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{{Short description|American epic space opera media franchise}} | |||
{{Twootheruses | the series| the 1977 movie| Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope}} | |||
{{about|the media franchise|the film|Star Wars (film){{!}}''Star Wars'' (film)|other uses}} | |||
] | |||
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{{Portal|Star Wars}} | |||
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'''''Star Wars''''' is a ] ] and ] created by ] / ] / ] ] during the 1970s. The saga began with the film '']'' (later retitled ''Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope''), which was released on ], ], by ]. The film became a worldwide ] phenomenon - spawning five more feature films, three ], five ] and an extensive collection of licensed ], ], ], ], ], card games, and other products - all of which are set within a fictional "]." | |||
{{Use American English|date=January 2023}} | |||
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2023}} | |||
{{Infobox media franchise | |||
| title = ''Star Wars'' | |||
| image = ] | |||
| creator = ] | |||
| origin = '']'' (1977){{Efn|name=novel|The film's release was preceded by {{nowrap|]}} in November 1976.}} | |||
| owner = ] | |||
| years = 1977–present | |||
| films = ] | |||
| tv = ] | |||
| atv = See list of television series | |||
| tv_films = See list of films | |||
| tv_specials = See list of television series | |||
| shorts = | |||
| books = ] | |||
| novels = ] | |||
| short_stories = See list of novels | |||
| comics = ] | |||
| strips = See list of comics | |||
| magazines = '']''<br />(1987–present) | |||
| plays = | |||
| musicals = | |||
| rpgs = ] | |||
| radio = ] | |||
| soundtracks = | |||
| music = ] | |||
| toys = ] | |||
| attractions = ] | |||
| vgs = ] | |||
}} | |||
'''''Star Wars''''' is an American ] ] ] created by ], which began with the ]{{Efn|name=novel}} and ] a worldwide ] phenomenon. The franchise has been expanded into ] and ], including ], ], ], ], ], and ], comprising an all-encompassing ].{{efn|Most existing spin-off media was made non-canon and rebranded as ']' in April 2014.<ref name="SW Legends" />}} ''Star Wars'' is one of the ] of all time. | |||
An example of the ] genre, the ''Star Wars'' story employs ] motifs common to both ] and ], as well as the ] motifs now often associated with those genres. | |||
== Feature films == | |||
] | |||
{| class="wikitable" width="350px" | |||
|- | |||
!Episode | |||
!Release date | |||
|- | |||
| width="50%"|I. '']'' | |||
| width="50%"|], ] | |||
|- | |||
|II. '']'' | |||
|], ] | |||
|- | |||
|III. '']'' | |||
|], ] | |||
|- | |||
|IV. '']'' | |||
|], ] | |||
|- | |||
|V. '']'' | |||
|], ] | |||
|- | |||
|VI. '']'' | |||
|], ] | |||
|} | |||
Although The Ewok Adventure, later renamed '']'', played in theaters in ] and ] and is technically a ''Star Wars'' feature film, it is generally associated with television, therefore it is covered in the ] below. | |||
=== Setting === | |||
{{Seealso|Star Wars opening crawl}} | |||
Unlike the traditional science fiction films preceding it, the ''Star Wars'' world was initially portrayed as dirty and grimy, rather than sleek and futuristic. In interviews, Lucas tells of rubbing the new props with dirt to make them look weather-worn, a concept he has referred to as "a used or ancient future", a concept further popularized in the film ] of the same era. He may have been inspired by ], whose 1960s films performed a similar function for the ] genre. It is also possible that he may have received the idea from ], who believed that it gave his actors a more authentic look. | |||
Each ''Star Wars'' film opens with the text, "A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...." Lucas intended this as an allusion to the classic ] opening of, "Once upon a time, in a faraway land..." This is the only way the ] has been defined in relation to the real world. To some, Lucas's allusion suggests that the films are to be interpreted as allegorical and metaphorical narratives of the future, rather than literal events of the past. Lucas intentionally left the details open to interpretation.<ref>http://www.starwars.com/community/askjc/steve/askjc20000515.html</ref> Events occur in the ''Star Wars'' galaxy; although the film series itself spans the events of only two generations, other stories set in the ''Star Wars'' universe (those from the so-called "]") cover events that ]. | |||
