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Star Wars movie cover Movie Locations Guide

Where was Star Wars filmed?

1977

City Locations

Ajim (Tunisia), Chott el Djerid (Tunisia), Matmata (Tunisia), Sidi Bouhlel (Tunisia), Calakmul (Mexico), Borehamwood (England), Shepperton (England), Los Angeles (USA)

Location Types

Film Studio, Unusual, Unique, Intimate, Hotel

Location Styles

Airstream, Futuristic, Colonial, Desert, Industrial Style

About Star Wars

Star Wars, directed by George Lucas, is an epic space opera set in a distant galaxy far, far away. It follows the journey of a group of freedom fighters known as the Rebel Alliance, who are on a mission to destroy the Galactic Empire's newest weapon, the Death Star. When Princess Leia, the leader of the Rebels, is captured, young Luke Skywalker teams up with Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi and embarks on an adventure to rescue her and stop the evil Empire. Along his journey, Luke learns how to use "the Force" - a metaphysical power that binds all living things together - and how to become a true Jedi Knight. The movie was a milestone in cinematic history, and its influence on pop culture has been immense since it came out. It won seven Academy Awards, including Best Visual Effects, for its groundbreaking special effects sequences. Star Wars also became one of the first films to launch a successful cross-platform multimedia franchise, including comics, novels, video games, and other films released over many years. Even more impressively, it still holds the title of one of the highest-grossing movies ever made, even after 40 years. This movie is widely recognized as one of the greatest and most influential films ever made. It became a cultural phenomenon that inspired an entire industry of tie-in products, including novels, video games, comics, amusement park rides, and merchandise such as toys, games, and clothing. The film was incredibly successful and was even selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the United States Library of Congress in 1989. Furthermore, its soundtrack was added to the U.S. National Recording Registry in 2004. The original Star Wars trilogy included The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Return of the Jedi (1983). Subsequently, there have been prequel and sequel trilogies, two anthology films, and numerous TV series.

Star Wars Locations

Producing the iconic Star Wars (1977) required traveling to multiple locations worldwide. Most filming took place in Tunisia, providing a stunning backdrop for the movie. It was used to represent Tatooine, a desert planet. Many areas within Tunisia were utilized for filming, including Matmata, where Luke Skywalker’s home was filmed, and Nefta and Chott el Djerid, which provided scenes with sand dunes and rocky terrain. Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire, England, also served as an important location for Star Wars production. A trip to these locations would be worthwhile due to their beautiful scenery. One could visit Matmata, where Luke Skywalker’s home is located, and imagine themselves living in a galaxy far, far away. The sand dunes and rocky terrain provide otherworldly vistas to explore while reminiscing on their favorite Star Wars moments. In addition to witnessing incredible natural sights, there are also man-made landmarks like Mos Espa, which was created from scratch for the movie. Such places now remain tourist attractions and add more intrigue to the experience of visiting these locations.

R2-D2 fleeing on Tatooine scene in Star Wars

Djerba Ajim, أجيم, Tunisia

Leia (Carrie Fisher) manages to conceal the plans just before her capture by hiding them in the memory system of R2-D2 (Kenny Baker), an astromech droid. R2-D2, accompanied by his protocol droid friend C-3P0 (Anthony Daniels), escapes in a pod and heads toward the nearby desert planet of Tatooine. Djerba Ajim, situated on the island of Djerba off the coast of Tunisia, is a breathtaking commune highly sought after by tourists. It is renowned for its picturesque beaches, lively culture, and fascinating history. The local architecture is an ode to the town's rich cultural heritage with its characteristic white-washed buildings adorned with blue shutters and doors. The town's marketplace is an excellent place to immerse oneself in the local culture and purchase exquisite handmade crafts and jewelry, making it an ideal destination for those who appreciate beauty and art. The closest airport to Djerba Ajim is the Djerba-Zarzis International Airport (DJE), which receives direct flights from major European cities such as Paris, London, and Berlin. You can take a taxi or rental car from the airport to Djerba Ajim. There is a train station in Gabes, about 116 km from Djerba Ajim. You can take a train from other Tunisian cities to Gabes and then take a taxi or bus to Djerba Ajim.

Lars family farm scene in Star Wars

Hotel Sidi Idriss, Matmatat-Al-Qadimal, Tunisia

The Jawa traders capture the droids and later sell them to Owen (Phil Brown) and Beru Lars (Shelagh Fraser), along with their nephew, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), who are moisture farmers. As Luke cleans R2-D2 (Kenny Baker), he accidentally discovers a holographic recording of Leia (Carrie Fisher) in which she appeals for assistance from an individual named Obi-Wan Kenobi (Alec Guinness). Nestled in the charming southern Tunisian town of Matmata, the Hotel Sidi Idriss stands out as a unique and captivating destination. The hotel has gained global recognition for its role as one of the filming locations of the widely-acclaimed Star Wars movie franchise, notably serving as Luke Skywalker's childhood home. Its distinct architecture is built into a traditional troglodyte cave-dwelling, meaning that the rooms are situated inside rock formations, providing natural insulation that keeps guests cool during hot summers and warm during cold winters. The nearest airport to Matmata is the Djerba-Zarzis International Airport (DJE), which receives direct flights from major European cities such as Paris, London, and Berlin. You can take a taxi or rental car from the airport to Matmata. The drive from the airport takes approximately one hour.

