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Tour the gorgeous honeymoon destination that inspired the climactic battle in the new 'Star Wars' movie

Megan Willett,Sarah SchmalbruchDec 16, 2016, 20:35 IST

Disney/Lucasfilm and http://www.istockphoto.com/photo/beautiful-beach-with-water-bungalows-gm508379947-45286036?st=765e99b

The new "Star Wars" movie, "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" comes out December 16.

The film's climactic battle between the Empire and the rebellion takes place on Scarif, a paradise-like world that acts as a stronghold for the dark side. If the location looks familiar, it's because director Gareth Edwards was heavily inspired by the tourist destination of Maldives.

While production couldn't blow up Maldives on film, the location served as inspiration for Scarif along with other beaches in South Africa. Maldives was recreated on an almost eight-acre set in England's Bovingdon Airfield where 2,000 tons of sand and over 60 palm trees were brought in to bring the scene to life.

Keep scrolling to see scenes filmed for the movie contrasted with travel photos from the Maldives.