Where was Rogue One filmed? Discover epic real-world Rogue One filming locations, from Iceland’s volcanic plains to the Maldives’ beaches and Jordan’s deserts.
A long time ago, in a galaxy much closer than you think, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story turned some of Earth’s most jaw-dropping landscapes into faraway worlds.
It wasn’t just another thrilling chapter in the saga — it was a visual feast that transformed Earth’s most stunning locations into a galaxy under siege.
From icy volcanic plains to sun-drenched beaches and ancient deserts, Rogue One brought these places to life in unforgettable ways. And yes, a few of these spots make sneaky cameos in Andor, too.
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Where Was Rogue One Filmed?
If you’ve ever wondered where Rogue One was filmed, you’re about to discover a planet-hopping travel itinerary worthy of any rebel. From icy terrains to tropical paradises, these spots are as diverse as the galaxy itself.
So strap in, padawans, as we embark on a hyperspace journey through the real-world locations that brought to life. And grab your comlink — we’re going on location.
🌋 Iceland: Lah’mu’s Cold, Lonely Hideout
Of all Rogue One’s filming locations, the haunting opening scene where little Jyn Erso’s farm is invaded by the Empire was shot in Mýrdalssandur, a sweeping black sand plain in southern Iceland.
Imagine endless volcanic sands and misty skies — a perfect stand-in for Lah’mu’s remote landscape. Nearby, the eerie silhouette of Hafursey Mountain rises like an ancient sentinel, with scenes filmed around Eyjafjallajökull (yes, that volcano you still can’t pronounce).
As Krennic grimly offers, “We were this close to providing peace and security for the galaxy,” you can practically hear the Icelandic wind howling in response. An ideal destination for travelers craving stark, otherworldly beauty — no starships required.
Book a tour:
- 4×4 South Coast and Diamond Beach Tour
- South Coast Iceland from Reykjavik
- Eyjafjallajökull Volcano Tours & Tickets
🏝️ Laamu Atoll, Maldives: Scarif’s Paradise Turned Warzone
Where was the Rogue One beach scene filmed? Right here. Those idyllic blue lagoons and white sands? That’s Laamu Atoll, Maldives, specifically on the islands of Gan and Berasdhoo.
Scarif might have been the Empire’s tropical data vault, but in real life, it’s a paradise made for snorkeling, not stormtroopers. It’s the stage for the film’s explosive finale, where Cassian Andor, Jyn Erso, and the crew stage a desperate bid for the Death Star plans.
When Cassian rallies, “Make ten men feel like a hundred,” you realize he’s on the prettiest battlefield ever. Good news: Today, the only things you’ll dodge are palm fronds and blissful sea breezes.
Book a tour:
🏜️ Wadi Rum, Jordan: Jedha’s Sacred Streets
Jedha, the holy city for Force believers and Kyber crystal hunters, was brought to life in Wadi Rum, Jordan. Its towering sandstone cliffs, craggy canyons, and endless dunes create a setting that feels like ancient history meets sci-fi prophecy.
Here, blind warrior monk Chirrut Îmwe chants his unforgettable mantra, “I am one with the Force, and the Force is with me,” amid blaster fire and collapsing shrines.
Nearby, Saw Gerrera delivers paranoid speeches about Imperial tyranny and refuses to run, choosing instead to meet his end on Jedha with a dramatic, Force-blessed kaboom.
Wadi Rum’s unearthly beauty has starred in countless epics (The Rise of Skywalker, The Martian, Dune), but nothing beats walking the same sands as Star Wars’ most quietly heroic duo.
Book a tour:
🏙️ Canary Wharf, London: The Empire’s Nerve Center
Tucked beneath London’s financial district, Canary Wharf Underground Station was repurposed into the Empire’s high-security base.
Its gleaming, brutalist corridors became the perfect lair for Death Troopers and tense rebel infiltrations. When Jyn confesses, “I’m not used to people sticking around when things go bad,” you can practically picture her dashing through the tube tunnels.
Fun fact: Andor fans might recognize this location too — it pops up again in his rebellious prequel adventures. Who knew one of London’s busiest tube stops moonlighted as a galactic dictatorship’s HQ?
🎥 Pinewood Studios, UK: The Galaxy’s Home Base
Of course, no Star Wars film exists without Pinewood Studios.
This legendary hub housed everything from Rebel bases to Death Star corridors, hosting Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, and Rogue One’s Darth Vader scene in that infamous hallway that still gives fans chills.
While you can’t tour the sets, just knowing so many pivotal moments happened a short hyperspace jump outside London adds an extra layer of geek cred to any UK trip.
🌟 So, What’s Next for the Star Wars Galaxy?
Now you know exactly where Rogue One was filmed — Iceland’s otherworldly plains, the Maldives’ beach paradises, London’s secret lairs, Jordan’s ancient deserts, and Pinewood’s bustling sound stages.
And if you’ve ever heard Mon Mothma’s solemn line in Return of the Jedi, “Many Bothans died to bring us this information,” you’ll realize after watching Rogue One how heartbreakingly literal that sentiment is for the crew of the Rogue One mission. 😓
Watching them risk everything to steal those Death Star plans gives the Rebellion’s desperate struggle so much more weight — and tragedy.
The story continues with Andor, a prequel to Rogue One, diving into Cassian’s early days with the rebellion. Season 2 premieres April 25, 2025, on Disney+. Mark your calendars, Rebels.
Rogue One and Star Wars are the property of Disney/Lucasfilm Ltd. No copyright infringement is intended.
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