Star Wars lands in South Tyrol: The Red Cup

In May 2017, the enchanted silence of the Dolomites was broken by the action and magic of Star Wars. It was the spin-off dedicated to the young Han Solo, originally known under the working title The Red Cup, that transformed the breathtaking landscapes of South Tyrol and the Veneto into a film set from a galaxy far, far away.

Filming took place in iconic locations such as the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Lake Misurina, and Monte Piana — areas straddling the Alta Pusteria and Belluno regions. This spectacular natural setting proved perfect for depicting new worlds in Solo: A Star Wars Story, which was released in 2018.

A stellar cast on the Dolomite peaks

The protagonist of this adventure is a young Han Solo, played by American actor Alden Ehrenreich, who stepped into the legendary role made famous by Harrison Ford. He was joined by an all-star cast including:

• Emilia Clarke, the beloved Khaleesi from Game of Thrones;
• Donald Glover, as Lando Calrissian;
• Woody Harrelson, as the mentor Tobias Beckett.

During filming, the entire area was sealed off: all roads from Lake Misurina to Monte Piana were closed to the public, as were all access trails. Security was handled not only by local law enforcement but also by a specialised agency from Milan. No one was to disturb the magic — or reveal any top-secret details.

The Dolomites as a galactic film set

For fans of the saga and movie enthusiasts alike, it’s thrilling to know that a piece of South Tyrol became the backdrop for one of the world’s most beloved film trilogies. The majestic cliffs of the Tre Cime, the deep blue of Lake Misurina, and the wide plateaus of Monte Piana — all real landscapes transformed into fantastical settings through the magic of cinema.

Today, anyone hiking these trails can imagine walking alongside Han Solo and Chewbacca, among rocks, forests, and starry skies. It’s a unique and fascinating way to rediscover the authentic beauty of a region that continues to inspire wonder — not only on Earth but also in a galaxy far, far away.