Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar is one of the most visually stunning science fiction films of the 21st century. It takes viewers on a journey through space and time, exploring distant planets and black holes. But while the story takes place in distant galaxies, the filming locations were very much grounded on Earth. From the icy plains of Iceland to dusty fields in Canada, Interstellar used real-world landscapes to bring its science fiction story to life.
In this article, we’ll take a close look at where Interstellar was filmed. We’ll explore each major location, how it was used in the movie, and why the filmmakers chose these specific places. Whether you’re a fan of the movie or simply curious about movie production, this guide will show you how Earth became the backdrop for one of Hollywood’s most ambitious space adventures.
A Filmmaker’s Vision for Realism
Christopher Nolan is known for preferring real locations over computer-generated imagery (CGI) whenever possible. He believes that using real places helps actors perform better and makes scenes feel more natural. For Interstellar, he wanted the film to look and feel as realistic as possible, even when portraying alien worlds.
That’s why many scenes that look like they were filmed in outer space or on distant planets were actually shot in remote locations on Earth. The production team traveled to several countries to capture these incredible landscapes.
Filming in Iceland: The Alien Worlds of Miller’s and Mann’s Planets
Iceland’s Role in the Movie
One of the most important filming locations for Interstellar was Iceland. The country’s raw, untouched landscapes were used to represent two of the alien planets visited by the characters in the film: Miller’s planet and Mann’s planet.
Iceland’s extreme natural features—glaciers, volcanic rocks, and frozen lakes—made it the perfect stand-in for distant worlds.
Svínafellsjökull Glacier: Mann’s Planet
Svínafellsjökull is a glacier located in southeast Iceland. It was used for scenes set on Mann’s planet, which appears in the second half of the movie. This planet is cold, icy, and dangerous, much like the real glacier.
The crew filmed here for several weeks, often working in harsh conditions. Temperatures were low, and the terrain was difficult to move through. But the effort was worth it. The result is a planet that feels both alien and believable.
The glacier had been used in other films, too, including Batman Begins (also directed by Nolan) and parts of Game of Thrones. But in Interstellar, it takes center stage, forming the setting for some of the movie’s most intense scenes.
Máfabót and Hjörleifshöfði: Miller’s Planet
Miller’s planet is the first alien world the astronauts visit. It is a water-covered planet with giant tidal waves. For this location, the filmmakers used areas near Máfabót and Hjörleifshöfði, also in southern Iceland.
The wide, flat terrain of this area made it a good match for a watery world. Although the ocean scenes were enhanced with CGI, the shallow water and black sands of the region helped create the base for the planet’s look.
Christopher Nolan had large sets built in the shallow waters. These sets were flooded during filming to mimic the look of an endless ocean. The crew had to be cautious—water and equipment don’t always mix well, especially in cold conditions.
Alberta, Canada: Cooper’s Farm
Fort Macleod and Lethbridge Area
Back on Earth, Interstellar starts with life on a struggling farm in a world plagued by dust storms and failing crops. These scenes were filmed in Alberta, Canada, mostly near the towns of Fort Macleod and Lethbridge.
The production crew built a full-scale farmhouse and cornfield from scratch in the middle of the Canadian prairies. The flat, open land helped sell the idea of a near-future Earth suffering from climate collapse. The large sky and endless fields gave the scenes a sense of isolation and vulnerability.
Interestingly, the crew actually planted 500 acres of corn just for the film. That corn was later harvested and sold, helping to offset production costs. Nolan had done something similar for Man of Steel, where cornfields were also important to the story.
Practical Effects and Dust Storms
One of the most memorable parts of these farm scenes is the dust storms. While some of the effects were added digitally, the crew also used large fans and practical materials—like sawdust and cellulose—to create real clouds of dust during filming. This added a layer of realism that helped immerse audiences in the world.
Los Angeles, California: Sound Stages and Interior Scenes
While much of Interstellar was filmed on location, some scenes were shot on sound stages in Los Angeles. These included interior shots of spacecraft, space stations, and control rooms.
Warner Bros. Studios and West Hollywood Locations
The production used stages at Warner Bros. Studios and other Hollywood facilities. Sets such as the inside of the Endurance spacecraft and the NASA control center were built from scratch. This gave the team full control over lighting, movement, and special effects.
The interior of the Endurance was designed with rotating parts, allowing actors to walk along walls and ceilings—just like they would in zero gravity. These practical sets helped the actors interact more naturally with their environment.
The Science Behind the Settings
Real Physics, Real Landscapes
Physicist Kip Thorne, who served as the movie’s scientific advisor, played a big role in helping Nolan choose locations that matched the scientific vision of the story. Each planet visited in the movie had to match certain scientific rules—such as time dilation, gravity differences, and extreme weather.
Iceland’s locations were picked not just for their beauty, but also because they could realistically represent places shaped by alien gravity and climate. The cold, rocky surfaces and open terrain gave audiences a sense of unfamiliarity—yet everything felt grounded in reality.
Creating Gargantua: Not a Real Location, But Based on Real Science
While not a physical location, it’s worth mentioning Gargantua, the black hole featured in the film. This visual masterpiece was created using advanced CGI, but it was based on real scientific equations provided by Kip Thorne.
The image of Gargantua was so accurate that it led to academic papers about black hole imagery. It’s a rare case where a Hollywood visual effect contributed to actual scientific research.
Small Towns and Local Support
Working with Local Communities
Filming in remote places often means working closely with local communities. In Iceland and Alberta, the production relied on the help of local workers, guides, and contractors. Hotels, restaurants, and other businesses saw a boost during filming.
In Iceland, the crew took steps to protect the environment. All filming was done under strict rules to avoid damaging the fragile landscape. In Canada, after filming wrapped, the farmhouse was taken down and the land was returned to its original state.
This kind of responsible filmmaking has become a Nolan trademark. He often chooses locations where the movie can benefit the local area—and where the team can work without leaving a long-term impact.
A Journey Across Planets—and Across Earth
Interstellar may be a story about space travel, but it was filmed entirely on Earth. From frozen glaciers to dusty plains, real landscapes helped shape the movie’s unique visual style. By choosing practical locations over green screens, Christopher Nolan gave the film a sense of authenticity that audiences could feel.
Each filming location played a special role in telling the story:
- Iceland provided alien landscapes that felt otherworldly yet real.
- Canada brought a grounded, emotional setting to Earth scenes.
- Los Angeles allowed the creation of high-tech interiors and zero-gravity illusions.
Together, these places helped turn Interstellar into a visually powerful experience—one that feels both cosmic and deeply human.
Final Thoughts
The filming locations of Interstellar show how real-world places can bring science fiction stories to life. Instead of relying entirely on computer graphics, the filmmakers found beauty and strangeness in the natural world. This choice made the movie feel more believable and gave the audience a stronger connection to the story.
Whether it’s the icy surface of a glacier in Iceland or a lonely farmhouse in Canada, each setting in Interstellar was chosen with care. These locations remind us that even the most imaginative stories begin with real places—and real people—on our own planet.
If you’re a fan of the movie, visiting these locations can feel like stepping into another world. And that’s exactly what great filmmaking does—it transforms the ordinary into something extraordinary.
