Star Wars Day may have just passed, but I’m still thinking about one of my favorite real-life stories from that galaxy far, far away.
A Lost Galaxy (Almost) Far, Far Gone
Back in the late ‘90s, George Lucas wanted to return to the original Star Wars filming locations in Tunisia to shoot The Phantom Menace.
There was one problem.
Lucasfilm hadn’t kept any records of where those desert sets were. No saved maps. Just old photos and vague memories.
That’s when David West Reynolds stepped in—a real-life archaeologist and massive Star Wars fan. Using on-the-ground research, sheer nerd determination, and images from old Star Wars trading cards, he ventured out into the Tunisian desert. What he found was incredible.
He located the building used for the Mos Eisley Cantina. He found the sunken courtyard that served as Luke’s home—which, fun fact, is actually a real underground hotel. And he pinpointed the exact ridge from that iconic scene where Luke stares out at the twin suns.
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He even unearthed fiberglass bones of an alien dragon buried in a sand dune!
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It was like something out of Indiana Jones, only this time the lost relics were sci-fi sets instead of ancient temples.
Because of Reynolds’ adventure, Lucas was able to return to the original locations and bring Star Wars full circle in Episode I.
Fun fact: I saw Revenge of the Sith in theaters back when I was in college—and now it’s being re-released for its 20th anniversary. For reference, the gap between for Return of the Jedi and The Phantom Menace was only 16 years. If you, like me, saw Sith on the big screen way back when… let that time gap sink in—and try not to feel old.
Have a favorite Star Wars memory or interesting behind-the-scenes fact? Please share in the comments below.