Introduction
The 1988 hit movie Willow has been a beloved favorite of many for decades. Directed by Ron Howard and starring Val Kilmer and Joanne Whalley, the fantasy film follows the adventures of a young farmer who must save a baby princess from an evil queen. The movie was praised for its special effects and stunning visuals, giving us a glimpse into a magical world filled with adventure and danger. But where was this captivating world filmed? In this article, we’ll explore the filming locations of the movie Willow.
A Look at the Filming Locations of the Hit Movie Willow
The movie Willow was filmed in two different countries: New Zealand and the United Kingdom. In New Zealand, scenes were shot in Matamata, a small town located in the Waikato region of the North Island. Matamata is well known for its rolling hills and lush green landscape, making it the perfect backdrop for the movie’s fantastical setting.
In the United Kingdom, scenes were filmed at Shepperton Studios in Surrey and Bourne Wood in Hampshire. Shepperton Studios is one of the UK’s most iconic film studios, and has hosted some of the biggest movies of all time, including Gladiator and The Dark Knight Rises. Meanwhile, Bourne Wood is a popular filming location, having been used in films such as War Horse and Wonder Woman.
Exploring the Magic of the Sets of Willow
One of the most memorable sets in the movie Willow is the Valley of Avoooori, which is where the main characters first encounter the wicked witch Bavmorda. The set was built on a farm near Matamata, and the production crew had to battle strong winds and heavy rain while trying to bring the scene to life.
The Palace of Bavmorda was another key set in the movie, and it was constructed at Shepperton Studios. The set was designed to be a menacing yet grandiose castle, with towering walls and imposing spires. The Fortress of Nockmaar was also created at Shepperton Studios, and it was made to look like an ancient ruin, with crumbling walls and broken arches.
Behind the Scenes: Visiting the Sites Where Willow Was Filmed
In addition to the sets built at Shepperton Studios and the Valley of Avoooori, the movie Willow also featured several real-life locations. One of these is the Land of Galladoorn, which was filmed at the Kaimai-Mamaku Forest Park in Waikato. This forest park is home to native New Zealand trees, ferns and shrubs, and its lush foliage provided the perfect backdrop for the magical land of Galladoorn.
The Tower of the Deftmenne was filmed at the old Anglican Church in Matamata, while the Forest of Airlee was filmed at the nearby Putaruru State Forest. Both of these locations are still open to the public, allowing fans of the movie to visit the sites and experience the magic firsthand.
Touring the Iconic Filming Locations of Willow
The movie Willow also featured several iconic scenes that were filmed at various locations around the world. The Castle of Kael was filmed at Castle Hill in Canterbury, New Zealand, while the Battle of Tir Asleen was filmed at a disused quarry in the same area. The Village of Nockmaar was filmed at a studio backlot in England, and the River Rhoop was filmed at the River Thames in London.
A Guide to the Real-Life Settings of Willow
The movie Willow was filmed at several real-life locations around the world. In New Zealand, scenes were shot in Matamata, a small town located in the Waikato region. Here, fans can visit the Valley of Avoooori, the Land of Galladoorn, the Tower of the Deftmenne and the Forest of Airlee.
In the United Kingdom, scenes were filmed at Shepperton Studios in Surrey and Bourne Wood in Hampshire. Here, visitors can explore the Palace of Bavmorda and the Fortress of Nockmaar. Other filming locations include Castle Hill in Canterbury, New Zealand; a disused quarry in Canterbury; a studio backlot in England; and the River Thames in London.
Revisiting the Film Locations of the Classic Movie Willow
The movie Willow provided viewers with a unique glimpse into a fantastical world filled with adventure and danger. Now, fans of the movie can visit the real-life locations where the movie was filmed and experience the magic for themselves. Whether you decide to explore the Valley of Avoooori in Matamata or take a tour of the Palace of Bavmorda at Shepperton Studios, you’ll be sure to find yourself immersed in the magical world of Willow.
From the Shire in New Zealand to the Caves of Belhaim in the UK, there are plenty of iconic filming locations for fans of the movie Willow to explore. So why not take a trip down memory lane and revisit the classic movie today?
Conclusion
The movie Willow is a timeless classic, and its stunning visuals have captivated audiences for decades. Through this article, we’ve explored the filming locations of the movie, from New Zealand to the United Kingdom. Fans of the movie can now visit these locations and experience the magic of Willow firsthand.
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