As a new threat to the galaxy rises, Rey, a desert scavenger, and Finn, an ex-stormtrooper, must join Han Solo and Chewbacca to search for the one hope of restoring peace.
The film that reawakened Star Wars grounded its galaxy in real, breathtaking places on Earth – a desert in Abu Dhabi for the junkyard world of Jakku, the volcanic badlands of Iceland, the forests of England, and, for its wordless final shot, the ancient monastic island of Skellig Michael off the Irish coast.
Where was Star Wars: The Force Awakens filmed?
The Force Awakens was filmed in Abu Dhabi (Jakku), Iceland, England (Pinewood and forests), Ireland (Skellig Michael) and the Lake District.
Every Force Awakens location, explained
1
Skellig Michael – the final scene
The film’s haunting closing shot, where Rey finds Luke, used the ancient island monastery of Skellig Michael off County Kerry, Ireland.
2
Abu Dhabi – the desert of Jakku
The sand-swept scavenger world of Jakku was filmed in the dunes of Abu Dhabi in the UAE.
3
Iceland – the volcanic wilds
The volcanic landscapes around Myvatn and Krafla in Iceland provided otherworldly terrain.
4
England and the Lake District
Forest and castle-approach scenes used the Lake District (Matterdale) and English woodland, with studio work at Pinewood.
Planning a visit
Skellig Michael off the Kerry coast is a UNESCO World Heritage site reachable by boat in summer – a genuinely magical, if weather-dependent, pilgrimage – while Iceland’s Myvatn region offers the film’s volcanic drama.
Force Awakens Fun Facts
1
Luke's island is real and ancient The final scene was shot on Skellig Michael, a 1,400-year-old monastic island off Ireland.
2
Jakku is Abu Dhabi The desert scavenger world was filmed in the dunes of Abu Dhabi.
3
BB-8 was really there The droid was largely a real, remote-operated puppet on set, not CGI.
4
Practical effects came back Director J.J. Abrams emphasised real sets and locations to recapture the original trilogy’s feel.
5
A record-breaking opening The film shattered box-office opening records on release.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was The Force Awakens filmed?
In Abu Dhabi (Jakku), Iceland, England (Pinewood and forests), Ireland (Skellig Michael) and the Lake District.
Where is the final scene with Luke?
On Skellig Michael, an ancient monastic island off County Kerry, Ireland.
Where is the desert planet Jakku?
It was filmed in the dunes of Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Can you visit the locations?
Yes – Skellig Michael is reachable by boat in summer, and Iceland’s Myvatn region is accessible.
