Star Wars spin off starts filming in Canary Islands

A STAR WARS spin-off will be filming scenes in the Canary Islands.

Work will commence on locations in Fuerteventura from the end of May and continue on into June.

An estimated 160 residents have been contracted to work on the film project as well as around 200 extras.

The filming area on the peninsula of Jandia has been completely shut off with a ban on cameras and smartphones near the set to try and prevent potential leaks.

AN AERIAL PHOTO FROM THE HAN SOLO FUERTEVENTURA SET! #starwars #hansolo pic.twitter.com/p06VdSGtwO

— Star Wars News (@starwarsVIII8) May 9, 2017

Some aerial photos have already emerged of a set in the sand dunes on the island, however authorities have reported that flight restrictions have been put in place over the area to prevent further reveals.

The spin-off, set before the events of the original Star Wars: A New Hope, will explore the adventures of a young Han Solo and Chewbacca.

It is not the first time a location in Spain has been chosen for a Star Wars film.

Sevilla’s Plaza de España was used to film scenes for the city of Theed on the planet Naboo in the Star Wars prequel, Attack of the Clones.

The production, a collaboration between Lucasfilm and Disney, is being directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller.