A disused quarry in coastal Dorset is being transformed into a film set for a new Star Wars series.
Winspit Quarry, based near Worth Matravers in East Dorset, is currently closed until Friday, May 21 to allow filming to take place on the new Disney+ series.
The production was under some secrecy, with even residents and the parish council unaware of what was being filmed at the Quarry.
This is what we know so far about the new filming at Winspit Quarry.
What is Winspit Quarry and where is it?
The quarry is based on the cliffs near Worth Matravers on the Dorset coast and was formerly used as a stone quarry until 1940.
During World War II, it was used as a military defence site. The quarry and its caves were reopened to the public after the war.
The derelict Winspit Quarry has been used as a filming location over the years, including for classic Doctor Who and Blake 7 TV series. It was also featured as a scene location for the ‘Orkney Dig’ in the 2012 Disney film John Carter.
It is open throughout the year for tourists and residents to visit and boasts of a scenic walk with stunning views of the Dorset countryside and coast.
What is the filming for?
The filming is for Andor, a 12-episode Star Wars series which takes place before the events of Rogue One and focus on the early formation of the Rebellion.
Diego Luna will reprise his role as Cassian Andor, with Stellan Skarsgård, Adria Arjona, Fiona Shaw, Denise Gough and Kyle Soller also to appear in unconfirmed roles.
Andor is being filmed around the country and filming recently concluded in Cleveleys, Lancashire.
It had been speculated that it could also be filming for the Obi Wan series, but production for that series will only take place in USA.
It is believed at least one scene will be filmed at the site with dozens of crew members at the scene.
When is filming taking place?
It is believed that the filming will take place over the week starting Monday, May 10.
It is not currently known which actors or characters will be at the location, nor what planet the quarry could double for.
What could the scene(s) be?
Amidst the excitement about Star Wars filming in the area, there has been some speculation among fans about what could possibly be filmed there, or what Winspit Quarry could double as.
What information fans have to go off is small, with particular focus on the props currently at the scene. Examining the photos of the props, it does appear that they are electronic equipment or random parts.
Others suggested it reminds them of Jyn’s bunker in Rogue One or could simply be a temporary shelter.
Can I visit the set? Or can I watch?
You are more than welcome to watch the filming, albeit from a safe distance away.
Visitors to the quarry must park at Worth Matravers car park and follow the signs for a footpath that leads directly to the site.
There is a footpath that surrounds Winspit Quarry and you can look downwards into the derelict site. However, it is quite high and unfenced so don't stand too close to the edge.
If you do visit, please follow social distancing measures and be aware of others.
There are also security guards around the site ensuring people do not enter the quarry or disrupt the filming.
When is Andor coming out?
There is currently no release date for Andor, but it is likely to be released during 2022.
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