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Star Wars Tourism 2.0: Where Filoni’s New Slate Might Send Fans Next

vviral

2026-02-07 12:00:00

11 min read

Map likely Filoni-era filming locations and turn rumors into weekend pilgrimages—routes, booking hacks, and social-ready tips for Star Wars tourism fans.

Hook: Your next viral weekend doesn’t need a lightsaber—just a plane ticket

Fans complain there’s too much noise and not enough heart in the new Filoni-era slate announced in late 2025 and early 2026. If you're frustrated by vague press releases and skeptical headlines, here's a solution: turn the speculation into a real-world travel plan. This guide maps where Dave Filoni’s projects are most likely to shoot, how to build short themed pilgrimages around them, and practical booking strategies so your next Star Wars tourism weekend is both cinematic and shareworthy.

Why this matters in 2026: the Filoni effect on film locations

After Kathleen Kennedy’s departure and Dave Filoni’s elevation to co-president of Lucasfilm in early 2026, industry chatter accelerated. Critics—summed up by headlines like the Jan 2026 Forbes analysis—questioned the creative direction of the new slate. But from a travel perspective, change equals opportunity: Filoni is known for mixing intimate, character-driven storytelling with visual authenticity (think end-of-the-galaxy vistas in The Mandalorian and the character-forward locales of his animated work). The result? Expect a hybrid production model in 2026 and beyond: heavy use of StageCraft and virtual production for interiors, paired with bold on-location shoots for exteriors to sell authenticity.

2026 production trends that shape fan travel

Virtual + Practical: Filoni’s teams use The Volume for controlled shoots but still scout remote landscapes for signature planetary vistas.
Incentive-driven shoots: UK, Spain (Canary Islands), and Jordan remain high on location lists due to tax credits and film-friendly logistics in late 2025.
Fan validation matters: Studios are increasingly mindful of fan pilgrimage markets—official tie-ins and location-friendly visitor info are more common in 2026.

Mapping likely Filoni-era filming locations

Below are the highest-probability shooting regions for Filoni-era projects, and why they make sense creatively and logistically. Each entry includes what fans should expect and how to turn a visit into a memorable pilgrimage.

1) Tunisia — The original Tatooine roots

Why it’s likely: Tunisia’s desertscapes remain synonymous with Tatooine and are a go-to when directors want a familiar, lived-in desert world. The combination of unique sets, established local crews, and experienced film-service companies keeps Tunisia on the shortlist.

Fan payoff: Visit the movie-used sites around Tataouine, Matmata, and Chott el Jerid where the Lars homestead and Mos Eisley-style settlements were filmed.
What to book: 2-night “Tatooine Trail” with a local guide (Matmata troglodyte hotels, sunset at Chott el Jerid), off-road 4x4, and a stay in Douz for camel treks.
Tip: Pack sun protection and local currency (TND). Many sites are open-air; travel insurance that covers desert excursions is a must.

2) Skellig Michael & Ireland — The vulnerable pilgrimage

Why it’s likely: Filoni’s taste for intimate, mythic locales lines up with remote islands like Skellig Michael, which served as Ahch-To in the Skywalker saga and could reappear as sacred-world inspiration. Ireland’s film infrastructure also supports coastal shoots and boat-based logistics.

Fan payoff: Restricted-access boat trips to Skellig Michael for the dramatic monastic stairlines and cliff-top vistas—perfect for contemplative, lore-heavy pilgrimages.
What to book: 1–2 day packages out of Portmagee (County Kerry) with local boat operators and island landing permits when available.
Warning: Landings are weather-dependent and strictly limited—book months ahead in peak season (June–Aug).

3) Canary Islands (Spain) — Volcanic deserts and alien dunes

Why it’s likely: The Canary Islands (Lanzarote, Fuerteventura) are beloved by filmmakers for Mars-like volcanic terrain, predictable weather, and friendly incentives. In 2026 the islands strengthened film facilitation services to attract sci‑fi shoots.

Fan payoff: Iconic lava fields, volcanic ridgelines, and black-sand beaches for dramatic, otherworldly photo ops.
What to book: Multi-island weekend with a guided 4×4 tour of Timanfaya National Park (Lanzarote) and Fuerteventura’s dune beaches—great for sunrise drone shots if permitted.
Local rules: Drone permits are strictly enforced; check Canary Islands’ film office websites before flying.

4) Jordan — Wadi Rum and cinematic desert landscapes

Why it’s likely: Wadi Rum is proven Hollywood terrain (Mars in recent blockbusters) with well-established support for shoots. Jordan’s film commission actively courts productions and offers desert logistics that other regions can’t match.