The ''Star Wars'' films use an opening text to provide the audience with the background to the story. Lucas emulated the '']'' serials by having his opening text "crawl" up the screen from bottom to top at a high pitched angle, as if the text were disappearing into the distant starscape. Also in all ''Star Wars'' films, a ] of some kind whooshes by after the crawl disappears completely. In a ], ], interview with the '']'', Lucas described the creation of the distinctive crawl: "The crawl is such a hard thing because you have to be careful that you're not using too many words that people don't understand. It's like a poem. I showed the very first crawl to a bunch of friends of mine in the '70s. It went on for six paragraphs with four sentences each. ] was there, and he threw his hands up in the air and said, 'George, you're out of your mind! Let me sit down and write this for you.' He helped me chop it down into the form that exists today." | |||
The saga shows us a very "ancient" galactic civilization thousands of years old. The setting is totally unrelated to ] or our galaxy, which gives it more liberty, in a sense. The Star Wars Galaxy prominently features aliens who are essentially identical to humans. Their civilization was able to develop space travel, terraform, build ]es and build space colonies 200,000 years "ago."{{citation needed}} | |||
Star Wars melds science with supernatural elements that strongly relate to epic stories and fairy tales (for example, ], ], ], ]es and 'whimsical' alien races such as ]s and ]s). The scope of ] spans over 5,100 years among all the Star Wars fiction produced so far (from '']'' to '']''), even though the films span only two generations. Later novels from a series dubbed ] opened up the ''Star Wars'' setting with alien beings named ] that came from a different galaxy. Most aliens prior to this series came from the one galaxy in which the films are set. | |||
The original 1977 film, retroactively subtitled '']'', was followed by the sequels '']'' (1980) and '']'' (1983), forming the ]. Lucas later returned to the series to write and direct ], consisting of '']'' (1999), '']'' (2002), and '']'' (2005). In 2012, Lucas sold ] to ], relinquishing his ownership of the franchise. This led to ], consisting of '']'' (2015), '']'' (2017), and '']'' (2019). | |||
=== Plot === | |||
]. This scene from ''A New Hope'' has become a recognized cultural symbol of the ''Star Wars'' saga.]] | |||
All nine films, collectively referred to as the "]", ] for ], with wins going to the first two releases. Together with the theatrical live action "anthology"<!-- spin-off --> films '']'' (2016) and '']'' (2018), the combined ] revenue of the films equate to over {{US$|10}} billion, making ''Star Wars'' the ] of all time. | |||
{{Spoiler}} | |||
== Premise == | |||
'''''Episodes I, II, and III'' (the Clone Wars)''' chronicle the downfall of the ] and the rise of the ]. It is also the story of ]'s rise as a gifted young ] (the chosen one) and his eventual transformation to Darth Vader, and the Dark Side of the ]. In the first film, ] manipulates the ] into invading and occupying the planet ]. Sidious concurrently maintains his public identity as Palpatine, a senator in the Galactic Republic (ironically, for Naboo itself), and uses the crisis to convince the Senate to elect him as Chancellor of the Galactic Republic. In the second film, he further manipulates the Senate into granting him emergency powers and orchestrates the ], a conflict between the Republic (which he controls as Chancellor Palpatine) and a ] movement (which he controls as Darth Sidious). | |||
The ''Star Wars'' franchise depicts the adventures of characters "a long time ago in ] far, far away"<ref name="star wars 4">{{Cite video|title=Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope|publisher=]|date=2006|medium=DVD}}</ref> across ], in which humans and many species of ] (often ]) co-exist with ], which may be programmed for personal assistance or battle.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.starwars.com/databank/battle-droid |title=Battle droid |website=StarWars.com |accessdate=October 22, 2023 |archive-date=August 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210810084243/https://www.starwars.com/databank/battle-droid |url-status=live }}</ref> ] between planets is common due to ] ] technology.