Elstree Studios has announced the reopening of Stages 7, 8 and 9 at its 13-acre site in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire.
Following renovation work, the three sound stages, home to beloved film and TV titles such as The Crown, The Shining and Star Wars, are opening for the first time since 2022.
Each of the three, which form a combined studio space of more than 20,000 square feet, have housed some of Elstree’s most iconic productions.
Over its 60-year history, Stage 7 has seen movies such as Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark and Superman IV filmed there.
Jabba the Hutt’s famous throne room scene from Star Wars: Return of the Jedi was filmed on Stage 8, along with films such as Flash Gordon and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.
Meanwhile, Stage 9 is where Jack Nicholson’s famous door axing scene in The Shining was filmed, as well as titles including Star Wars: A New Hope, Labyrinth and The Great Muppet Caper.
The stages were officially reopened last week with EastEnders veteran Rudolph Walker, who has filmed numerous productions at Elstree during his 60-year acting career, cutting the ceremonial ribbon.
Speaking at the industry event, Samantha Perahia, head of production UK at the British Film Commission, said: “The reopening of Stages 7, 8 and 9 here at Elstree Studios and the additional stage space capacity it creates not only allows the region to build on its already established and impressive reputation amongst the international clients, but it also provides a considerable boost to the combined efforts of the British Film Commission and our public and commercial partners in marketing the region, and the UK more widely, globally as a leading destination for film and television production.”
Rebecca Hawkes, head of studios at Elstree, added: “These stages have hosted some of the most famous creations in film and TV history and the reopening sets the scene for this legacy to continue.”
