“Welcome to Jupiter’s Claim folks.” Remember the creepy, cool amusement park from Jordan Peele’s film “Nope”? It’s now a real place.
Jupiter’s Claim is no longer just a movie set. It’s been carefully moved and rebuilt at Universal Studios Hollywood. The park opened on July 22 coinciding with the movie’s release.
The transition from film to theme park was planned early in production. This shows in how fully realized the town feels. Saloon-style facades line the streets. Signs advertise ice cream, candy, leather goods, and a general store. A fire house, train station, and bank stand as civic staples. Note that none of these are actual stores.
Production designer Ruth DeJong built the elaborate set for the film. In “Nope,” the theme park is owned by Ricky “Jupe” Park. He is a former child actor with a strange interest in buying horses.
The Jupiter’s Claim set looks almost identical to its appearance in the film. Some buildings may be missing. The mountainous Santa Clarita Valley backdrop is gone too. But Universal’s hillside studio makes for impressive scenery.
As you explore Jupiter’s Claim, remember its unsettling air. The cowboy character over the attraction’s name seems friendly-ish. The set brims with bright hues and a sense of unease.
During your visit you might recall the film’s plot. It involves a brother-and-sister-run ranch. People are sucked up into the sky. Aliens are probably involved. Perhaps you’ll think about the faceless dolls around the Star Lasso Experience.
The studio tour makes a stop here. It simulates the sounds and vibrations of the alien creature moving in. Do you want to look up? NOPE.
Daniel Kaluuya, the lead actor in “Nope,” found it surreal. He was in a film on the backlot before its release. The park is a unique addition.
The team disassembled the set post-production. Then they transported it to the studio backlot. The buildings were constructed in a durable way making the reassembly easier.
Jordan Peele shared his excitement. He remembered visiting Universal Studios as a child. It reinforced his passion for backlot life.
He feels privileged to share Jupiter’s Claim with fans. It honors his collaborations with the studio, crew, and cast.
So step into Jupiter’s Claim. Experience the eerie charm of Peele’s vision. But keep an eye on the sky. You never know what might be lurking above.