Seeking Escape in Fiction: Where Would You Go?
It’s no surprise that many of us seek temporary escape in our entertainment. Whether it’s reading, watching shows and movies, playing games, listening to music, or catching up on podcasts, we’re always finding small ways to get away.
As a lifelong nerd, one of my favorite things has always been learning the behind-the-scenes inspiration for my favorite fictional worlds. I loved seeing where directors found their real-life models for alien planets and fantasy realms. New Zealand—I’m coming for you one day. Yes, I know you have much more to offer than just Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings, but that tour is absolutely on my bucket list.
From Jurassic Park’s lush Hawaiian landscapes to Star Wars’ towering redwoods of Endor, it’s fun to realize that the fantastical often begins with the beauty of our own world.
GIF credit: Parks and Recreation (NBC), sourced via GifGlobe
Over the years, with careful planning and saving I’ve been lucky enough to chase that feeling: visiting the castle that inspired Hogwarts’ courtyard, walking through Downton Abbey, standing on the windswept cliffs seen in Game of Thrones, and even gazing out over the dramatic coastline from The Last Jedi.
But here’s the question that always sneaks in: seeing them in real life is one thing… if I had to actually live in these fictional worlds, which would I choose?
Take Jurassic Park. I truly believe that it’s a perfect movie. Sci-fi, adventure, suspense, thrills, all in one brilliant package. Spielberg truly did a masterful job of bringing Michael Crichton's vision to life. But would I want to live there? Absolutely not. Best-case scenario, I’d just be a random person stuck knowing there was an island full of dinosaurs I couldn’t afford to visit (and wouldn’t dare even if I could, considering the park’s safety record). Worst-case? I’m a raptor snack in the first ten minutes.
Harry Potter is another one. As a kid, all I wanted was that Hogwarts letter. But as an adult? The more I think about it, the more I realize how often the adults in charge endangered students (forget Umbridge, I’m looking at you, Dumbledore). And with my luck, I wouldn’t even be a witch or wizard. I’d be a Muggle with no idea of the magic happening around me.
What about space? Star Wars (or Star Trek for you Trekkies) sounds incredible at first, but then reality sets in: it really depends on the timeline and where I land. Am I living peacefully on Naboo, scraping by on Tatooine, or lost in the bustle of Coruscant? Am I a Jedi, a pilot, or just some poor background character trying to dodge blaster fire hoping my settlement isn’t destroyed in the latest intergalactic power grab?
Yes, I know. I’m a lot. Welcome to my brain.
So what’s my pick? Honestly, I’d choose the Shire with an open invitation to visit Rivendell. If I can’t be guaranteed magical powers or a story arc where I actually survive, then give me a cozy hobbit hole, rolling green hills, and second breakfasts. Peaceful, quiet, and maybe just a little adventure when I’m in the mood.
The dream.
Your turn: if you had to live in a fictional world, where would you go—and why?
Images from Jurassic Park © Universal Pictures/Amblin Entertainment; Harry Potter © Warner Bros. Pictures; The Lord of the Rings © New Line Cinema; Star Wars © Lucasfilm/Disney. All images are used for commentary/review purposes only. No copyright infringement intended.