<ref>{{cite book|last=Lewis|first=Ann Margaret|date=April 3, 2001|title=Star Wars: The Essential Guide to Alien Species|publisher=LucasBooks|isbn=978-0-345-44220-8|url=https://archive.org/details/starwarsessentia00lewi}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Wallace|first=Daniel|date=February 16, 1999|title=Star Wars: The Essential Guide to Droids|publisher=LucasBooks|isbn=978-0-345-42067-1|url=https://archive.org/details/starwarsessentia00wall}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Smith|first=Bill|date=March 19, 1996|title=Star Wars: The Essential Guide to Vehicles and Vessels|publisher=LucasBooks|isbn=978-0-345-39299-2|url=https://archive.org/details/starwarsessentia00smit}}</ref> The planets range from wealthy, ] to deserts scarcely populated by primitive tribes. Virtually any Earth ], along with many fictional ones, has its counterpart as a ''Star Wars'' planet which, in most cases, teem with sentient and non-sentient alien life.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Wenz |first=John |date=April 23, 2015 |title=Could the Planets in Star Wars Actually Support Life? |url=https://www.wired.com/2015/04/star-wars-planetary-science/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220526125541/https://www.wired.com/2015/04/star-wars-planetary-science/ |archive-date=May 26, 2022 |access-date=May 27, 2022 |magazine=Wired |language=en-US |issn=1059-1028}}</ref> The franchise also makes use of other astronomical objects such as ] and ]e.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Asteroid Field |url=https://www.starwars.com/databank/asteroid-field |access-date=May 27, 2022 |website=StarWars.com |language=en |archive-date=May 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220527202025/https://www.starwars.com/databank/asteroid-field |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Archeon Nebula |url=https://www.starwars.com/databank/archeon-nebula |access-date=May 27, 2022 |website=StarWars.com |language=en |archive-date=June 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220611043740/https://www.starwars.com/databank/archeon-nebula |url-status=live }}</ref> Spacecraft range from small ] to large capital ships, such as the ]s, as well as ]s such as the moon-sized ]s.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.starwars.com/databank/x-wing-starfighter/ |title=X-wing starfighter |website=StarWars.com |accessdate=October 22, 2023 |archive-date=November 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108030754/https://www.starwars.com/databank/x-wing-starfighter |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.starwars.com/databank/super-star-destroyer/ |title=Super Star Destroyer |website=StarWars.com |accessdate=October 22, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110105237/https://www.starwars.com/databank/super-star-destroyer/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.starwars.com/databank/death-star |title=Death Star |website=StarWars.com |accessdate=October 22, 2023 |archive-date=November 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108044610/https://www.starwars.com/databank/death-star |url-status=live }}</ref> Telecommunication includes two-way audio and ] screens, ] projections, and hyperspace transmission.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.starwars.com/databank/holonet-news |title=HoloNet News |website=StarWars.com |accessdate=October 22, 2023 |archive-date=November 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231111075431/https://www.starwars.com/databank/holonet-news |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
The universe of ''Star Wars'' is generally similar to the real universe but its laws of physics are less strict allowing for more imaginative stories.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Allain |first=Rhett |title=The Physics in Star Wars Isn't Always Right, and That's OK |language=en-US |magazine=Wired |url=https://www.wired.com/2015/12/the-physics-in-star-wars-isnt-always-right-and-thats-ok/ |access-date=May 27, 2022 |issn=1059-1028 |archive-date=May 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220527203527/https://www.wired.com/2015/12/the-physics-in-star-wars-isnt-always-right-and-thats-ok/ |url-status=live }}</ref> One result of that is a mystical power known as ] which is described in the original film as "an energy field created by all living things ... binds the galaxy together".