This is where Star Wars is filmed in real life

Ever watched Star Wars and thought to yourself ‘I wonder where that is?’. This article is for you. This is where Star Wars is filmed in real life.

Tatooine

The majority of the scenes on Tatooine were filmed in Tunisia, North Africa. A whole host of famous scenes were filmed here including when Luke Skywalker meets Obi-Wan Kenobi for the first time in the desert canyon. The scene in A New Hope where C3P0 and R2D2 crash land in the sand dunes after escaping from the Empire was also filmed here. It is possible to visit some of the set locations still to this day.

However, not all Tatooine scenes were filmed in Tunisia. Some are filmed in Death Valley National Park, California. This was mostly used to fill in some shots as production went over budget while filming in Tunisia. Some scenes that are filmed here include Luke Skywalker traveling in his landspeeder looking for R2D2 and also when the Jawas pick up R2D2 while looking for Obi-Wan.

Naboo

Naboo is filmed across multiple locations, just like Tatooine. Locations in Italy, Spain and United Kingdom were all used as the backdrop for the birthplace of Emperor Palpatine.

Plaza de España in Seville, Spain is used as the exterior for Theed, the capital city of Naboo. Lake Como, Italy is used as a scenic backdrop for Anakin and Padmé’s wedding in Attack of the clones. Finally, Whippendell Wood, United Kingdom serves as the surroundings for when Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan meet Jar Jar Binks for the first time in the forest.

Mustafar

Mustafar is the fiery planet, full of volcanic activity. The final showdown between Anakin an Obi-Wan occurs at this location. In real life its actually Mount Etna, Italy. The volcano ACTUALLY erupted during the filming of Revenge of the Sith which was then used as the backdrop for this scene. Lucky that eh?!

Kashyyyk

Kashyyyk is the home planet of the Wookies. Chewbacca, of course being the most famous of the species. Ao Phang Nga National Park, Thailand is where you will find the tree-covered planet in real life. We see Kashyyyk predominantly in Revenge of the Sith shortly after Order 66 has been executed when Yoda senses something is wrong. The planet also features as an explorable location in the video game Jedi: Fallen Order.

Jakku

Jakku is the birthplace of Rey *ahem* Skywalker. The Rub’ al Khali desert in Abu Dhabi was seen as the perfect filming location due to its baron, dry landscape. The crew spent a whole 6 months filming here for The Force Awakens.

Alderaan

Alderaan, known by the Star Wars galaxy as the ‘planet of beauty’ was of course destroyed by the Deathstar. Before the empire was able to do this though, the cast and crew did manage to film some scenes there. The snowy, mountainous landscape of Grindenwald, Switzerland was used as the backdrop for the planet formerly inhabited by Princess Leia.

Ahch-To

Ahch-To is the far off area of the galaxy where Luke Skywalker travels to live out his final days after Kylo Ren destroys his Jedi Academy and kills all of his students. Its the birthplace of the Jedi Order and storage location of the ancient Jedi Texts. The real life location is an island off the coast of Kerry, Ireland which fits perfectly for the water-filled rocky planet.

Forest Moon of Endor

The Forest moon of Endor is home to the Ewok species. This, of course, also being the location of the final battle between the Rebels and the Empire in Return of the Jedi. Where is this planet in real life? Redwood National Park, California is filming location for these scenes. The Ewok ambush scene is one such scene these woods are famous for.

There you have it. This is where Star Wars is filmed in real life. Will you be visiting any of them soon?