While Hawkins, Indiana, provides the nostalgic, small-town heart of Stranger Things, the series’ increasingly complex narratives have taken viewers far beyond its familiar borders. The chilling scenes depicting the nefarious activities of the Russian government, particularly those set in the prison camp and underground laboratory, were primarily filmed in and around Lithuania, offering a stark contrast to the show’s Americana roots. This strategic choice allowed the production team to leverage Eastern European architecture and landscapes, lending an air of authenticity and visual distinction to the show’s Soviet settings.
From Lithuania with Cold War Echoes
The decision to film the Russian portions of Stranger Things in Lithuania wasn’t arbitrary. The Baltic nation, with its history as part of the Soviet Union until 1990, provided a wealth of locations that resonated with the show’s 1980s setting. The production team meticulously transformed these locations, adding layers of detail and period-appropriate props to fully immerse viewers in the oppressive atmosphere of the Soviet Union.
Lukiskes Prison: A Haunting Backdrop
Arguably the most prominent location used for the Russian scenes is the now-decommissioned Lukiskes Prison in Vilnius, Lithuania. This imposing structure, with its imposing walls and labyrinthine corridors, served as the primary setting for the Russian prison camp where Hopper (David Harbour) was held captive. The prison’s austere and somewhat dilapidated condition perfectly mirrored the harsh realities of the Soviet penal system. Its history, having housed political prisoners during the Soviet era, added an extra layer of authenticity to the already compelling storyline. The cold, stone walls and the echoing emptiness of the prison contributed significantly to the sense of isolation and despair experienced by Hopper throughout his imprisonment.
Other Locations: Expanding the Soviet World
While Lukiskes Prison formed the centerpiece, other locations in Lithuania contributed to the broader portrayal of the Russian scenes. Abandoned factories, military bases, and sprawling industrial complexes were all utilized to create a credible and visually impactful representation of the Soviet Union’s clandestine operations. The use of these diverse locations showcased the scale and ambition of the Soviet experiments, adding depth to the overall narrative. Specifically, locations outside of Vilnius were utilized to portray the colder, more remote regions of Russia where some of the scientific facilities were purportedly located.
FAQs: Decoding the Filming Locations
To further unravel the mystery surrounding the filming locations of the Russian scenes in Stranger Things, let’s delve into some frequently asked questions.
FAQ 1: Why was Lithuania chosen over Russia?
The primary reason for choosing Lithuania over Russia for filming was political and logistical. Access to Russia for a Western production filming scenes critical of the Russian government would have been incredibly difficult, if not impossible. Lithuania’s more favorable filming regulations, combined with its architectural and environmental similarities to Soviet-era Russia, made it a more practical and politically viable choice.
FAQ 2: Was Lukiskes Prison actually a real prison?
Yes, Lukiskes Prison was a functioning prison for over a century. It was closed in 2019, just before filming commenced, making it an ideal location for the Stranger Things production team. The prison’s authentic atmosphere and history significantly enhanced the realism of the Russian prison scenes.
FAQ 3: Did the cast and crew enjoy filming in Lithuania?
Reports suggest that the cast and crew generally had a positive experience filming in Lithuania. David Harbour, in particular, spoke favorably about the location and its contribution to his character’s storyline. The country’s rich culture and stunning landscapes provided a unique backdrop for the demanding filming schedule.
FAQ 4: How much of the Russian scenes were actually filmed on location versus on a set?
While Lukiskes Prison and other locations in Lithuania provided the primary backdrop, certain scenes, particularly those requiring specific technical or special effects, were likely filmed on purpose-built sets. However, the vast majority of the prison scenes and external shots were indeed captured on location in Lithuania.
FAQ 5: Were any scenes filmed in other Eastern European countries?
To the best of public knowledge, the primary Eastern European filming location for the Russian scenes in Stranger Things was Lithuania. While some exterior shots might have been acquired in other neighboring countries, the core scenes were definitively filmed in Lithuania.
FAQ 6: Did the Lithuanian government or local communities benefit from the filming?
The filming of Stranger Things undoubtedly brought economic benefits to Lithuania. The production injected money into the local economy through accommodations, catering, local crew hires, and the rental of locations. Furthermore, it raised Lithuania’s profile as a filming destination, potentially attracting further productions in the future.
FAQ 7: Were any local Lithuanian actors cast in the Russian scenes?
Yes, numerous Lithuanian actors were cast in supporting roles and as extras in the Russian scenes. This provided opportunities for local talent and contributed to the authenticity of the overall production.
FAQ 8: How did the production team transform Lukiskes Prison to look like a Russian prison?
The production team meticulously transformed Lukiskes Prison with period-appropriate props, set dressing, and signage. They added Soviet-era posters, propaganda, and equipment to create a convincing Russian prison environment. The lighting and color grading were also carefully chosen to reflect the harsh and oppressive atmosphere.
FAQ 9: Are there any tours available of Lukiskes Prison?
Yes, since its closure, Lukiskes Prison has become a popular tourist attraction in Vilnius. Visitors can take guided tours of the prison and explore the areas that were used in the filming of Stranger Things. These tours provide a fascinating insight into the history of the prison and the making of the series.
FAQ 10: Did the Duffer Brothers ever comment on why Lithuania was chosen?
While the Duffer Brothers haven’t explicitly released a comprehensive statement detailing the selection of Lithuania, interviews with producers and crew members consistently highlight the practical, logistical, and atmospheric advantages offered by the country.
FAQ 11: Besides the prison, what other types of locations were used in Lithuania?
Beyond Lukiskes Prison, the production utilized various other types of locations in Lithuania to portray the Soviet Union. These included abandoned factories, industrial complexes, and military bases, all contributing to a diverse and authentic representation of the Soviet landscape.
FAQ 12: How did the filming in Lithuania contribute to the overall feel and tone of Stranger Things?
The decision to film in Lithuania significantly enhanced the overall feel and tone of Stranger Things, particularly in the Russian storylines. The authenticity of the locations, combined with the meticulous attention to detail in set design and costuming, created a convincingly oppressive and realistic portrayal of the Soviet Union, adding depth and complexity to the narrative. The stark contrast between the brightly lit, nostalgic world of Hawkins and the bleak, gray landscapes of Soviet Lithuania further heightened the sense of danger and isolation experienced by the characters venturing into enemy territory. This juxtaposition amplified the stakes and added a layer of geopolitical tension to the series, enriching the viewing experience for audiences worldwide.