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.starwars.com/news/6-great-quotes-about-the-force|title=6 Great Quotes About the Force|website=StarWars.com|date=July 25, 2016|access-date=November 11, 2018|archive-date=November 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181111173607/https://www.starwars.com/news/6-great-quotes-about-the-force|url-status=live}}</ref> The field is depicted as a kind of pantheistic god.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 26, 2018 |title=How to Teach Kids About Worldviews Through 'Star Wars' {{!}} SCENES |url=https://scenesmedia.com/2018/04/how-to-teach-kids-about-worldviews-through-star-wars/ |access-date=May 27, 2022 |language=en-US |archive-date=July 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702181721/https://scenesmedia.com/2018/04/how-to-teach-kids-about-worldviews-through-star-wars/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Through training and meditation, those whom "the Force is strong with" exhibit various ] (such as ], ], ], and manipulation of physical energy);<ref name="star wars 5">{{Cite video|title =]|publisher=]|date=2004|medium=DVD}}</ref> it is believed nothing is impossible for the Force.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 31, 2017 |title="Nothing is impossible for the Force": A Joint Retrospective on the first Darth Vader Comic Series – Mynock Manor |url=https://mynockmanor.com/retrospective-darth-vader-comic-series-2015/ |access-date=May 27, 2022 |website=mynockmanor.com |language=en-US |archive-date=January 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111161942/https://mynockmanor.com/retrospective-darth-vader-comic-series-2015/ |url-status=live }}</ref> These superpowers are wielded by two major ] at conflict with each other: the ], peacekeepers of the ] who act on the light side of the Force through ] and ], and the ], who use the dark side by manipulating fear and aggression.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.starwars.com/databank/jedi-order |title=Jedi Order |website=StarWars.com |accessdate=October 22, 2023 |archive-date=November 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103112856/https://www.starwars.com/databank/jedi-order |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.starwars.com/databank/sith |title=Sith |website=StarWars.com |accessdate=October 22, 2023 |archive-date=October 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231016195506/https://www.starwars.com/databank/sith |url-status=live }}</ref> While Jedi Knights can be numerous, the Dark Lords of the Sith (or 'Darths') are intended to be limited to two: a master and their apprentice.<ref>{{cite book|last=Nicholas|first=Christopher|title=Star Wars: I Am a Jedi|series=]|year=2016|others=Illustrated by Ron Cohee|pages=18–19|isbn=978-0-7364-3487-4}}</ref> | |||
A young boy named Anakin Skywalker, incredibly strong with the Force, is discovered by Jedi Master ], and his padawan Obi Wan Kenobi. Qui-Gon believes Anakin is the Chosen One, prophesied to bring balance to the Force. After Qui-Gon is killed by Darth Maul, Obi Wan defeats the Sith apprentice and then, over the strong objections of ], decides to obey his master's final wish to train the boy. Anakin grows powerful with the Force, and his skill causes him to become arrogant and chafe against Obi-Wan's training, which he feels is restrictive. Against the strictest rules of the Jedi Order, Anakin falls in love with ], queen, and later senator, of Naboo. The two wed in secret, forbidden for a Jedi as it can create a fear of loss that can lead to the Dark Side of the Force. The Clone Wars begin to rage through every part of the known galaxy, and the Jedi fight tirelessly to bring peace back to the Republic. Anakin and Padmé continue to keep their marriage a secret, but soon Padmé becomes pregnant. Although thrilled by the news, Anakin begins to have visions of Padmé's death. The secretive nature of their relationship forces him to seek help outside of the Jedi order, and he desperately asks ], now the Chancellor, (secretly ]) for help. Sidious seizes this opportunity to tempt Anakin to the Dark Side, promising that Padmé can be saved if Anakin joins the Sith. His guile succeeds, forcing Anakin to abandon the Jedi