapes of Marin County, California. The county's lush redwood forests and diverse outdoor settings served as the perfect stand-in for the forest moon of Endor.
Located in Northern California, Marin County is just a stone's throw away from San Francisco, across the Golden Gate Strait. The area is renowned for its awe-inspiring natural landscapes, which include the expansive Marin Headlands that offer breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the trails. Additionally, the region boasts the historical Point Bonita Lighthouse, built in 1855.
The county's highest point, Mount Tamalpais State Park, offers panoramic views that are indeed a sight to behold. For architecture enthusiasts, the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Marin County Civic Center, located in the county seat of San Rafael, is a must-visit.
One could take the Golden Gate Transit bus or ferry to Marin County from San Francisco. Alternatively, driving via the Golden Gate Bridge provides a scenic route into the county. Once in Marin County, the various film locations can be accessed through a combination of driving, biking, or hiking, depending on the specific site.
Conclusion
Ewoks: The Battle for Endor, the sequel to the made-for-television Star Wars spin-off film Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure, is an exciting departure from its predecessor. Given its made-for-TV nature, evaluating it within its context is essential rather than comparing it directly to the mainline Star Wars films.
The film shifts into dark fantasy territory, a stark contrast to the more lighthearted tone of An Ewok Adventure. This unexpected change in direction endows the movie with a unique charm, though it may feel somewhat out of place in the Star Wars universe. The film incorporates elements like sword fights, an evil witch, and dark castles, seemingly drawing inspiration from George Lucas's contemporary project, Willow.
Ewoks: The Battle for Endor was filmed in Marin County, California, known for its splendid natural beauty. The county also housed the Skywalker Ranch, further cementing its connection to the Star Wars franchise. The picturesque landscapes of Marin County wonderfully bring the forest moon of Endor to life, adding a layer of authenticity to the film.
Whether Ewoks: The Battle for Endor is worth watching largely depends on individual preferences. For Star Wars completists, it offers a deeper dive into the universe despite its tonal divergence. It might be an intriguing watch for casual viewers due to its shift into dark fantasy. As for visiting the filming site, Marin County's natural beauty makes it a worthwhile destination, irrespective of its connection to the film.