Exploring the Eerie and Intriguing World of Abandoned Movie Sets
As a writer and journalist, I’ve always been fascinated by abandoned places. There’s something eerie yet intriguing about the way nature slowly reclaims spaces that were once bustling with life. And when it comes to movie sets, the feeling is even more surreal. These are places that were created to tell stories and transport us to different worlds, but now they’re just shells of their former selves.
That’s why I was excited when approached by an Urban Exploration website to write a memoir-style post about abandoned movie sets. Here are some of the most famous ones I found:
1. Star Wars: Tatooine
The planet Tatooine is one of the most iconic locations in the Star Wars franchise. It’s where Luke Skywalker grew up and where we first met Han Solo and Chewbacca. The original set was built in Tunisia for A New Hope in 1977, and parts of it were reused for subsequent films.
Today, much of the set has been reclaimed by sand dunes and only a few structures remain standing. However, fans still make pilgrimages to see what’s left of this legendary location.
2. Lord of the Rings: Hobbiton
When Peter Jackson decided to adapt J.R.R Tolkien’s epic fantasy series for the big screen, he knew he needed a convincing Middle-earth setting. Enter Hobbiton – the idyllic Shire home to Bilbo Baggins and Frodo.
The set was built on a farm near Matamata in New Zealand, complete with hobbit holes, gardens, and even a pub called The Green Dragon Inn (which still operates as a tourist attraction today).
After filming wrapped on Return of the King in 2003, most of Hobbiton was dismantled – except for a few hobbit holes which remained as permanent fixtures on private land owned by Peter Jackson himself.
It wasn’t until The Hobbit trilogy began production almost ten years later that Hobbiton was rebuilt in its entirety as a tourist attraction. Today, visitors can take guided tours of the set and even enjoy a pint at The Green Dragon.
3. Indiana Jones: Temple of Doom
One of the most memorable scenes in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom takes place in an underground temple where Indy battles Thuggee cultists. The set was built on the sound stages at Elstree Studios in England, but after filming wrapped it was left to decay.
For years, the Temple of Doom set remained intact inside one of Elstree’s abandoned sound stages – complete with giant stone statues and booby-trapped corridors. But eventually, it too fell victim to time and neglect.
In 2016, however, an intrepid group of urban explorers managed to sneak into the decaying sound stage and document what was left of the iconic set before it was torn down for good.
4. Jurassic Park: Isla Nublar
When Steven Spielberg brought Michael Crichton’s novel about genetically-engineered dinosaurs to life on screen in 1993, he knew he needed an immersive setting that would convince audiences these creatures were real.
The solution? Filming on location at Kauai Island in Hawaii – specifically in a lush valley known as Manawaiopuna Falls (or “Jurassic Falls” as it became known).
The film crew built a visitor center, maintenance shed, helicopter pad, and other structures which served as key locations throughout Jurassic Park. And while some parts have been dismantled or destroyed by hurricanes over the years, much of Isla Nublar still remains intact today – albeit hidden deep within tropical foliage.
5. Mad Max: Fury Road
George Miller’s post-apocalyptic epic Mad Max: Fury Road is a visual feast for fans of practical effects and stunning landscapes. Much like his original trilogy from decades earlier, Miller sought out unique locations around Australia to create an immersive world.
One of the most memorable locations in Fury Road is The Citadel – a towering fortress ruled by Immortan Joe and his fanatical followers. The set was built at a disused mine shaft near Broken Hill, New South Wales, and featured massive walls, towers, and even a war rig made out of scrap metal.
After filming wrapped, the set was partially dismantled but much of it remains standing today as a testament to the film’s incredible production design. In fact, some parts have even been repurposed for events like Burning Man.
These are just five examples of abandoned movie sets that still capture our imaginations long after their films have left theaters. They remind us that sometimes the most magical places can be found in unexpected corners of the world – if we’re willing to search for them.