After rescuing Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt, the Rebel Alliance attempts to destroy the second Death Star while Luke struggles to help Darth Vader back from the dark side.
The original Star Wars trilogy’s finale ranges from the forest moon of Endor to the deserts of Tatooine – and filmed them in the towering redwoods of Northern California, the dunes near Yuma, Arizona, and the sound stages of England’s Elstree Studios.
Where was Return of the Jedi filmed?
Return of the Jedi was filmed in the California redwoods (Endor), the Arizona dunes near Yuma (Tatooine), and at Elstree Studios in England.
Every Return of the Jedi location, explained
1
Endor – the California redwoods
The forest moon used the giant redwoods of Del Norte and Humboldt counties in Northern California, including the speeder-bike chase.
2
Tatooine – the Yuma dunes
The desert and the sarlacc pit used the sand dunes near Yuma, Arizona.
3
The studios – Elstree
Jabba’s palace, the Death Star and the Emperor’s throne room were built at Elstree Studios, near London.
4
The wider deserts
Additional desert scenes used the country of Arizona and eastern California.
Planning a visit
The redwood forests of Northern California – the real Endor – are a breathtaking, accessible destination, as are the dunes around Yuma, Arizona.
Return of the Jedi Fun Facts
1
Endor is the redwoods The forest moon used the giant redwood forests of Northern California.
2
Tatooine is Arizona The desert scenes used the sand dunes near Yuma, Arizona.
3
Built at Elstree Jabba’s palace and the Emperor’s throne room were built at England’s Elstree Studios.
4
The Ewoks The film introduced the forest-dwelling Ewoks of Endor.
5
A working title The film was shot under the fake title ‘Blue Harvest’ to deter fans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Return of the Jedi filmed?
In the California redwoods (Endor), the Arizona dunes near Yuma (Tatooine), and at Elstree Studios in England.
Where is the forest moon of Endor?
The giant redwood forests of Northern California.
Can you visit the locations?
Yes – the California redwoods and the Yuma dunes are accessible.