when he intervened in a lightsaber duel between Jedi Master Mace Windu and Palpatine, severing Windu's hand before Palpatine kills him with Force Lightning. At this point Anakin has become the Sith Lord '']'' who goes on to hunt down and destroy all the remaining Jedi in the galaxy (see ] for more on the demise of the Jedi order). Tragically, Anakin is still unable to save Padmé, and becomes directly responsible for causing her death. Padmé dies giving birth to twins, whom she names ] and ]. The twins are given to two separate willing parties for safety: Luke to Anakin's step-brother Owen Lars and his wife Beru on ]; Leia to Senator Bail Organa and his wife on the planet ]. Obi Wan-Kenobi and Yoda, the last remaining Jedi, exile themselves, Obi-Wan on ] (presumably to watch over Luke), Yoda on the bog-like world of ]. Sidious (as Palpatine) turns the Galactic Republic into the First Galactic Empire, himself its Emperor. | |||
'''''Episodes IV, V, and VI'' (the Galactic Civil War)''' pick up approximately nineteen years after the events of Episode III, during the ], a lengthy conflict which leads to the downfall of the Galactic Empire at the hands of the ]. These films follow the story of Luke Skywalker, the son of Anakin Skywalker (now the black-clad Darth Vader), and his rise in the rebellion against the Empire. Leia, princess and a member of the ] for Alderaan, sends a message for help to Obi-Wan Kenobi by means of ]. She is intercepted by Darth Vader, and is brought to the sinister ]. Luke inadvertently intercepts the message and meets Kenobi. Leia is forced to witness the destruction of her home-world by the dreaded ]. After the murder of his aunt and uncle by ]s, Luke joins the ragtag Rebel Alliance — traveling with Kenobi, his sister Leia Organa (who he does not realize is his sister until later, in Episode VI), smuggler ] and his friend ], Solo's ] companion ], and the droids ] and ]. The Rebel Alliance eventually destroys the Death Star and Tarkin. | |||
The franchise is set against a backdrop of galactic conflict involving republics and empires, such as the evil ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.starwars.com/galactic-empire |title=Galatic Empire |website=StarWars.com |accessdate=October 22, 2023}}</ref> The Jedi and Sith prefer the use of a weapon called the ], a blade of plasma that can cut through virtually any surface and deflect energy bolts.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.starwars.com/databank/lightsaber/ |title=Lightsaber |website=StarWars.com |accessdate=October 22, 2023 |archive-date=October 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231024032411/https://www.starwars.com/databank/lightsaber/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The rest of the population, as well as renegades and soldiers, use plasma-powered ] ]s.<ref>{{cite web |title=Blaster pistol |url=https://www.starwars.com/databank/blaster-pistol/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317001317/https://www.starwars.com/databank/blaster-pistol/ |archive-date=17 March 2023 |accessdate=October 22, 2023 |website=StarWars.com}}</ref> In the outer reaches of the galaxy, crime syndicates such as the ] cartel are dominant.<ref name="Hutt clan">{{cite web |url=https://www.starwars.com/databank/hutt-clan |title=Hutt clan |website=StarWars.com |accessdate=October 22, 2023 |archive-date=November 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231102193645/https://www.starwars.com/databank/hutt-clan |url-status=live }}</ref> ]s are often employed by both ] and governments, while illicit activities include ] and ].<ref name="Hutt clan"/> | |||
He trains with Kenobi and, after Kenobi's death at the hands of Vader, the exiled Yoda to become a Jedi like his father, who he believes was betrayed and murdered by Darth Vader. When Luke learns the truth — that his father is Darth Vader — he is profoundly shaken. Despite this, Luke successfully resists the efforts of Vader and Palpatine to turn him to the Dark Side, and instead succeeds in turning his father back to the Light Side of the Force. Vader, having turned from the Dark Side, fulfills the Prophecy of the Force when he throws Emperor Palpatine into the Death star's reactor in order to save his son, but is mortally wounded in the process. In killing Palpatine, Anakin comes full-circle to prove that he was the Chosen One who would bring balance to the Force by destroying the Sith. Meanwhile, the Rebel fleet scores a decisive victory against the Empire by destroying the second ]. The Rebel Alliance's victory eventually leads to the end of the Galactic Civil War and the downfall of the Empire. | |||
