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Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi movie cover Movie Locations Guide

Where was Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi filmed?

1983

City Locations

California, Arizona (USA), Hertfordshire (UK)

Location Types

Film Studio, Riverside, Unusual

Location Styles

Desert, Camper, Rustic, Retreat

About Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi

Star Wars: Episode VI is the cherished finale to the trilogy that would revolutionize the landscape of science fiction filmmaking. Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi, released in 1983, is the sixth and final installment of George Lucas’ Star Wars saga. Richard Marquand directed the film, featuring a star-studded cast including Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Anthony Daniels, Billy Dee Williams, and Ian McDiarmid.

Return of the Jedi begins with Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) and Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) on a mission to free Han (Harrison Ford) from the clutches of Jabba the Hutt (voiced by Larry Ward). After escaping, they join their allies in a battle against Darth Vader (David Prowse) and The Emperor (Ian McDiarmid) to destroy their new Death Star. This leads them to enlist help from a tribe of bear-like creatures called Ewoks to win an epic battle against the Empire. Ultimately, good triumphs over evil as Luke confronts his father, Darth Vader, in a climactic lightsaber duel.

The film garnered positive reviews from critics who particularly commended the special effects, action scenes, performances, John Williams' score, and emotional resonance. Recognizing its significance, the United States Library of Congress chose to preserve it in the National Film Registry in 2021. It was honored with the "Special Achievement Award for Visual Effects" at the 56th Academy Awards in 1984. The movie also earned nominations for "Best Art Direction/Set Decoration." Ben Burtt was nominated for "Best Sound Effects Editing," and John Williams was up for the "Best Music, Original Score" award.

Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi Locations

Filming for Star Wars: Episode VI occurred in various regions worldwide, including Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire, southeast England, and the desert near Yuma on the Arizona / California border. The otherworldly landscapes of Death Valley, California, and Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, northern California, were also utilized for exterior shots.

The backdrop of these locations provided filmmakers with incredible views of deserts, redwood groves, and barren lands that offered a unique look to the film. For example, the Imperial Sand Dunes near Yuma provided the setting for Jabba’s huge hover barge, while Death Valley’s vastness was used to provide a unique feel to some scenes. Meanwhile, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park provided the monster trees on Endor for an impressive look.

Taking a trip to these locations for Star Wars: Episode VI would be worthwhile to anyone wishing for a unique experience. Exploring these scenic sites can only enhance one's appreciation for this iconic movie by allowing one to walk through the same places used during the shooting. These areas are filled with stunning landscape views and contain many exciting attractions worth exploring, including Imperial Sand Dunes and Death Valley National Park. All in all, visiting the filming sites of Star Wars: Episode VI will be an unforgettable experience.

C-3PO and R2-D2 walk to Jabba's palace scene in Star Wars: Episode VI

Twenty Mule Team Canyon, California

C-3PO (Anthony Daniels) and R2D2 walk through the desert toward Jabba's (voiced by Larry Ward) palace, which looms large in the foreground, on Tatooine. The contrast between their small figures and the grand scale of Jabba's palace illustrates the power of Jabba as a leader. This scene also serves as a reminder of Luke's (Mark Hamill) mission to deliver a hologram message to Jabba.

The scene was filmed within Death Valley National Park at Twenty Mule Team Rd in California. This location holds a unique significance, as it was once traversed by mules tasked with hauling borax from Harmony Borax Works near Furnace Creek to the railhead near Mojave. This arduous journey spanned 165 miles, encompassing rugged roads and consuming ten days.

To get to Twenty Mule Team Canyon, visitors should first plan a visit to Death Valley National Park. The easiest way to get there is by car, although visitors may also take flights or buses into Las Vegas or Los Angeles before continuing on to Death Valley via road trips or shuttle services. Once inside Death Valley, follow signs towards Furnace Creek Visitor Center, where you'll find directions for accessing Twenty Mule Team Canyon.

Jabba takes Luke and Han to the Sarlacc Pit scene in Star Wars: Episode VI

Buttercup Sand Dunes, Winterhaven, CA

The group is transported to the pit aboard Jabba's fleet of sail barges, where Jabba (voiced by Larry Ward) cruelly tries to extend the drama by coaxing them to plead for their survival. Han (Harrison Ford) and Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew) resist, but Luke (Mark Hamill) serenely informs the criminal that his arrogance will soon cost him dearly, much to Jabba's scornful mirth. This instance represents bravery, tenacity, and potency amidst enormous threats.

This scene was filmed at Buttercup Sand Dunes in Winterhaven, California. Located on the U.S.-Mexico border just east of San Diego, Buttercup Sand Dunes offers RVers free camping on mostly easy-to-access, level ground. The area is surrounded by beautiful sand dunes that provide a perfect backdrop for a sci-fi movie set on an alien planet. On weekends it can become quite popular as it is a popular off-road vehicle area for OHV enthusiasts. During the week, however, it remains relatively quiet and peaceful, offering visitors an ideal spot to camp out under starry skies reminiscent of those seen in Return Of The Jedi.

To reach Buttercup Sand Dunes from San Diego, take I-8 Eastbound until you reach Ocotillo Road. At this point, take a left turn onto Ocotillo Road until you are about 7 miles down the road, where you will find Winterhaven Drive on your right-hand side, which will lead straight into Buttercup Sand Dunes area, where you can park and explore.

