Where was Rogue One: A Star Wars Story filmed?
2016
City Locations
Reynisfjara (Iceland), Gan (Maldives), Wadi Rum (Jordan), London (UK), Bovingdon (UK), Bedfordshire (UK), Iver Heath (UK), Alton (UK), Bovingdon (UK)
Location Types
Film Studio, Unique, Unusual, Nature, Oceanview, Mediterranean
Location Styles
Futuristic, Airstream, Desert
About Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
"Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" is a spectacular space opera set in the iconic Star Wars world. The film, directed by Gareth Edwards, takes place soon before the events of the original 1977 Star Wars film and centers on a daring operation carried out by a group of rebel heroes.
The story is mostly about Jyn Erso, a surprising heroine with a rough past. When the Rebel Alliance sends her to lead a very important mission to steal the plans for the Death Star, the Galactic Empire's most powerful weapon of mass destruction, her life changes in a big way.
As a former scientist, Jyn's father, Galen Erso, reluctantly helped make this deadly weapon at the request of the evil Orson Krennic. We follow Jyn as she leads a group of rebels on a dangerous and mysterious journey as the story goes on. Together, their bravery and loss set the stage for the epic story that comes next in the Star Wars timeline.
"Rogue One" is different from previous Star Wars films due to its unique perspective. It tells the story of regular people who make huge sacrifices, which is a good way to show what struggle and hope are all about. People know the movie for its visually stunning fight scenes at the end.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Locations
With its stunning filming sites all over the world, "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" takes viewers on an adventure across space. The production of the movie used the natural beauty and varied landscapes of several countries. This made for an interesting visual experience that shows how big the Star Wars world is.
Most of the scenes were shot in the UK, mostly at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire, which has been used for many Star Wars movies. But the film's interesting alien settings were brought to life in many places around the world. It is known for its beautiful black sand beaches and rough mountains, and the opening scene of Planet Lah'mu was shot there. The last battle on Planet Scarif happened in the beautiful Laamu Atoll in the Maldives. In Wadi Rum, Jordan, which is famous for its beautiful desert scenery, the spiritual center of Planet Jedha was recreated.
Fans of Star Wars or people who like to travel would benefit from going to these places. There is a wide range of natural and cultural beauty in each place. For example, you can see the volcanic scenery of Iceland and relax on the beautiful beaches of the Maldives. In the Jordanian desert, you can find a lot of history.
Fun Fact
"Rogue One" is the first Star Wars movie that doesn't have a famous opening scene. This movie is different from the others in the Star Wars series because it starts with "A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away..." and then the movie itself.
Erso family hiding in the Lah'mu scene in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Reynisdrangar, Iceland
Scientist Galen Erso (Mads Mikkelsen) and his family seek refuge on the planet Lah'mu to evade Imperial weapons engineer Orson Krennic (Ben Mendelsohn), who is in pursuit of him to finalize the Death Star — a formidable weapon with the power to obliterate entire planets. During the ensuing encounter, Galen's wife, Lyra (Valene Kane), tragically loses her life, while their daughter Jyn (Felicity Jones) manages to flee. She is later found and saved by the rebel radical, Saw Gerrera (Forest Whitaker).
Reynisdrangar, located near the village of Vík on Iceland's South Coast, are remarkable basalt sea stacks that rise majestically from the Atlantic Ocean. These formations, sculpted by centuries of volcanic activity and weathering, stand as a testament to Iceland's dramatic geological history. The nearby Reynisfjara black sand beach adds to the site's stark beauty, making it a must-visit for photographers and nature lovers.
To visit Reynisdrangar in Iceland, fly into Keflavik International Airport and rent a car for a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Vik. The route, primarily along the Ring Road (Route 1), offers breathtaking views. Once in Vik, follow the signs south to Reynisfjara Beach. Parking is available near the beach, and a short walk will bring you to the spectacular view of Reynisdrangar sea stacks on the horizon.
Jyn, Cassian, and K-2SO on the Jedha scene in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Wadi Rum Village, Jordan
Jyn (Felicity Jones), alongside Cassian (Diego Luna) and the reconfigured ex-Imperial droid K-2SO (Alan Tudyk), set course for the moon Jedha. The Empire is pillaging kyber crystals from Jedha City to fuel the Death Star. In response, Gerrera (Forest Whitaker) and his rebel group are actively resisting through a violent uprising.
Wadi Rum Village, nestled in Jordan's southern sandstone mountains, is renowned for its stunningly vertical, iron-rich peaks. The village, once a mere cluster of tents around a Desert Police fort built in 1932, has grown into a small settlement of about 2,000 people. It's situated near the border with Saudi Arabia, within the awe-inspiring landscape of Wadi Rum, also known as the Valley of the Moon.