The ] makes ''Star Wars'' a very universal franchise, capable of telling stories of various genres.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McCoy |first=Joshua Kristian |date=February 5, 2022 |title=Other Genres Star Wars Should Try Out |url=https://gamerant.com/expanding-star-wars-genres/ |access-date=May 27, 2022 |website=] |language=en-US |archive-date=May 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220527202025/https://gamerant.com/expanding-star-wars-genres/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
=== Themes === | |||
{{Main|Philosophy and religion in Star Wars|Force (Star Wars)}} | |||
George Lucas embraces a style of epic storytelling that uses motifs, common themes and concepts which he alters slightly each time they occur. The concept is lifted from Romantic (early 19th century) music, but Lucas applies it both visually and as an integral part of his storytelling. | |||
== Films == | |||
On a larger scale, there are many parallels between the original trilogy and the prequel trilogy; the stories of Anakin Skywalker and Luke Skywalker echo and reflect each other in myriad ways. | |||
{{Main|List of Star Wars films}} | |||
The Force is one of the most recognizable elements of the ''Star Wars'' series. It is described by Obi-Wan Kenobi in the original ''Star Wars'' film as, "An energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us, penetrates us, and binds the galaxy together." | |||
=== The Skywalker Saga === | |||
Those who can use the Force, such as the Jedi, can perform feats of ], ], ], ], and mental control. Two aspects of the Force are emphasized: the ''light'' side and the ''dark'' side. The light side of the Force is the facet aligned with good, benevolence, and healing. The dark side of the Force is aligned with fear, hatred, aggression, and malevolence. Jedi, followers of the Light, believe that knowledge serves as a guide and path to power, whereas the Sith rely on the Dark Side in the belief that power brings knowledge and understanding. The dark side seems more powerful, especially to those who use it, because it is driven by rage and hatred — its effects are more direct and easier and faster to achieve. In reality, neither the light nor the dark side of the Force is stronger than the other, each possessing its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, the dark side conveys an inherent disadvantage to its users, which is arrogance and overconfidence in their own abilities. However, this aggression allows its acolytes to become more formidable warriors — illustrated when Luke is able to finally overcome his father in battle because of his anger at the thought of his sister turning to the dark side. On the other hand, Jedi can occasionally become crippled by their compassion and act "soft." This is balanced by an ability to remain calm even in extreme circumstances. | |||
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center; margin=auto; width:100%;" | |||
! style="width:14%" | Film | |||
! U.S. release date | |||
! Directed by | |||
! Screenplay by | |||
! Story by | |||
! Produced by | |||
! {{nowrap|{{Abbr|Refs.|References}}}} | |||
|- | |||
! colspan="8" style="background-color:#ccccff;" | ]: Episodes IV–VI | |||
<section begin=OriginalTrilogy /> | |||
|- | |||
! scope="row" | '']'' | |||
| style="text-align:left"| {{Start date|1977|5|25}} | |||
| colspan="3" | ] | |||
| rowspan="2 | ] | |||
| <ref>{{cite web|url=https://qz.com/990219/the-11-million-spent-on-star-wars-in-1977-was-the-best-film-investment-ever-made/|title=The $11 million spent on "Star Wars" in 1977 was the best film investment ever made|date=May 25, 2017|first=Mike|last=Murphy|website=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170606012907/https://qz.com/990219/the-11-million-spent-on-star-wars-in-1977-was-the-best-film-investment-ever-made/|archive-date=June 6, 2017|url-status=live|access-date=October 15, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2018/sep/26/gary-kurtz-obituary|title=Gary Kurtz obituary|date=September 26, 2018|first=Ryan|last=Gilbey|website=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200606104506/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2018/sep/26/gary-kurtz-obituary|archive-date=June 6, 2020|url-status=live|access-date=October 15, 2020}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
