When you noticed Denis Villeneuve’s Dune films, then you could assume the fictional planet of Arrakis seems a bit acquainted. That’s as a result of it’s really a preferred filming location within the nation of Jordan. The Dune films are simply a few of the many films filmed within the nation, typically in Wadi Rum.
This isn’t a sponsored submit. Nevertheless, some hyperlinks on this submit could also be associates and by utilizing them, Kirsten Alana could make a small fee.
What number of do you assume you already know about already? Earlier than I get into the listing of flicks, right here’s extra concerning the location:
What’s Wadi Rum?
Wadi Rum is a 183,352 acre [74,000-hectare] protected space and nature protect within the nation of Jordan. I’ve heard it referred to as the “Valley of the Moon.” Some say it doesn’t have the drama of Petra, in Wadi Musa. Nevertheless, its nonetheless dramatic rock formations of sandstone and granite and its wide-open sandy plains have made it an iconic filming location. And one in all my favourite locations to be after I go to Jordan.
The place is Wadi Rum?
It’s within the Southern area of Jordan; not removed from the border of Saudi Arabia and the highest of the Gulf of Aqaba which ends up in the Purple Sea. By automotive driving from Amman, it may take you anyplace between 4 and 5.5 hours to get there.
What films filmed in Wadi Rum?
Dune (2021)
Arrakis is described in Frank Herbert’s e-book as “an inhospitable and sparsely populated desert wasteland.” Wadi Rum, in distinction, is estimated to have been dwelling to human beings with proof of tradition and language for so long as 12,000 years.
Just like the planet the place a lot of Dune takes place, Wadi Rum is greater than what’s seen at floor stage. There’s a drama and a ardour, that’s supreme as a backdrop for tales of the wrestle to outlive and thrive. Oftentimes, towards all odds.
In keeping with Looper and their article concerning the making of the film:
Manufacturing Designer Patrice Vermette advised The New York Instances, “There’s this factor that hits you — you’re humbled by the magnitude. It was a spiritually superb expertise simply to be there.” Including on to that, star Jason Momoa advised Go to Jordan, “Going to Jordan was a monumental second in my life. I’ve by no means seen a desert like that. I’m a rock climber, I’ve by no means seen rocks like that.”
nonetheless of characters Paul Atreides and Girl Jessica on Arrakis within the film ‘Dune’, © Warner Bros. Photos and Legendary Photos
Dune: Half Two (2024)
Because the second installment of Dune franchise returned to Arrakis, it needed to return to Jordan. It was places like Al Siq that have been chosen to be the situation for scenes that featured canyons. I think about it was principally for these representing the house of the Fremen, since they’re identified to stay in unimaginable rock formations. Al Siq, not in contrast to Wadi Rum, has these in abundance. As a reminder, Wadi Rum is a UNESCO World Heritage web site, also referred to as the Valley of the Moon. I extremely suggest a go to, as to today it’s one of the unimaginable locations I’ve ever been.
I additionally suggest visiting Petra, which additionally has beautiful rock formations. It’s the place one other unimaginable film, Indiana Jones and the Final Campaign, was filmed. You would possibly acknowledge this iconic spot:
The Martian (2015)
When you’ve been, you could assume this is among the most evident filming places in cinema historical past. It’s a character in and of itself. Matt Damon’s performing within the movie is great however Wadi Rum simply is Mars! Or what we imagine Mars should appear to be because it’s been referred to as “Mars on Earth.” As a filming location, it fully transports you into the story.
I’ve learn that Matt Damon was on location for under 8 days in Wadi Rum in 2014. The crew should have been very environment friendly! Jordan’s Royal Vehicle Museum, in Amman, now reveals one of many rovers used throughout filming.
Prometheus (2012)
Director Ridley Scott’s sci-fi drama took 4 years to supply and had a price range of over $120 million. Wadi Rum’s iconic landscapes are a major character within the movie though it makes use of greater than 1000 CGI pictures. Scott was as soon as quoted as saying that inexperienced screens have been solely used 6 instances throughout filming. Nevertheless, his shade grading of the movie considerably adjustments the looks of Wadi Rum in order that it differs dramatically from the feel and appear it has in different films on this listing.
Transformers – Revenge of the Fallen (2009)
When the movie’s storyline would have you ever imagine you’re seeing Egypt, you’re really taking a look at Wadi Rum. Extra filming in Jordan happened at Petra and Al Salt.
Rogue One: Star Wars (2016)
Within the case of this movie, Wadi Rum is the set for the desert moon of Jedha the place there’s a walled metropolis on a hill. It’s not as apparent that it’s Wadi Rum and so it’s simpler to overlook than in say, The Martian.
Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker (2019)
The second Star Wars film to be filmed in Wadi Rum can also be the one by which Jordan is de facto the one notable location exterior that of the particular studios for the film. Manufacturing really needed to be rushed and cut-out figures have been used in the long run as stand-in objects to get replaced later in post-production.
Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
When you’ve sat by means of this whole film greater than as soon as in your lifetime, you deserve a medal. Its places typically steal a present that may in any other case be gradual and plodding. And which has been extensively criticized for its portrayal of Arabic folks. Peter O’Toole portrays British Lieutenant T.E. Lawrence in a non-factual story about occasions that happened throughout World Struggle I. Wadi Rum is used to depict places starting from Syria to Sinai which have been supplemented by filming in Morocco, and later Spain.
Earlier than The Martian, Lawrence of Arabia was one of the well-known films to ever be filmed in Wadi Rum. At Petra, you will discover merchandise selling the film on the market along with some for Indiana Jones; which was filmed there, not in Wadi Rum as is usually claimed in different guides or weblog posts.
Honorable mentions
Aladdin (2019), The Final Days on Mars (2013), Purple Planet (2000), Mission to Mars (2000), and Ardour within the Desert (2014)
Did I miss any? Are you aware of extra films filmed in Wadi Rum?
Are you able to go to Wadi Rum?
Sure, you may! It’s a year-round vacation spot. I visited in October. And it wasn’t too scorching or too chilly. I used to be very comfy in a protracted sleeve shirt and pants from REI. I’ve learn that visiting in Spring lets you see the desert come alive with crops, wildflowers, and child goats which belong to the native Bedouin herds.
The best way to Go to Wadi Rum
I had the privilege of visiting Wadi Rum throughout my Jordan extension after a tour by means of Egypt with Abercrombie & Kent USA. Our fast go to included tea with a Bedouin household and time spent climbing a few of the dunes and rock formations. It was the power to get to know the Bedouin households, that I loved most.
We additionally considered a few of the 20,000 + petroglyphs and inscriptions, principally Thamudic, that may be discovered on the rocks. They’re a part of why Wadi Rum is a protected UNESCO World Heritage web site, ‘essential for the research and understanding of the evolution of aesthetics, writing, and literacy’ the place greater than 150 archaeological websites have been found.
If I went again, I’d need to keep in a single day in one in all 7 luxurious camps. For extra on how one can plan your go to, take a look at kimmim.com’s Final Information to Wadi Rum.
Featured picture at prime of the article, by Juli Kosolapova on Unsplash