Fan payoff: Bedouin-camp stays, jeep safaris into narrow canyons, and night-sky photography—ideal for authentic desert pilgrimages.
What to book: 2-night “Desert Planet” weekend: arrive Friday evening in Amman, Saturday Wadi Rum jeep and sunset photos, Sunday sunrise and transfer back.
Safety & permits: Use licensed Bedouin guides and always carry water—Jordanian desert tours are well-run but remote. Check local permit and due-diligence requirements before you go.

5) UK studios & Suffolk/Surrey exteriors — The production hub pilgrimage

Why it’s likely: Filoni’s teams rely on UK studio infrastructure: Pinewood, Longcross, and The Volume at various UK sites. While studios aren’t always open to the public, the UK offers a “studio-and-locations” weekend pairing museum tours and nearby countryside vistas that often double as Star Wars exteriors.

Fan payoff: Behind-the-scenes tech appreciation, visits to film-friendly towns, and curated experiences during fan weekends when studios open special events.
What to book: London-based weekend: Warner Bros. Studio Tour for filmmaking tech, then a day trip to nearby historical locations that have doubled for Star Wars-like exteriors; check studio event calendars for Lucasfilm pop-ups.
Pro tip: Sign up for Lucasfilm and local studio newsletters—limited studio days for fans sell out fast in 2026.

6) Iceland — Glacial cliffs and black-sand coasts

Why it’s likely: Filoni-era projects that demand sweeping cold-planet aesthetics will find Iceland’s dramatic coastline and volcanic fields irresistible. Iceland’s 2026 film permit process is streamlined, and the country promotes eco-conscious shoots—a growing priority for Lucasfilm.

Fan payoff: Vatnajökull ice lagoons, Reynisfjara black sand, and basalt columns are made-for-stills locations.
What to book: 3-day “Ice Planet” weekend from Reykjavík with guided glacier hikes, ice cave photo tours, and evening Northern Lights chases (seasonal).
Weather note: Winter weather affects access; travel with flexible bookings and crampons if you plan to hike.

Turn speculation into an actual pilgrimage: 5 weekend itineraries

Each itinerary is built for a 48–72 hour weekend escape designed for maximum shareability and minimal travel friction. Budget ranges assume mid-level spending; adjust for luxury or backpacking options.

Weekend 1: Tatooine Trail (Tunisia) — 48 hours

Day 1: Fly into Djerba or Gabès. Afternoon visit to Matmata troglodyte homes. Sunset at Chott el Jerid salt flat for reflection shots.
Day 2: Half-day 4x4 tour to Tataouine and nearby dune sites. Late afternoon flight back to Tunis or onward connection.

Budget: $350–$700 (flight to Tunisia excluded)
Packing: Lightweight layers, dust mask, sunscreen, compact tripod.
Share tip: Post a 30-second “desert reveal” reel—before/after color grade to mimic film LUTs.

Weekend 2: Island of the Ancients (Ireland) — 48–72 hours

Day 1: Fly into Kerry. Afternoon in Portmagee; evening prep with a local skipper.
Day 2: Early island landing (weather permitting). Cliff-top shots and lore walk. Return and stop at Skellig Experience Centre for context.
Day 3 (optional): Explore Ring of Kerry for complementary cinematic landscapes.

Budget: $400–$900 (seasonal variability)
Must-know: Skellig Michael is vulnerable—respect closures and do not attempt unpermitted landings.

Weekend 3: Desert Planet Express (Jordan) — 48–72 hours

Day 1: Amman arrival; night in a boutique hotel.
Day 2: Transfer to Wadi Rum, jeep tour, sunset photography, overnight at Bedouin camp with stargazing.
Day 3: Sunrise shoot, return to Amman.

Budget: $500–$1,200 (guided desert packages incl. transport)
Safety note: Register with your embassy if traveling solo through remote desert regions.

Weekend 4: Volcanic Horizons (Canary Islands) — 48 hours

Day 1: Land in Lanzarote or Fuerteventura, rental car, Timanfaya Park sunset tour.
Day 2: Cross-island photo loops, dune sessions in Corralejo (Fuerteventura), evening coastal shots.

Budget: $300–$800
Gear: Neutral density filters and a good zoom lens for dramatic landscapes.

Weekend 5: The Studio-to-Location (UK) — 48–72 hours

Day 1: London—Warner Bros. Studio Tour to absorb production craft (book early).
Day 2: Excursion to Pinewood-adjacent countryside or film-friendly Suffolk locations for exteriors; evening fan meetup or local museum.

Budget: $250–$700
Booking hack: Check for Lucasfilm or fan-run events aligned with studio open days—those weekends sell out quickly.

Practical booking and planning strategies for 2026

Turning a predicted filming location into a smooth weekend trip requires a few production‑aware planning moves.

1. Scout official film office pages and production calendars

Countries with film incentives (UK, Spain, Jordan) publish production calendars and local notices; sign up for alerts to catch location closures or fan-friendly access windows.