To reach Wadi Rum Village, fly into Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, Jordan. From Amman, rent a car or take a bus to Wadi Rum, approximately a 4-hour drive south. The route is straightforward, following the Desert Highway until reaching the well-marked turnoff for Wadi Rum. Upon arrival at the Wadi Rum Visitor Center, secure a 4x4 ride into the village, the gateway to breathtaking desert adventures.
On the Death Star scene in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Canary Wharf, Underground Ltd, Heron Quays Rd, London E14 4HJ, United Kingdom
Within the Death Star, Krennic (Ben Mendelsohn) commands a reduced-power test shot that annihilates Jedha City. Jyn (Felicity Jones) and her team manage to escape the moon with Rook Riz Ahmed), while Gerrera (Forest Whitaker) chooses to stay behind, accepting his fate alongside the doomed city.
Canary Wharf, situated in East London, is the city's vibrant business hub. Originally developed on the site of the West India Docks, it now provides approximately 16 million square feet of office and retail space. This bustling district is home to over 300 shops, cafes, and bars, hosting various events and exhibitions year-round. It's a sustainable micro-city where people can work, live, and play.
To reach Canary Wharf, take the London Underground's Jubilee Line or the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to Canary Wharf station. The station is strategically located in the heart of the financial district, making it easily accessible. For those driving, Canary Wharf is well-signposted and offers ample parking. Additionally, various bus routes serve the area, providing convenient access from all parts of London.
On Yavin 4 rebel base scene in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Cardington Studios, Hangar 2, Cardington Airfield, Bedford MK42 0TF, United Kingdom
The Ghost, a ship from "Star Wars Rebels," can be seen close to the base, adding to the beauty of the scene. Jyn (Felicity Jones), Mon Mothma (Genevieve O'Reilly), and Cassian (Diego Luna) talk about plans and tactics in front of high-tech screens, which gives the scene a sense of urgency and determination. The comb-shaped structure of the base, which was based on Tikal Temple IV, makes the scene more realistic and grand.
Cardington Studios' Hangar 2 is one of the UK's largest film production spaces, offering over 20,000 square meters of flexible area. The former airship hangar has been transformed into a premier filming location, hosting major productions like "Batman Begins" and "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker". With its vast size and height, it allows for large-scale sets and intricate shooting scenarios, making it a preferred choice for blockbuster films.
To visit Cardington Studios' Hangar 2, travel by car via the A421, exiting towards Bedford and following signs for Cardington. Public transport options include trains to Bedford Station, and then a taxi to the site. With its significant role in film history, a trip to Hangar 2 offers a unique glimpse into the making of iconic movies.
The final battle scene in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Gan, Maldives
The Rebel Alliance launches a full-scale attack to retrieve the Death Star plans stored within the Imperial Citadel Tower. Jyn (Felicity Jones), Cassian (Diego Luna), and a band of rebels named 'Rogue One' infiltrate the base on the ground, while an extensive fleet battles above. The space battle sees Rebel starships clashing with Star Destroyers, working to destroy the Shield Gate protecting the planet. In a climactic moment, the Death Star, under orders from Grand Moff Tarkin, fires a single reactor ignition at Scarif, leading to the destruction of the base and the tragic death of Jyn Erso and Cassian Andor.
Gan, the southernmost island of Addu Atoll and Maldives, is known for its rich history and breathtaking natural beauty. The island boasts luxury resorts like Equator Village and offers various water activities such as snorkeling, diving, canoeing, and jet skiing. Historical attractions include ruins from the Maldivian Buddhist era and a British Navy outpost from 1941 to 1976. Connected to three nearby islands by an 18-kilometer road, Gan is an intriguing blend of past and present.
To reach Gan in the Maldives, travelers typically fly into Velana International Airport in Malé. From there, a domestic flight to Gan International Airport is necessary, which is available through local carriers, and the flight duration is approximately one hour and thirty minutes. Upon arrival, many resorts offer transport services from the airport, making the final leg of the journey to your chosen accommodation seamless and stress-free.
Conclusion
"Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" truly stands as a testament to the power of cinematic storytelling, not only because of its compelling narrative and memorable characters but also due to its diverse and visually stunning filming locations. The movie transports audiences from the stark black sand beaches of Iceland's Reynisfjara to the dramatic desert landscapes of Wadi Rum in Jordan, and even to the idyllic atolls of the Maldives. Each location breathes life into the film's interplanetary settings, adding depth and authenticity to the Star Wars universe.
The film's production team masterfully utilized these global locations to create a visually captivating experience, making each scene feel like a journey to a galaxy far, far away. Whether you're a Star Wars fan or a lover of beautiful landscapes, "Rogue One" offers a visual feast that celebrates the wonders of our own planet while whisking us off to another.