The Starcourt Mall, the epicenter of 1985 Hawkins’ social scene and the backdrop for some of the most thrilling (and terrifying) moments of Stranger Things Season Three, wasn’t entirely a product of Netflix’s CGI magic. While heavily augmented, the majority of the indoor scenes were filmed at the Gwinnett Place Mall in Duluth, Georgia.
The Gwinnett Place Mall: From Bustling Hub to Demogorgon Den
Gwinnett Place Mall, once a thriving shopping destination, provided the perfect canvas for the Stranger Things production team to recreate the nostalgic charm of a mid-80s mall. Production designer Chris Trujillo and his team spent months transforming the partially vacant mall into the vibrant (and ultimately doomed) Starcourt. They meticulously rebuilt iconic stores like The Gap, Waldenbooks, and of course, the beloved Scoops Ahoy ice cream parlor.
The mall’s large, open spaces allowed for the construction of multiple sets and the staging of complex action sequences. The abandoned state of parts of the mall also meant the team had significant freedom to modify and adapt the existing architecture to fit the show’s specific needs. Exterior shots and the parking lot scenes were also filmed on location at Gwinnett Place.
Beyond Gwinnett Place: The Magic of Movie-Making
While Gwinnett Place provided the core location, it’s important to understand that the Starcourt Mall we see on screen is a composite creation. Some exterior shots, particularly those showcasing the mall’s distinctive architectural features, were filmed elsewhere. Additionally, the intense CGI and set extensions played a crucial role in creating the final, seamless product.
Special Effects and Digital Enhancements
The production team expertly utilized special effects to enhance the realism and drama of the Starcourt scenes. This included adding crowds, animating the Mind Flayer’s tentacles, and creating the overall sense of bustling activity that characterized a thriving mall in the 1980s.
Collaborative Filming Locations
While Gwinnett Place served as the primary filming location, additional locations were used for specific scenes or angles, ensuring a cohesive and visually stunning final product. These additional locations helped to complete the illusion of a fully functional and expansive shopping center.
Starcourt Mall FAQs: Decoding the Details
To further explore the intricacies of the Starcourt Mall’s creation and filming locations, let’s delve into some frequently asked questions:
FAQ 1: Is Gwinnett Place Mall still open?
No, Gwinnett Place Mall is largely closed. While a few businesses remain operational in its peripheral areas, the main mall structure is mostly vacant and has faced significant decline over the years. This made it an ideal location for Stranger Things filming.
FAQ 2: Can I visit the Gwinnett Place Mall to see the Starcourt set?
Unfortunately, the Starcourt Mall set was dismantled after filming wrapped. The mall is not open to the public as a Stranger Things tourist destination. However, you can drive by the exterior to see the building that served as the Starcourt’s foundation.
FAQ 3: What other locations in Georgia were used for Stranger Things Season Three?
Beyond Gwinnett Place Mall, Stranger Things Season Three filmed in various other locations throughout Georgia, including Stone Mountain Park, Emory University Briarcliff campus (used for the Hawkins Lab), and several residential neighborhoods.
FAQ 4: How did the Stranger Things production team transform Gwinnett Place Mall into Starcourt?
The production team undertook a massive renovation, bringing in retro storefronts, period-appropriate signage, and vintage decorations. They meticulously recreated the atmosphere of a 1985 shopping mall, paying close attention to detail.
FAQ 5: Were any of the original Gwinnett Place Mall businesses featured in the show?
No, the businesses featured in the Starcourt Mall were entirely fictional or recreations of popular 1980s brands built by the Stranger Things production team. The existing businesses at Gwinnett Place were not incorporated into the set design.
FAQ 6: How much of the Starcourt Mall was CGI?
While the core structure of the mall was real, significant CGI was used to expand the mall’s apparent size, add crowds, and create the Upside Down elements. The tentacles and the dramatic destruction were primarily digital effects.
FAQ 7: What happened to the Scoops Ahoy set after filming?
The Scoops Ahoy set, a fan-favorite, was reportedly dismantled after filming. However, some pieces may have been salvaged or reused for other productions.
FAQ 8: Did the filming of Stranger Things have a positive impact on the Gwinnett Place Mall?
While the filming brought temporary attention and some economic activity to the area, it did not reverse the mall’s long-term decline. The mall continues to face challenges in attracting tenants and revitalizing its business.
FAQ 9: Were there any challenges filming in a partially abandoned mall?
Yes, the production team faced challenges related to the mall’s condition, including structural issues, lack of utilities, and security concerns. They had to invest in significant infrastructure improvements to make the space safe and functional for filming.
FAQ 10: How long did it take to film the Starcourt Mall scenes?
Filming at the Gwinnett Place Mall took place over several months, as the Starcourt Mall was a central location for Season Three. The extensive set design and complex action sequences required a significant time commitment.
FAQ 11: Are there any plans to preserve any parts of the Starcourt Mall set?
Unfortunately, there are no known plans to preserve any significant portions of the Starcourt Mall set. The set was designed for temporary use and was dismantled after filming concluded.
FAQ 12: Can I visit other Stranger Things filming locations in Georgia?
Yes, many other Stranger Things filming locations in Georgia are accessible to the public. Websites and fan communities dedicated to the show often provide detailed lists and maps of these locations. You can plan a Stranger Things-themed road trip to experience the show’s world firsthand.
The Legacy of Starcourt: More Than Just a Mall
The Starcourt Mall, while a fictional creation heavily influenced by the real Gwinnett Place Mall, has become an iconic symbol of Stranger Things. It represents the nostalgia for the 1980s, the innocence of youth, and the terrifying darkness lurking beneath the surface. The mall’s destruction serves as a powerful visual metaphor for the loss of innocence and the irreversible changes faced by the characters as they confront the ever-present threat of the Upside Down. The success of Starcourt lies in the blend of authentic location shooting, meticulous set design, and seamless integration of visual effects, creating a believable and immersive world that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.