The iconic, albeit ill-fated, Starcourt Mall, the setting for much of Stranger Things Season 3, wasn’t a wholly fictional construct. While the show’s creators, the Duffer Brothers, used a combination of practical locations and studio sets to bring this 1985 masterpiece (and its ultimate demise) to life, the primary filming location for the exterior and many interior shots was the now-defunct Gwinnett Place Mall in Duluth, Georgia.
Starcourt’s Rise and Fall: A Location Reborn
The production team extensively renovated and retrofitted Gwinnett Place Mall, transforming it into the vibrant hub of 1985 Hawkins, Indiana. The mall, which had experienced a decline in recent years, was given a new lease on life as the centerpiece of the season’s narrative. However, the transformation wasn’t merely cosmetic. It involved significant structural changes and the addition of period-accurate details to fully immerse viewers in the era. The use of Gwinnett Place Mall offered a tangible foundation for the fantastical events unfolding within Stranger Things, lending an air of authenticity to the series.
The Duffer Brothers’ Vision and the Power of Location
The Duffer Brothers understood the importance of a compelling location to ground the supernatural events of Stranger Things. Selecting Gwinnett Place Mall provided a large, blank canvas to build their vision of 1980s consumerism and community. The mall’s architecture, combined with the production design team’s dedication to detail, created a believable and captivating setting that played a crucial role in the season’s success. It highlighted the contrast between the idyllic, everyday life of Hawkins and the lurking horrors beneath the surface.
Exploring the Filming Locations
Beyond Gwinnett Place Mall, other locations in and around Atlanta, Georgia, contributed to the Starcourt Mall experience. Some interior shots and specific store recreations were filmed on sound stages, allowing the production team greater control over the environment. The integration of both real-world locations and studio sets showcases the meticulous planning and creative problem-solving involved in bringing Stranger Things to life.
Beyond Gwinnett Place: Additional Filming Spots
While Gwinnett Place Mall was the primary location, it’s important to acknowledge the contribution of other sites. For instance, some scenes requiring specialized environments, such as the underground Russian laboratory beneath Starcourt, were undoubtedly filmed on sound stages built specifically for the show. This blend of real and constructed environments contributed to the overall realism and immersive quality of Stranger Things.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Starcourt
Here are some frequently asked questions about the filming locations and design of Starcourt Mall in Stranger Things Season 3:
FAQ 1: Is Gwinnett Place Mall still standing?
Yes, Gwinnett Place Mall is still standing, although it is largely vacant and has been the subject of redevelopment discussions. After the filming of Stranger Things, the sets were dismantled, and the mall has largely returned to its pre-renovation state.
FAQ 2: Can I visit Gwinnett Place Mall and see the Starcourt sets?
Unfortunately, no. The sets constructed for Stranger Things were temporary and were removed after filming wrapped. The mall is open to the public, but it doesn’t resemble the Starcourt Mall as seen on screen.
FAQ 3: Which stores were actually present in the real Gwinnett Place Mall in 1985?
While Stranger Things recreated iconic stores like Gap, Waldenbooks, and Radio Shack, many of the specific store names and layouts were fictionalized or heavily modified for the show. Researching historical photos of Gwinnett Place Mall from the 1980s reveals a different tenant mix than what was depicted in Starcourt.
FAQ 4: How did the production team recreate the 1980s aesthetic so convincingly?
The production design team dedicated significant resources to researching and recreating the visual details of the 1980s. This included sourcing period-accurate props, clothing, signage, and architectural details. They also used color palettes and filming techniques that were characteristic of the era.
FAQ 5: Were any CGI effects used to create Starcourt Mall?
Yes, CGI was used to enhance the visual realism of Starcourt Mall. This included expanding the scope of the mall, adding details that couldn’t be practically achieved, and creating the digital effects associated with the supernatural elements of the story.
FAQ 6: How did the filming impact the local community in Duluth, Georgia?
The filming of Stranger Things provided a temporary economic boost to the Duluth, Georgia, community. It attracted tourists, generated revenue for local businesses, and provided job opportunities for local residents. However, the long-term impact on the mall’s revitalization remains a complex issue.
FAQ 7: Did the Duffer Brothers consider any other malls for the Starcourt location?
While specific details of their location scouting process are not widely publicized, it’s highly likely the Duffer Brothers and their team considered multiple mall locations before selecting Gwinnett Place Mall. Factors such as size, layout, accessibility, and the potential for transformation would have influenced their decision.
FAQ 8: How long did it take to transform Gwinnett Place Mall into Starcourt?
The transformation of Gwinnett Place Mall into Starcourt Mall was a significant undertaking that likely took several months to complete. This involved extensive renovations, set construction, painting, and the installation of period-accurate props and signage.
FAQ 9: Was the ice cream parlor “Scoops Ahoy” based on a real ice cream chain?
While “Scoops Ahoy” is a fictional ice cream parlor, its design and branding were inspired by real-world ice cream chains from the 1980s, such as Baskin-Robbins. The nautical theme and employee uniforms were carefully crafted to evoke a sense of nostalgia for that era.
FAQ 10: How did the production team deal with the challenges of filming in a partially abandoned mall?
Filming in a partially abandoned mall presented several logistical challenges, including security, accessibility, and the need to create a safe and functional environment for the cast and crew. The production team likely worked closely with the mall’s owners to address these challenges and ensure a smooth filming process.
FAQ 11: Did any real-life events inspire the Starcourt Mall storyline?
While not directly based on a single event, the Starcourt Mall storyline taps into the anxieties surrounding the decline of American manufacturing and the rise of consumerism in the 1980s. The presence of a secret Russian lab beneath the mall also reflects the Cold War paranoia that permeated the era.
FAQ 12: What happened to the props and set pieces from Starcourt Mall after filming wrapped?
Many of the props and set pieces from Starcourt Mall were likely sold, repurposed, or stored for future use. Some items may have been kept by the cast and crew as souvenirs, while others may have been donated to museums or historical societies. The exact fate of all the props remains largely unknown.