Usually after a movie is done being filmed, the elaborate and expensive set is torn down or abandoned entirely like a Hollywood graveyard. But the leftovers from the 1980 live-version of Popeye, directed by Robert Altman and starring Robin Williams, is far from forgotten — it's now a popular vacation destination in Anchor Bay, Malta.

Sure, the film was viewed by many as a disappointment — raking in just $49 million — but the unique set has since made a lasting impression. It was designed by Wolf Kroeger, built from scratch, and took seven months to complete. Today, the tourist favorite is called Popeye Village and is one of the most popular places to visit in the Maltese Islands. "It's a bigger success now as a tourist attraction than a movie," Kroegar told Business Insider.

However, you might be surprised to find out the set originally looked very different. It was bland and dark to allow the actors' colorful costumes to pop against the set. But locals have since given the buildings a bright makeover — something that surprised Kroegar when he recently visited.

Take a look at what people flock to this island for today:

Some of the sets were kept in tact for visitors to view, like Popeye's room:

And some of the characters from the movie even roam the streets, like Olive, Popeye, and Bluto:

Pro tip: Don't forget to bring your bathing suit if you want to swim or take a boat ride around the island:

[via Business Insider

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