2. Use short-term flexible bookings

Flights and hotels with free cancellation are standard in 2026. Book refundable or changeable options when travel windows overlap with potential shoot schedules—studios can move quickly. Watch dynamic pricing signals and flexible rules described in dynamic rental pricing guides.

3. Work with local guides who know film-season logistics

Local guides understand permits, seasonal closures, and best times for light. They also often arrange off-the-grid access and authentic lodging that enhances your pilgrimage narrative. See field kit and local-operator tips for travel creators in Field Kits & Edge Tools for Modern Newsrooms.

4. Respect sensitive sites—conservation and access rules tightened in 2026

After increased foot traffic in the late 2010s and early 2020s, many governments tightened landing permits and protective measures for fragile film sites. Expect stricter rules at islands, deserts, and unique geological formations in 2026—plan responsibly.

5. Budget tips and last-minute deals

Off-peak travel (shoulder seasons) yields savings and often better light for photos.
Bundle locally: book combined transport and guides rather than separate services for cost-efficiency.
Use film‑tour aggregators in 2026—several new platforms connect fans with licensed local operators offering curated “set tours.”

Your pilgrimage doubles as content—here’s a compact formula to make it shareable and credible.

Shot list: Wide establishing shot, medium character moment, close-up prop detail, golden-hour silhouette.
Storyline: 15–30 second Reel or TikTok: Hook (site name), small piece of lore, on-site action (walking or reveal), CTA to your community.
Hashtags & tags: #StarWarsTourism #FiloniEra #FanPilgrimage #MovieTourism plus country/location hashtags.
Credibility: Share one historical fact about the filming or a contemporary production note—fans and algorithms reward specificity.
Community: Tag local tour companies and regional film offices—they often re-share and amplify content in 2026.

Case study: Turning speculation into bookings—A real-world example

In December 2025, a UK-based fan collective tracked rumors of a Filoni-era desert shoot rumored for the Canaries. They promptly signed up for a local film-tour operator’s waitlist, secured refundable flights, and booked a guided 48-hour package. When a second-season shoot window opened in January 2026, the operator had insider access to a closed viewpoint and permitted a small fan photography session on one morning. The result: an immediate viral photo set that drove local tourism bookings for that operator—proof that being prepared pays off.

“In 2026, studios will increasingly partner with vetted local operators to manage fan access and protect fragile locations.” — Industry trend report, late 2025

Ethics, safety, and authenticity — how to pilgrimage responsibly

Star Wars pilgrimage is fun, but 2026 expectations focus on sustainability and local benefit.

Leave no trace: Stick to paths and respect closures—many sites are ecologically sensitive.
Support locals: Use staffed tours, eat locally, and consider a small donation to conservation funds when visiting protected sites.
Obey production rules: Never approach active shoots; production teams enforce strict safety and legal boundaries.

Advanced strategies for serious fan travelers

If you want to level up beyond weekend pilgrimages, try these 2026-savvy tactics:

Join location scout newsletters: Some veteran location scouts now run subscription lists sharing non-confidential scouting tips and expected regions—useful for early planning.
Book with film-tour consortia: Emerging in 2026, these groups guarantee access to vetted guides and coordinate with film offices for permitted fan experiences.
Create a local fan meetup: Coordinate with tour operators to buy out small windows for exclusive group shoots; operators get revenue and you get curated access.

Whether the Filoni-era slate wins over critics or not, the shift in Lucasfilm leadership is already reshaping where and how Star Wars will be filmed. For fans, that means opportunity: film locations will be cinematic pilgrimage hotspots in 2026. Use this guide to anticipate likely shooting regions—Tunisia, Ireland, Canary Islands, Jordan, Iceland, and the UK—plan short weekend escapes, and book with local experts who understand film-season logistics.

Actionable checklist before you go

Sign up for local film office alerts in your target country.
Book refundable flights and flexible hotels.
Reserve guided tours in advance—island and desert operators sell out quickly in 2026.
Pack responsibly: sun/wind layers for deserts, crampons for Iceland, rainproof gear for Ireland.
Plan a 30-second social edit that tells a location story—use the shot list above.

Call to action

Ready to turn Filoni-era rumors into your next viral weekend? Share your planned pilgrimage route with us at Viral.Voyage—tag @viral.voyage and use #StarWarsTourism. Want an instant pack-and-plan checklist tailored to your target region? Sign up for our 2026 Fan Pilgrimage Pack: a printable itinerary, gear list, and a vetted list of local operators for each likely Filoni filming location. Travel smart, travel responsibly, and may your next weekend be cinematic.

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Senior editor and content strategist. Writing about technology, design, and the future of digital media. Follow along for deep dives into the industry's moving parts.

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