Elstree Studios reopens historic soundstages

Stages 7, 8 and 9, which have been home to film and TV titles such as The Crown, The Shining, and Star Wars, are opening for the first time since 2022.

The three stages form a combined studio space of more than 20,000ft².

Over its 60-year history, Stage 7 has seen a number of movies filmed within its walls, including: Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark; The Dark Crystal; Superman IV, and more recently the Netflix series, The Crown.

Additionally, Jabba the Hutt’s famous throne room scene from Star Wars: Return of the Jedi was filmed on Stage 8, along with such films as Flash Gordon and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. Notably, Stage 9 is where Jack Nicholson’s famous door axing scene in The Shining was filmed, and titles including: Star Wars: A New Hope; Labyrinth; and The Great Muppet Caper.

The stages were officially reopened by EastEnders veteran Rudolph Walker, who has filmed numerous productions at Elstree during his 60-year acting career.

Rebecca Hawkes, Head of Studios at Elstree, said: “These stages have hosted some of the most famous creations in film and TV history, and the reopening sets the scene for this legacy to continue.”

Jason Hariton, Chief Studio and Real Estate Officer at The MBS Group, which took over operations at Elstree in June, added: “While the retrofit and revitalization of these historic stages had a tight timeline with logistical challenges, the MBS team, led by our SVP [Senior Vice President] of Studio Real Estate, Mark Hudson, worked closely with stakeholders to deliver on time and on budget. We thank Rebecca and the Elstree Film Studios team for putting their trust in us to restore these iconic stages and position the facilities for the future.” 

Sky Studios Elstree received planning permission to add a further 10 stages to its film and TV complex in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, in September 2025. Discover more here.