! scope="row" | '']'' | |||
| style="text-align:left"| {{Start date|1980|05|21}} | |||
| ] | |||
| ] <br>and ] | |||
| rowspan=2| George Lucas | |||
| <ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/2010/11/29/empire-strikes-back-director-irvin-kershner-an-appreciation/|title='Empire Strikes Back' director Irvin Kershner: An appreciation|date=November 29, 2010|first=Chris|last=Nashawaty|magazine=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224102755/https://ew.com/article/2010/11/29/empire-strikes-back-director-irvin-kershner-an-appreciation/|archive-date=December 24, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.starwars.com/news/7-little-known-facts-about-the-making-of-star-wars-the-empire-strikes-back|title=EMPIRE at 40 {{!}} 7 Little-Known Facts About the Making of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back|date=May 12, 2020|first=James|last=Floyd|website=starwars.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200608093607/https://www.starwars.com/news/7-little-known-facts-about-the-making-of-star-wars-the-empire-strikes-back|archive-date=June 8, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
! scope="row" | '']'' | |||
| style="text-align:left"| {{Start date|1983|05|25}} | |||
| ] | |||
| Lawrence Kasdan <br>and George Lucas | |||
| ] | |||
| <ref name="Directors and Release Dates">{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficepro.com/celebrating-the-star-wars-franchise-impact-as-the-empire-strikes-back-turns-40/|title=Celebrating the Star Wars Franchise's Box Office Impact as The Empire Strikes Back Turns 40|date=May 21, 2020|first=Shawn|last=Robbins|website=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728082332/https://www.boxofficepro.com/celebrating-the-star-wars-franchise-impact-as-the-empire-strikes-back-turns-40/|archive-date=July 28, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/denis-villeneuve-david-lynch-dune-comparison/|title=A side-by-side comparison of Denis Villeneuve's 'Dune' trailer to the David Lynch effort|date=September 18, 2020|first=Lee|last=Thomas-Mason|website=Far Out Magazine|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201015124129/https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/denis-villeneuve-david-lynch-dune-comparison/|archive-date=October 15, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><section end="OriginalTrilogy" /> | |||
|- | |||
! colspan="8" style="background-color:#ccccff;" | ]: Episodes I–III | |||
<section begin=PrequelTrilogy /> | |||
|- | |||
! scope="row" | '']'' | |||
| style="text-align:left"| {{Start date|1999|05|19}} | |||
| rowspan="3" | ] | |||
| George Lucas | |||
| rowspan="3" | George Lucas | |||
| rowspan="3" | ] | |||
| <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vox.com/culture/2019/5/19/18629867/star-wars-prequels-episode-1-phantom-menace-anniversary-good|title=The Star Wars prequels are bad — and insightful about American politics|date=May 19, 2019|first=Emily|last=VanDerWerff|website=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201010223351/https://www.vox.com/culture/2019/5/19/18629867/star-wars-prequels-episode-1-phantom-menace-anniversary-good|archive-date=October 10, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
! scope="row" | '']'' | |||
| style="text-align:left"| {{Start date|2002|05|16}} | |||
| George Lucas <br>and ] | |||
| <ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/movies/2019/11/20/star-wars-attack-of-the-clones-rewatch/|title=Star Wars rewatch: Why is Attack of the Clones so heartless?|date=November 20, 2019|first=Darren|last=Franich|magazine=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191121135801/https://ew.com/movies/2019/11/20/star-wars-attack-of-the-clones-rewatch/|archive-date=November 21, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://comicbook.com/movies/news/star-wars-episode-II-attack-of-the-clones-anniversary-18-years-ago-today/|title=Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones Opened 18 Years Ago Today|date=May 16, 2020|first=Cameron|last=Bonomolo|website=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200601023233/https://comicbook.com/movies/news/star-wars-episode-II-attack-of-the-clones-anniversary-18-years-ago-today/|archive-date=June 1, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
