FILMING for a new Star Wars TV series at a Dorset quarry has been completed, as production crews pack away the set.

Winspit Quarry, near Worth Matravers on the Purbeck coast, was used to film a scene for the new Andor TV series for Disney+.

The 12-episode Star Wars series takes place before the events of Rogue One and focuses on the early formation of the Rebellion. It is likely to be released during 2022.

Diego Luna will reprise his role as Cassian Andor, with Stellan Skarsgård, Adria Arjona, Fiona Shaw, Denise Gough and Kyle Soller also to appear in unconfirmed roles.

The quarry has been closed since Monday, April 26 to allow production crews to build the set, as well as transport props, technical equipment and for actors to arrive.

Three days of filming started on Tuesday, May 11 with filming appearing to centre around a cave at the quarry, with lights and equipment pointing towards it. At least one shot was filmed, with a crew member clearly shouting that filming was due to start.

Spectators can only see above the quarry and a rock wall blocks the entry of the cave so had difficulty seeing what was being filmed. Security guards also lined the public footpaths to prevent any photographs or video being taken.

Looking at the set, a number of male and female actors wore black cloaks which presumably covered their costumes to prevent any speculation or spoilers.

A creature effects crew member was spotted at the quarry, suggesting alien creatures could be featured either as a practical or CGI effect. At least two green screens were placed in the quarry and could be used to composite a character or object with the shot during editing.

No prominent cast members, such as Diego Luna, Stellan Skarsgård or Fiona Shaw, were seen during the shooting.

The filming ended on Thursday, May 13, according to a source close to the set.

Star Wars fan, Andrew Preston, told Star Wars news site Fanthatracks how he visited Winspit Quarry on Friday, May 14 and found the film set was in the process of being dismantled.

He said: “I found the location but sadly filming had finished and the crew were in the process of dismantling the sets – but there were still some interesting pieces of set dressing around, and I had a quick chat with some of the crew members.

“I couldn’t get into the location itself but there were plenty of vantage points for photographs on the path round the top of the quarry.

Dorset Echo: Day one of filming for Star Wars at Winspit Quarry in coastal Dorset. Pictures: Dorset Echo/Michael TaylorDay one of filming for Star Wars at Winspit Quarry in coastal Dorset. Pictures: Dorset Echo/Michael Taylor

“I also got to take home (with permission from the location manager) a ‘to the set’ sign!

“Apparently the filming only took a few days, they got what they needed, and Diego Luna hasn’t been at this location. Other than that they weren’t giving much away!”

The quarry, which is usually open to tourists, will reopen later this week.

As filming wraps up at the location, Star Wars fans have been trying to figure out what is being filmed at the quarry.

Dorset Echo: Day one of filming for Star Wars at Winspit Quarry in coastal Dorset. Pictures: Dorset Echo/Michael Taylor

User Clan_vizsla shared on Star Wars Leaks, a subreddit that discusses productions and rumours about upcoming TV shows and films, a theory that it could be an early rebel base.

Others suggested it reminds them of Jyn’s bunker in Rogue One.

The derelict Winspit Quarry has been used as a filming location over the years, including for classic Doctor Who and Blake 7 TV series. It was also featured as a scene location for the ‘Orkney Dig’ in the 2012 Disney film John Carter.