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Star Wars: The Last Jedi movie cover Movie Locations Guide

Where was Star Wars: The Last Jedi filmed?

2017

City Locations

Skellig Michael, Valentia Island (Republic Of Ireland); Dubrovnik (Croatia); Potosí (Bolivia); Surrey, Berkshire (UK)

Location Types

Film Studio, Museum, Nature

Location Styles

Mountain Huts, Desert, Foreign, Mediterranean, High Tech/Futuristic

About Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Star Wars: The Last Jedi, released in 2017, is a remarkable piece of cinema directed by the visionary Rian Johnson. This epic space opera boasts an incredibly talented cast, featuring Mark Hamill reprising his iconic role as Luke Skywalker and featuring Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, and Ander Serkis. Producers Kathleen Kennedy and Ram Bergman brought these stories to life on the big screen.

The Last Jedi captivates audiences as it continues the much-loved Star Wars saga, picking up directly after the events of The Force Awakens. The film sees the Resistance, led by General Leia (Carrie Fisher), battling the tyrannical First Order while Rey (Daisy Ridley) seeks guidance from Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill). The plot masterfully weaves together a story of hope and redemption, exploring the equilibrium between light and dark, painting a profound narrative that keeps audiences on their toes.

The Last Jedi was met with resounding applause from critics, earning accolades for its exceptional visual effects, compelling performances, and audacious subversion of expectations. Among its many award nominations, the film was recognized at the 90th Academy Awards, securing four nominations and winning the Best Visual Effects award, reaffirming Star Wars' legacy as a ground-breaking cinematic experience.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi Locations

Immerse in the interstellar universe of Star Wars: The Last Jedi through a journey to the stunning regions that formed the canvas for this globally renowned film. The cinematic magic leaped from the Republic of Ireland, Croatia, and Bolivia, each contributing a unique charm and breathtaking backdrop to the much-loved saga.

Just off the southwest coast of Ireland, the serene and captivating Skellig Michael emerged as the secluded retreat of Luke Skywalker on the fictional planet Ahch-To. The island's 'beehive' monastic dwellings, replicated on Ceann Sibéal on the Dingle Peninsula, set amidst jaw-dropping coastal vistas, invite exploration along Slea Head Drive and adjacent walking trails.

Swap natural beauty for urban delight in the city of Dubrovnik, Croatia, which morphed into the decadent and vibrant city of Canto Bight in the film. Stradun, the city's main shopping street, and the walled Old Town, known for its role as King's Landing in Game of Thrones, both also feature heavily in the narrative.

Lastly, lose yourself in the ethereal Salt Flats of Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia, where the stunningly expansive, bright-white landscape was transformed into the planet Crait for the movie, creating a truly otherworldly viewing experience.

Visiting these fascinating locations will prove rewarding for Star Wars enthusiasts and those passionate about film, travel, and culture. From the rugged beauty of Ireland and the historic allure of Croatia to the unworldly spectacle of Bolivian salt flats, you get to literally walk in the footsteps of your favorite characters while enjoying the natural and cultural heritage of these extraordinary locations.

Rey arrived on the planet Ahch-To scene in Star Wars: The Last Jedi

The Skellig Michael, Coarha More, Valentia Island, Co. Kerry, V23 YD52, Ireland

Rey (Daisy Ridley), accompanied by Chewbacca (Joonas Suotamo) and R2-D2 (Jimmy Vee), arrives on the planet Ahch-To. They land with the iconic Millennium Falcon, seeking out the legendary Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill). Rey approaches Luke, offering him his old lightsaber. In a surprising turn of events, Luke dismissively throws it over his shoulder. Despite her confusion, Rey persists in following Luke, attempting to communicate that she was sent by Leia (Carrie Fisher).

This unforgettable scene was captured on Skellig Michael island, a majestic twin-peaked rock formation situated 11.6 kilometers west of the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry, Ireland. The name "Skellig" originates from the Irish term "sceilig", which evokes the image of a splendid stone shard. Its rugged beauty and ethereal charm perfectly encapsulate the secluded and mystical aura of Ahch-To.