The team arrives on Endor’s moon scene in Star Wars: Episode VI

The forest around Morrison Creek Road, Del Norte County Unified School District, CA

The team arrives on the forest moon of Endor and encounters a squadron of stormtroopers mounted on speeders. Subsequently, they launch an assault on the Imperial bunker, where the Ewoks valiantly engage in combat against the stormtroopers and AT-STs.

Afterward, Leia (Carrie Fisher) forms a bond with an Ewok named Wicket (Warwick Davis). However, the remaining Ewoks, who have captured the rest of the Rebel group, offer them as a sacrifice to C-3PO, whom they mistakenly worship as a deity.

The scene was filmed around Morrison Creek Road in Del Norte County Unified School District, California. The area is filled with natural beauty and offers hiking, mountain biking, horse riding, and camping activities.

Navigating Morrison Creek Road from Crescent City is simple. Start by taking US-101 north from Crescent City until you come across Morrison Creek Rd. Take a right turn onto Morrison Creek Rd and persist in driving until you notice a sign indicating the Morrison Creek Trailhead. Here, you can park your vehicle and explore Endor's Moon.

The chase on Endor scene in Star Wars: Episode VI

Avenue of the Giants North Entrance, Humboldt Redwoods State Park, Jordan Rd, Scotia, CA

The next scene at Endor is a thrilling action sequence where the Rebel team engages with speeder bikes to fight against the Imperial biker scouts. During this part of the movie, viewers can witness spectacular stunts, including Luke (Mark Hamill) and Leia (Carrie Fisher) jumping on the speeder bikes to pursue two more scouts through the forest. This exciting chase occurs among the lush vegetation of Endor's moon, filled with tall trees and other dense foliage.

Part of the chase scene was filmed at Humboldt Redwoods State Park (Avenue of the Giants North Entrance), home to some of California's most impressive redwood trees, forming a magnificent canopy over this ancient forest. With miles of winding roads offering access to numerous trails and groves, this picturesque location makes an ideal backdrop for the Rebel team's heroic pursuit.

For those planning to visit Humboldt Redwoods State Park, you can fly into Eureka Airport (ACV) or drive north from San Francisco via US 101. The park can also be accessed from nearby towns such as Garberville, Leggett, Weott, or Myers Flat via scenic routes like Avenue of the Giants or Newton B Drury Scenic Parkway.

Luke levitates C-3P0 to impress the Ewoks scene in Star Wars: Episode VI

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Crescent City, CA

Among the gargantuan trees, Luke (Mark Hamill), now a master of the Force, uses his power to lift C-3P0 (Anthony Daniels) off the ground, astonishing the Ewoks and intimidating them into abandoning their intended sacrifice. The Ewoks, resembling small teddy bear-like beings, considered a basic civilization, are captivated by this demonstration of might and consent to align themselves with Luke's group.

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park in Northern California was the location to film this scene. These giant trees can be found along a ten-mile stretch of the Smith River and are some of the oldest living organisms on Earth, standing up to 300 feet tall and 20 feet in diameter.

The park is a nature lover's paradise, spanning 18 miles of picturesque hiking trails and over 100 campsites. Mill Creek gracefully meanders through the park, eventually converging with the Smith River near the campground. It is a true haven for enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in the captivating magic of Star Wars-inspired locations.

To reach this destination from San Francisco, travelers can follow Highway 101 North towards Eureka for approximately 4 hours until they arrive at Crescent City. From there, they can continue Highway 101 North for about 10 minutes to reach Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.

Anakin's last words for Luke scene in Star Wars: Episode VI

Stage 4, Elstree Studios, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, England, UK

The scene on the Death Star is one of the most emotional and iconic scenes in Star Wars history. In this scene, Anakin Skywalker (David Prowse) has been mortally wounded, but before he passes away, he removes his helmet to reveal his pale and scarred face to his son, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill). With these final words, Anakin reveals that Luke was right about him and asks him to tell Leia (Carrie Fisher) his last words. As Luke watches his father pass away, it marks a bittersweet ending to a journey filled with hope and loss for the Skywalker family.

This pivotal scene was filmed at Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire, England. Not only is it home to some of Hollywood's most classic films such as The Shining, Indiana Jones films, and all original Star Wars episodes, but celebrities have also passed through its doors, including Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, David Prowse, Alec Guinness and more. Unfortunately, visitors cannot visit because it is a working studio that must respect privacy for productions based there.

Elstree Studios is located near London, so you can get there by car or public transport. If you're driving from London, you will take M1, where Elstree Studios will be signposted. You can also take public transportation from Central London directly to Elstree & Borehamwood Station, which services any train from Euston station.

Conclusion

Star Wars: Episode VI is one of the Star Wars franchise's most beloved and memorable movies. The captivating galactic journey of Star Wars: Episode VI intertwines seamlessly with the iconic landscapes of California, offering a unique blend of fantasy and reality. From the arid dunes of Tatooine, reminiscent of California's deserts, to the towering ancient redwoods mirroring the forest moon of Endor, the film's masterful integration of these locations adds an unparalleled layer of depth to the saga.

The majestic Death Valley draws parallels with the unforgiving landscapes of Tatooine. At the same time, the verdant surroundings of the Humboldt Redwoods State Park transport us to the lush forests of Endor, where the fate of the galaxy hangs in the balance.

As the saga's climax unfolds against the backdrop of these California gems, viewers are reminded that even in a galaxy far away, the essence of Earth's most awe-inspiring locations can be found. Star Wars: Episode VI not only engages us with its epic narrative but also leaves an indelible mark by uniting the magic of cinema with the tangible beauty of California's diverse landscapes.