Tusken Raiders capturing Luke scene in Star Wars

Djebel Sidi Bouhlel, Bouhlel Sdada, Tunisia

Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), accompanied by C-3PO (Anthony Daniels), search for the runaway R2-D2 (Kenny Baker), who has a secret message from Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher). As they search, Skywalker is ambushed by a group of Tusken Raiders, fierce nomads known for their brutal attacks. This scene was filmed at Djebel Sidi Bouhlel. It is a stunning rocky hill located in southwest Tunisia, near the town of Tozeur. The area is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors worldwide to witness its breathtaking beauty and learn about its rich history. Beyond its cinematic fame, Djebel Sidi Bouhlel is a place of great natural beauty and cultural significance. The hill is surrounded by the stunningly beautiful Maguer Gorge, an oasis that provides a refuge for various plant and animal species. The area is also home to the ancient town of Degueche, which dates back to the Roman era. The nearest airport is Tozeur-Nefta International Airport (TOE), which receives direct flights from major European cities such as Paris, Lyon, and Marseille. You can take a taxi or rental car from the airport to Djebel Sidi Bouhlel. The drive from the airport takes approximately 15 minutes.

Death Star scene in Star Wars

Elstree Film Studios, Shenley Rd, Borehamwood, UK

The Death Star's plans unveil an obscure flaw in its thermal exhaust port, which could potentially trigger a domino effect in the main reactor should the Rebels use a proton torpedo to strike it accurately. Han Solo (Harrison Ford) departs from the Rebel Alliance after being rewarded for saving Leia (Carrie Fisher) to settle his debt with Jabba. Meanwhile, Luke (Mark Hamill) enlists in their X-wing starfighter team to launch an urgent assault on the Death Star, which is quickly approaching. Elstree Film Studios is a renowned film and television production studio in Borehamwood, in Hertfordshire, England. The studio has a rich history dating back to 1925, established by British film producers Herbert Wilcox and J.D. Williams. Since then, Elstree has been at the forefront of the British film industry, producing some of the most iconic films and TV shows ever. The nearest train station to Elstree Film Studios is Elstree & Borehamwood Station, which is served by trains on the Thameslink route. The station is just a short walk from the studio and directly connects to central London, including London King's Cross St Pancras.

The Empire tracking the Falcon scene in Star Wars

Tikal National Park, Tikal, Guatemala

Obi-Wan (Alec Guinness) engages in a lightsaber duel against Vader (David Prowse). Obi-Wan bravely sacrifices himself after disabling the tractor beam, enabling the rest of the group to flee the Death Star with Leia (Carrie Fisher). The Empire uses a tracking device to follow the Falcon to the Rebel base on Yavin IV, which had been hidden until then. Tikal National Park is a renowned archaeological site in Northern Guatemala's Petén Province. It spans over 575 square kilometers of dense jungle and houses thousands of ruined structures, providing a glimpse into the ancient history of the Maya civilization. Tikal was one of the largest and most powerful cities of the Maya civilization, featuring impressive architectural structures such as temples, palaces, and ball courts. The site had its heyday between the 6th and 10th centuries AD and was an important center of politics, economy, and culture. You can rent a car in Guatemala City or Flores and drive to Tikal National Park. The journey takes 9-10 hours from Guatemala City and 2-3 hours from Flores.

Triumphant ceremony scene in Star Wars

Shepperton Studios, Studios Rd, Shepperton, UK

Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher), Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), Han Solo (Harrison Ford), and other members of the Rebel Alliance gather to celebrate their victory over the evil Empire. The scene occurs inside an ancient temple on the planet Yavin IV, which serves as the Rebel base. As the ceremony begins, a group of Rebel pilots march into the temple, wearing their distinctive orange flight suits. They line up to receive medals of valor from Princess Leia, who praises them for their bravery and heroism in the face of incredible danger. Established in 1931 as Sound Film Producing and Recording Studios, Shepperton Studios is an illustrious film and television production studio in Shepperton, Surrey, England. Its long-standing history has contributed to its global recognition, and it is now regarded as one of the most eminent studios in the United Kingdom, having produced some of the most iconic films and TV series ever made. Accessing Shepperton Studios by car is convenient and straightforward. If traveling from London, you can take the M3 motorway southbound and exit at Junction 1. Then simply follow the signs to Shepperton town center and the studio. The studio has plenty of parking spaces available both on-site and in the nearby vicinity.

Conclusion

The original Star Wars movie, released in 1977, was an influential and timeless classic. To bring this space fantasy to life, director George Lucas went around the world to find just the right locations for his film, ultimately choosing places like Tunisia and Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire, England, for their unique aesthetics and atmosphere. In doing so, Lucas crafted a visually stunning experience, making Star Wars one of the most successful films ever. Its sweeping cinematography and fantastical setting has made it a classic of science fiction cinema, leaving an ever-lasting impact on audiences and filmmakers alike.