If you wish to visit Skellig Michael, two primary tour options are available. The Skellig Michael Landing Tour allows you to disembark from the boat and step onto the island, letting you explore its unique terrain firsthand. Alternatively, the Skellig Michael Boat Tour offers a trip around both Skellig Islands, providing close-up views of the historic sites on Skellig Michael and the gannet colony on Little Skelligs, all from the comfort of the boat.

Rey's training scenes in Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Sybil Head, Ballyoughteragh South, Co. Kerry, Ireland

Rey's (Daisy Ridley) first lesson with Luke (Mark Hamill) is a pivotal moment, as Luke endeavors to guide her in feeling and controlling the Force. Rey sees visions and manipulates small pebbles, achieving a sense of balance. However, she soon experiences a vision of herself being drawn toward a dark pit. Despite Luke's efforts to snap her out of it, the pit releases water, abruptly ending Rey's vision.

This iconic scene was filmed at Sybil Head (Ceann Sibéal in Irish), located on the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry, Ireland. To bring the scene to life, the production team constructed an elaborate set of the First Jedi Temple, complete with stone huts. Unfortunately, fans visiting today won't find these structures as they were temporary for the shoot.

Sybil Head is known for its beautiful walking trails, hidden coastal nooks, and caves. It offers a serene escape where one can experience the wind and enjoy the stunning landscape. However, visitors should note that the trail is situated on private property.

To visit Sybil Head, you can fly into Kerry Airport and then drive to the Dingle Peninsula, about an hour away. From there, Ballyferriter is a short drive, and Sybil Head is just outside the town. Remember to respect the private property and enjoy the breathtaking views that once served as a backdrop for Rey's first lesson in the Force.

The Jedi tree scene in Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Longcross Studios, Longcross Studios, Chobham Ln, Longcross, Chertsey KT16 0EE, UK

Luke (Mark Hamill) approaches a tree housing sacred Jedi texts; as he approaches, he encounters the familiar figure of Yoda (Frank Oz). In a surprising turn of events, Yoda releases a lightning bolt that destroys the tree, much to Luke's shock and dismay. Yoda's spirit advises Luke to guide Rey (Daisy Ridley) before she succumbs to the dark side. Despite considering himself a failure, Yoda reminds Luke that "The greatest teacher, failure is," a potent reminder of the wisdom that can be found in mistakes and setbacks.

This iconic scene was filmed at Longcross Studios, located 25 miles southwest of London near Chertsey in Surrey. Not only was the exterior of the Jedi tree set constructed on a vehicle test course at this studio, but a meticulous replica of the Millennium Falcon was also recreated here.

Longcross Studios is a renowned film and television production facility built on the site of the Military Vehicles and Engineering Establishment. Since opening its doors in 2006, it has been the filming location for several high-profile productions, including the James Bond film "Skyfall" (2012), the ITV crime drama "Broadchurch" (2013-17), and the Marvel Studios production "Doctor Strange in The Multiverse of Madness" (2022).

To visit Longcross Studios, you can take a train from London Waterloo to Longcross station, about a mile from the studios. Alternatively, you can drive from London, taking the M4 and M25 motorways. Please note that access may be restricted or require prior permission as a working film studio.

Finn and Rose search for the Codebreaker scene in Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Stradun, Dubrovnik, Croatia

In this scene, Finn (John Boyega) and newcomer Rose (Kelly Marie Tran) embark on a covert mission. Their objective is to locate an individual known only as the Codebreaker (Justin Theroux), the sole person capable of granting them access to a First Order ship to disable its tracking capabilities. Their search leads them to the wealthy city of Canto Bight on the desert planet of Cantonica.

Monte Carlo inspired the design of Canto Bight, but the real-world location behind the impressive set dressing and CGI is the city of Dubrovnik on the coast of Croatia. With its rocky headlands, curving beaches, and stunning medieval architecture, Dubrovnik offers an enchanting backdrop that beautifully complements the Star Wars universe. The primary route takes place along Stradun, the bustling main shopping street of Dubrovnik adorned with sophisticated technological embellishments.

Dubrovnik, located in southern Croatia and overlooking the Adriatic Sea, is a captivating city. With its enchanting medieval architecture, charming limestone streets, and iconic terracotta rooftops, it shines brilliantly amidst the azure waters. Its breathtaking Dalmatian Coast setting has made it a sought-after destination for both filmmakers and tourists.

