Andor – Narkina 5

Andor – Narkina 5 is a pivotal prison facility depicted in the Star Wars series Andor, serving as a harsh Imperial labor camp on a watery moon. The location stands out for its stark, industrial design and electrified floors, symbolizing the Empire’s brutal control over prisoners. Introduced in the eighth episode of season one, it captures Cassian Andor’s descent into captivity and his growing resolve amid dehumanizing conditions. The site’s alien landscape, with its flooded quarries and towering structures, enhances the episode’s tension, blending psychological dread with themes of rebellion. This fictional prison draws viewers into the gritty underbelly of the Star Wars universe, far from glamorous space battles.

The Scene

In the episode “Narkina 5,” Cassian Andor, using the alias Keef Girgo, arrives at the Imperial Prison Complex after arrest on Niamos. Prisoners endure 12-hour shifts assembling EP-N5 fasteners, competing in groups on electrified floors that deliver shocks if not tuned precisely. Andor befriends floor commander Kino Loy and Ruescott Melshi, navigating daily tortures and meager rations. A prisoner’s suicide by stepping onto the live floor heightens the horror, yet Loy demands routine continue. Parallel plots on Ferrix show Bix Caleen and others plotting amid Imperial occupation, building suspense toward escape. The episode culminates in revelations that shatter the prisoners’ isolation, sparking defiance.

The Real Filming Location

The exterior scenes of Narkina 5, particularly the moon’s rugged surface and escape sequences, were filmed at Middle Peak Quarry near Wirksworth in Derbyshire, England. This disused quarry features dramatic rocky formations, man-made lakes, and steep drops that mimic the alien moon’s flooded, barren terrain. In episode 11, Cassian and Melshi flee across this landscape, encountering local fishermen complaining about Imperial water pollution. The coordinates 53.0856, -1.5732 align precisely with this site, confirming its use. Interior prison sets were constructed at Pinewood Studios in London, but the quarry provided the authentic, otherworldly outdoor visuals essential to the sequence.

Why This Location Was Chosen

Middle Peak Quarry was selected for its alien-like rocky pinnacles and artificial water bodies, perfectly evoking Narkina 5’s toxic, waterlogged moonscape without extensive modifications. Production teams scouted UK quarries for their dramatic, eroded features that resemble Star Wars planets, as seen in prior films. Derbyshire’s terrain offered isolation and scalability for action scenes like the post-escape run, with natural hazards enhancing realism. Reports from June 2021 noted filming here for Andor, valuing its proximity to studios and weather-resilient rock faces. The site’s prior use in other productions underscored its versatility for sci-fi, allowing crews to capture vast, desolate shots efficiently.

Visiting the Location

Middle Peak Quarry lies in the Peak District National Park, accessible via minor roads from Wirksworth town, about 10 miles from Matlock. Public footpaths like the High Peak Trail allow hiking to viewpoints, though the active quarry restricts deep entry—check signage for safety. Coordinates 53.0856, -1.5732 guide to parking near Lime Kiln Lane. Best visited spring through autumn for milder weather; wear sturdy boots for uneven terrain. Nearby Wirksworth offers cafes and the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway for scenic trips. No formal tours exist, but fans spot Andor landmarks from afar. Respect private land boundaries and environmental rules to preserve this filming gem.