The places where the 2016 film Rogue One: A Star Wars Story was filmed comprise a mix of practical locations and studio sets. These choices provided the backdrop for the gritty, war-torn aesthetic of the movie, bringing a sense of realism to the galactic conflict depicted. For example, the Maldives stood in for the tropical planet Scarif, while Wadi Rum in Jordan became Jedha, a holy city under Imperial occupation.
Selecting specific filming sites played a vital role in establishing the visual identity of the movie. Authentic landscapes lent an immediacy and scale difficult to replicate entirely with computer-generated imagery. This approach grounded the fantastical elements within a tangible world, enhancing the audiences connection with the narrative and characters. The practice of blending practical effects with digital environments builds upon filmmaking traditions stretching back to the earliest days of cinema, adapting and evolving with technological advancements.