To visit Dubrovnik, you can fly into Dubrovnik Airport, which is well-connected to major European cities. The city is a short 20-minute taxi or shuttle ride from the airport. Once in the city, you can explore its rich history, beautiful architecture, and the filming locations used in Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

The survivors of the Resistance hide out on the planet scene in Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Uyuni Salt Flat, Bolivia

The remaining members of the Resistance seek refuge in a massive abandoned mine on the red mineral planet of Crait. The planet's surface, covered with a thin layer of salt, reveals its vibrant red hue with every disturbance, creating a visually striking tableau.

The memorable scene wasn't filmed at the well-known Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, but rather at the awe-inspiring Salar de Uyuni. Situated about 100 miles southwest of Potosí in Bolivia, Salar de Uyuni is the largest salt flat in the world, covering an impressive 4,000 square miles of the Bolivian Altiplano in the High Andes.

This vast landscape was a giant lake approximately 40,000 years ago. In the peak period of the last ice age, the lake's water evaporated quicker than it could be replaced, accumulating salt layers. Occasionally, neighboring lakes overflow, and a thin sheet of water covers the flats, creating an incredible mirror-like reflection of the sky.

To visit the mesmerizing Salar de Uyuni, you can fly into El Alto International Airport in La Paz, Bolivia's capital. From there, you can take a domestic flight to Uyuni Airport. Once in Uyuni, numerous local tour operators offer guided trips to the salt flats. Just remember, while the landscape may seem otherworldly, it's not actually a galaxy far, far away.

Kylo brings Rey to Snoke scene in Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Pinewood Studios, Pinewood Rd, Slough, Iver SL0 0NH, UK

Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) brings Rey (Daisy Ridley) before Snoke (Andy Serkis). Rey persuades Kylo to renounce the dark side, even as Snoke ridicules her efforts. In a shocking revelation, Snoke discloses that he orchestrated the connection between Rey and Kylo to annihilate Luke (Mark Hamill).

This crucial scene was mainly filmed at Pinewood Studios in the United Kingdom. The production team constructed 120 sets across 13 stages, including the renowned 007 and Underwater Stages. Other locations within the studio grounds, such as the Paddock Lot and North Lot, were also utilized.

Pinewood Studios was established on the site of Heatherden Hall, a sizable Victorian country house once owned by Canadian financier Grant Morden. Over the years, the studio's expansive backlots have been home to many large-scale sets, ranging from castles to entire villages. Examples include the Baker Street set created for Billy Wilder's "The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes" and Godric's Hollow from the "Harry Potter" film series.

While it would be fascinating for fans to explore these iconic sets, Pinewood Studios is not generally open to the public. Only visitors who have received prior authorization are permitted to enter the premises. From London, it's accessible by car via A4 and M4; and by train from Paddington station.

Conclusion

Star Wars: The Last Jedi is an expansive and character-rich spectacle that continues the narrative from Star Wars: Episode VII and propels the series into uncharted territories. It delivers everything a Star Wars fan could desire and more; even viewers who pride themselves on predicting every plot twist will likely be pleasantly surprised.

The film beautifully juggles being an earnest adventure filled with zealous heroes and villains and contemplation on sequels and franchise properties. It delves into legacy, legitimacy, and succession questions, sparking debates on whether to replicate or reject past stories and symbols. One of its valuable lessons is the significance of emotional investment over worldly value and the supremacy of noble ideas over individuals.

The filming locations for Star Wars: The Last Jedi spanned across the Republic of Ireland, Croatia, and Bolivia, each adding a unique charm and stunning backdrop to the saga. Skellig Michael, off the southwest coast of Ireland, served as Luke Skywalker's secluded retreat on the fictional planet Ahch-To. The urban splendor of Dubrovnik, Croatia, was transformed into the vibrant city of Canto Bight in the film.

Regarding its contribution to the movie industry, The Last Jedi carries forward the legacy of the "Star Wars" franchise, introducing fresh narrative elements while preserving the essence that has made the series a global phenomenon.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi is a cinematic treat for both franchise fans and newcomers alike. Its compelling storyline, impressive performances, and stunning locations make it a film worth watching. It takes you on an unforgettable journey, setting new standards for future sequels.