Miles into the orange-red desert of Tunisia, remnants of the iconic Star Wars prequel sets stand eerily abandoned, slowly succumbing to the relentless encroachment of sand. These structures, once vibrant with the energy of Hollywood production, now serve as haunting reminders of the film industry’s past presence in the region.
The sets, including the famed Mos Espa, were constructed by Taieb Jallouli in 1988. They feature wooden and fiberglass towers alongside faux pipes, with whitewashed walls that have yellowed over time. For locals, these dilapidated structures are a testament to a brief period of international cinematic involvement. Although the prequels, which starred actors like Natalie Portman and Ewan McGregor, drew a significant crew, the sites have since been left to deteriorate.
In an interview with The Guardian, Jallouli expressed his hope for a resurgence of film activity in the area. He remarked, “Film companies talk about coming back. Ridley Scott was talking about filming here; ‘Pompeii’ was due to be filmed here, but there’s always something.” Despite his retirement, many former technicians now work in different sectors, including construction, as opportunities in filmmaking have dwindled.
The Mos Espa set initially attracted attention as a potential tourist site following a refurbishment effort in 2005. However, the Tunisian revolution and subsequent terrorist attacks hindered these plans, leaving the sets in a state of neglect. Once bustling with around 50 technicians and numerous extras from nearby towns like Tozeur and Nefa, the area is now a ghostly remnant of its former glory.
Star Wars Canyon and the Lars Homestead
A notable feature of the surrounding landscape is the dramatic ravine known as Star Wars Canyon, located approximately half an hour east of Tozeur. This area was frequently used in the original film, capturing the imagination of audiences worldwide. Here, two white stucco mausoleums mark the entrance, with one claimed by a self-proclaimed guardian.
The Lars Homestead Exterior, a significant location in the franchise, is situated miles away from modern conveniences. This small fiberglass igloo, a replica of the original structure from 1977, was built on the foundation of the original by Jallouli’s team. It underwent restoration by enthusiastic volunteers in 2012, preserving a piece of cinematic history in an otherwise desolate environment.
While the sands continue to shift around the Mos Espa set, some locals hold onto the hope that these sites may once again attract filmmakers. Their stories, intertwined with the legacy of Star Wars, highlight the deep connections between cinema and the communities that support it. As the desert engulfs these fading structures, the memory of their vibrant past persists, a testament to the enduring allure of the Star Wars saga.