Season 4 of Stranger Things transported viewers beyond the familiar streets of Hawkins, Indiana, introducing new characters, terrifying villains, and, of course, entirely new locales. The primary filming locations for this epic season were Lithuania, showcasing the chilling Russian prison scenes, and the state of Georgia, USA, which stood in for various settings including Hawkins itself, Lenora Hills, California, and key interior shots.
A World Expanded: The Geographical Canvas of Season 4
Season 4 marked a significant expansion in the Stranger Things universe, both narratively and geographically. The fragmented storyline, following different groups of characters across continents, demanded diverse and believable settings. This section will explore the key filming locations that brought the season to life, focusing on the specific scenes and settings they portrayed.
From Georgia, With Love (and Monsters)
Georgia remains the heart of Stranger Things production, providing versatile landscapes and established infrastructure. Many of the recognizable locations from previous seasons, reimagined for Season 4, are located within the state.
- Hawkins, Indiana: Several locations in Stockbridge, Georgia, continued to serve as the backdrop for Hawkins, including residential streets and familiar exterior shots. The now-iconic Hawkins High School is actually Patrick Henry High School in Stockbridge. Though subtly changed, the familiar aesthetic remains.
- Lenora Hills, California: The sunny and relaxed atmosphere of Lenora Hills, where Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) and the Byers family relocate, was primarily filmed in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Specific scenes, like the Rink-O-Mania roller rink and the Byers’ new house, were created and modified in New Mexico to capture the distinctly Californian vibe.
- Interior Sets and Studios: Piney Wood Studios in Fayetteville, Georgia, hosted the construction of elaborate sets, including the Creel House attic, the Hawkins laboratory flashback sequences, and numerous interior spaces.
The Cold Reality of Lithuania
The harsh and unforgiving landscapes of Lithuania provided the perfect setting for the Russian prison where Hopper (David Harbour) is held captive. The stark, brutalist architecture and the desolate surroundings perfectly conveyed the isolation and despair of Hopper’s situation.
- Lukiškės Prison: This former prison in Vilnius, Lithuania, served as the primary filming location for the Russian prison scenes. Its imposing walls, cold interiors, and historical significance added a layer of authenticity and gravitas to Hopper’s storyline. The prison has since been repurposed as a cultural hub, offering tours and events.
Decoding the Details: Frequently Asked Questions
To further clarify the specifics of the Stranger Things Season 4 filming locations, here are twelve frequently asked questions answered with detailed explanations.
FAQ #1: Was the Creel House a real location or built specifically for the show?
The Creel House itself is a combination of both. The exterior is a real house located in Rome, Georgia, while the eerie interiors were constructed on soundstages at Piney Wood Studios. This allowed the production team to control the lighting, camera angles, and special effects to create the chilling atmosphere associated with the house.
FAQ #2: Where was the Surfer Boy Pizza restaurant filmed?
Surfer Boy Pizza, the iconic pizzeria where Argyle (Eduardo Franco) works, was a purpose-built set located in Albuquerque, New Mexico. While it looked like a functioning restaurant during filming, it was dismantled after production wrapped.
FAQ #3: Did the actors actually film in Russia, or was it all Lithuania?
While the storyline takes place in Russia, the primary filming for the prison scenes took place in Lithuania, specifically at Lukiškės Prison. It’s highly likely that some establishing shots of snowy landscapes were filmed in Russia, but the core scenes with the actors were filmed in the more accessible Lithuanian location.
FAQ #4: Is the Hawkins General Hospital a real hospital?
No, the Hawkins General Hospital featured in Season 4, particularly during the Vecna/Henry Creel backstory, was a set constructed at EUE Screen Gems Studios in Atlanta, Georgia.
FAQ #5: How did they make Hawkins look different from previous seasons?
While the same general locations were used, the production design team made subtle changes to differentiate Hawkins in Season 4. They updated the sets, added new businesses, and altered the color palette to reflect the evolving atmosphere of the town and the darker tone of the season.
FAQ #6: Was the basketball court where Chrissy Cunningham (Grace Van Dien) meets Eddie Munson (Joseph Quinn) a real court?
Yes, the basketball court is a real location at Patrick Henry High School in Stockbridge, Georgia, the same location used for Hawkins High School.
FAQ #7: Did Millie Bobby Brown film any scenes in Lithuania?
While the details are not publicly confirmed, it is highly unlikely that Millie Bobby Brown filmed scenes in Lithuania. Her storyline primarily focused on her time in Lenora Hills, California, and later in Hawkins. The distance between her location and the Russian prison made filming simultaneously impractical.
FAQ #8: How did they create the visual effects for the Upside Down in Season 4?
The Upside Down is a blend of practical effects and CGI. For Season 4, the production team placed even greater emphasis on practical effects, building physical sets and using prosthetics and makeup to enhance the realism of the creatures and environments. CGI was then used to add further layers of detail and create the truly terrifying Upside Down we see on screen.
FAQ #9: Were there any specific challenges filming in Lithuania due to the language barrier?
The production team likely encountered some challenges with the language barrier while filming in Lithuania. However, they would have employed translators and local crew members to facilitate communication and ensure smooth operations. This is a standard practice for international film shoots.
FAQ #10: Will the same filming locations be used in Season 5?
Given that Season 5 is confirmed to be the final season and will likely see the characters converging back in Hawkins, it’s highly probable that many of the familiar locations in Georgia will be reused. Whether Lithuania will feature again depends on the specifics of Hopper’s storyline.
FAQ #11: Can fans visit any of the Stranger Things filming locations?
Yes, fans can visit several Stranger Things filming locations. Patrick Henry High School (Hawkins High School), various locations in Stockbridge, Georgia (Hawkins street scenes), and the exterior of the Creel House in Rome, Georgia, are all publicly accessible. Lukiškės Prison in Vilnius, Lithuania, is also open to the public for tours. However, access to interior sets and soundstages is generally restricted.
FAQ #12: How much does location filming contribute to the overall success of Stranger Things?
Location filming is crucial to the success of Stranger Things. The authentic settings enhance the immersive experience for the viewers, making the show more believable and engaging. The diverse locations in Season 4, from the sunny streets of Lenora Hills to the chilling prison in Lithuania, significantly contributed to the season’s narrative depth and visual appeal. The careful selection and skillful utilization of these locations demonstrate the production team’s commitment to creating a world that is both fantastical and grounded in reality.