Stranger Things: The Truth Behind New Mexico Filming Locations

Hello there, fellow '80s nostalgia enthusiasts! If you're here, you're probably wondering, "Was Stranger Things filmed in New Mexico?" Well, grab your Eggo waffles, let's dive into the Demogorgon's lair and find out! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and was stranger things filmed in new mexico.

The Upside Down: A Georgia Original

Before we get into the New Mexico rumors, let's set the record straight. Stranger Things is primarily filmed in Georgia, not New Mexico. The show's creators, the Duffer Brothers, chose Georgia due to its generous film tax incentives and diverse landscapes that can double for various locations.

Jackson, Georgia: Hawkins National Laboratory

The iconic Hawkins National Laboratory, where Dr. Martin Brenner and his crew conducted their mysterious experiments, is actually located in Jackson, Georgia. The building, known as the Berkmar High School, was constructed in 1952 and has been a filming location for many productions, including The Walking Dead.

Lithia Springs, Georgia: Hawkins Middle School

The exterior shots of Hawkins Middle School were filmed at the Cascade Heights Elementary School in Lithia Springs, Georgia. The interior scenes, however, were shot on a soundstage at Pinewood Atlanta Studios to allow for more creative control and special effects.

New Mexico: A Stranger Things Filming Rumor

Now, let's address the elephant in the room (or should we say, the Demogorgon in the desert?). Was Stranger Things filmed in New Mexico? While there have been rumors and speculation, there's no official confirmation that any significant scenes were shot there.

The Alamo Navajo Indian Reservation

One of the most popular rumors suggests that some scenes were filmed at the Alamo Navajo Indian Reservation in New Mexico. However, there's no concrete evidence to support this claim. The reservation's unique landscape and abandoned buildings might bear a resemblance to some of the show's locations, but that's likely just a coincidence.

The truth behind the rumors

The Stranger Things production team has never officially announced any filming locations in New Mexico. The show's creators have mentioned that they prefer filming in Georgia due to its tax incentives and diverse landscapes. So, while it's possible that some minor scenes or B-roll footage were shot in New Mexico, it's unlikely that any major storylines were filmed there.

Stranger Things: The Georgia Connection

While we've debunked the New Mexico rumors, let's take a look at some other Georgia filming locations that you might find interesting.

Douglasville, Georgia: The Byers' House

The iconic Byers' house, where the Wheeler brothers and Eleven find refuge, is located in Douglasville, Georgia. The house is actually a private residence, but you can still admire its '80s charm from the street.

Covington, Georgia: The Starcourt Mall

The Starcourt Mall, which plays a significant role in season 3, is located in Covington, Georgia. The mall was actually built on a soundstage at Pinewood Atlanta Studios, but the exterior shots were filmed in Covington.

Stranger Things: Beyond Georgia

While Stranger Things is primarily filmed in Georgia, some scenes have been shot in other states and even countries. Here are a few examples:

Pennsylvania: The Mind Flayer's Origin

In season 2, the Mind Flayer's origin story is revealed, and those scenes were filmed in Pennsylvania. The crew used the Pennsylvania State Correctional Institution at Cresson as a filming location.

Canada: The Russian Submarine

In season 2, the Russian submarine scenes were filmed in Canada. The crew used the Canadian Forces Base Halifax in Nova Scotia as a filming location.

Czechoslovakia: The Soviet Research Facility

In season 4, the Soviet research facility scenes were filmed in Czechoslovakia. The crew used the Barrandov Studios in Prague as a filming location.

Why the Rumors Persist

So, why do rumors about Stranger Things being filmed in New Mexico persist? There are a few possible reasons:

1. 1. Similar landscapes: New Mexico and Georgia both have unique landscapes that can resemble each other. This might lead people to assume that certain scenes were filmed in both states.
2. 2. The Duffer Brothers' connection: The Duffer Brothers, creators of Stranger Things, have mentioned that they grew up in North Carolina, which is relatively close to New Mexico. This has led some fans to speculate that they might have a personal connection to the state and use it as a filming location.
3. 3. Lack of official confirmation: The Stranger Things production team has never officially confirmed or denied any filming locations in New Mexico. This lack of clarity has left room for speculation and rumors to spread.

The Bottom Line: Stranger Things Was Not Filmed in New Mexico

While it's fun to speculate about Stranger Things filming locations, the truth is that the show is primarily filmed in Georgia. The rumors about New Mexico might be fueled by the state's unique landscapes and the Duffer Brothers' connection to the Southwestern United States, but there's no official confirmation that any significant scenes were shot there.

So, there you have it, folks! The mystery behind Stranger Things' filming locations, solved. Now, go ahead and binge-watch the series, knowing that you're getting a true taste of '80s Georgia with every episode.

Until next time, stay curious, and remember: Mork from Ork! (Just a little '80s nostalgia for you.)