In May, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opened at Disneyland in California. It’s set to open in August at Walt Disney World in Florida. The setting for this new theme park land is Black Spire Outpost on the fictional planet of Batuu. We sat down with some of the creators and designers of Batuu and discussed what went into the place-making of this new planet.
Scott Trowbridge, Portfolio Creative Executive and Studio Leader for Walt Disney Imagineering, stated that one of the first decisions made when tasked with building Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge was the creation of an entirely new, never-before-seen planet. Guests now have the unique opportunity to become a character and part of the story.
Walt Disney Imagineering collaborated with Lucasfilm Ltd. to fabricate a planet that feels like it has always existed within the Star Wars saga. Doug Chiang, Vice President and Executive Creative Director of Lucasfilm Ltd., elaborated on the creation of this new world, which drew inspiration from Istanbul, Marrakesh, and Arizona.
Designing a Real Place
Q: What’s it like to design a real place that’s not a movie set?
Chiang: One of the great challenges and joys we faced was designing and building a real location. Unlike movie sets, which are fabricated, the experience here is from your perspective. Therefore, the challenge is to create a space that feels immersive and authentic.
We focused on establishing a new identity that blends seamlessly into the Star Wars universe, which remains vital. Since my time working with George [Lucas] in 1995, I have learned that designing for Star Wars involves understanding a distinct visual vocabulary shaped by the original concept designer, Ralph McQuarrie.
Research and Location
Much of our design effort stems from comprehensive research. We conducted location scouting to determine what this place should embody—its richness, layers of history, and visual representation. Our explorations took us to the Middle East, specifically Istanbul, to draw from its iconic elements.
Insights for the market scene on Batuu were inspired by real-life marketplaces in Marrakesh and Istanbul, alongside iconic structures like the Hagia Sophia. By immersing ourselves in these locations, we absorbed sensory details crucial for authentic design—considering the smells, textures, and ambiance.
The Importance of Story in Design
Q: So there is a story in the physical spaces and places themselves?
Chiang: Absolutely, our research informs the strong history of the design, grounding it even if the audience may not initially recognize those details. The design reflects countless layers of thought and creativity, allowing guests to discover layers themselves by observing the intricate details.
Beginning the Design Process
Q: Where do you begin to design? How do you take those ideas and start?
Chiang: One delightful aspect of designing Star Wars has been anchoring locations in real counterparts. The design process involves blending 80-90% of realism with 10-15% of the fantastical elements that define the Star Wars universe. Historical references such as old romantic paintings helped us capture the mystery of these places.
George [Lucas] perceived Star Wars not merely as science fiction or fantasy, but as an epic historical drama. Consequently, our design philosophy revolves around creating an immersive experience that feels both familiar and otherworldly. Our research led to a distinct visual identity that reflects Batuu’s unique geological characteristics, drawing inspiration from Arizona’s Petrified Forest.
To solidify our ideas, we developed thumbnail sketches and reference materials, translating our concepts into tangible forms. This meticulous approach ensures that each design element resonates with authenticity.
Conclusion
At more than 14 acres, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge stands as the largest single-themed land in Disney Parks’ history. “Our goal was to create a place so authentic—so real—that when our guests step inside, they feel like they’re in the movie,” asserts Chris Beatty, Executive Creative Director for Walt Disney Imagineering. Together, Walt Disney Imagineering and Lucasfilm have crafted an extraordinary destination that promises to astonish visitors in a way they’ve never experienced before.