! scope="row" | '']'' | |||
| style="text-align:left"| {{Start date|2005|05|19}} | |||
| George Lucas | |||
| <ref>{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/revenge-sith-novel-best-star-wars-story/|title=Revenge of the Sith Is The Best Star Wars Story Ever Told (Just Not Lucas' Version)|date=May 19, 2020|first=Alex|last=Leadbeater|website=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200529140205/https://screenrant.com/revenge-sith-novel-best-star-wars-story/|archive-date=May 29, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/how-revenge-sith-almost-broke-star-wars-1295016|title=How 'Revenge of the Sith' Almost Broke 'Star Wars'|date=May 19, 2020|first=Phil|last=Pirrello|website=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200601130916/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/how-revenge-sith-almost-broke-star-wars-1295016|archive-date=June 1, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><section end="PrequelTrilogy" /> | |||
|- | |||
! colspan="8" style="background-color:#ccccff;" | ]: Episodes VII–IX | |||
<section begin=SequelTrilogy /> | |||
|- | |||
! scope="row" | '']'' | |||
| style="text-align:left"| {{Start date|2015|12|18}} | |||
| ] | |||
| colspan="2" | ] & J. J. Abrams <br>and ] | |||
| ], J.J. Abrams and ] | |||
| <ref name="Directors and Release Dates" /><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/2015/12/18/star-wars-force-awakens-prequels/|title='Star Wars': What 'The Force Awakens' gets right that the prequels got wrong|date=December 18, 2015|first=Kevin P.|last=Sullivan|magazine=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160622164634/https://ew.com/article/2015/12/18/star-wars-force-awakens-prequels/|archive-date=June 22, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
! scope="row" | '']'' | |||
| style="text-align:left"| {{Start date|2017|12|15}} | |||
| colspan="3" | ] | |||
| Kathleen Kennedy and ] | |||
| <ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2017/01/star-wars-the-last-jedi-name-episode-viii-1201892311/|title='Star Wars: Episode VIII' Gets A Title|date=January 23, 2017|first=Patrick|last=Hipes|website=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170707030311/https://deadline.com/2017/01/star-wars-the-last-jedi-name-episode-viii-1201892311/|archive-date=July 7, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/2017/12/15/570590142/star-wars-action-figures-paved-the-way-for-the-last-jedi-director|title=For 'Last Jedi' Director, The Journey To 'Star Wars' Began With Action Figures|date=December 15, 2017|author=Mandalit Del Barco|website=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200911164451/https://www.npr.org/2017/12/15/570590142/star-wars-action-figures-paved-the-way-for-the-last-jedi-director|archive-date=September 11, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
! scope="row" | '']'' | |||
| style="text-align:left"| {{Start date|2019|12|20}} | |||
| J. J. Abrams | |||
| ] & J. J. Abrams | |||
| ] & ] <br> and J.J. Abrams & Chris Terrio | |||
| Kathleen Kennedy, J. J. Abrams and ] | |||
| <ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/video/star-wars-the-rise-of-skywalker-review-j-j-abrams-daisy-ridley-john-boyega-billy-dee-williams/|title='Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker' Review: Director J.J. Abrams Throws Everything Against The Wall And Most Of It Sticks|date=December 18, 2019|first=Pete|last=Hammond|website=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200408201430/https://deadline.com/video/star-wars-the-rise-of-skywalker-review-j-j-abrams-daisy-ridley-john-boyega-billy-dee-williams/|archive-date=April 8, 2020|url-status=live|access-date=October 15, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://collider.com/who-wrote-star-wars-the-rise-of-skywalker/|title=Exclusive: 'Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker' Final Writing Credits Revealed|date=November 15, 2019|first=Gregory|last=Lawrence|website=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200909023348/https://collider.com/who-wrote-star-wars-the-rise-of-skywalker/|archive-date=September 9, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><section end="SequelTrilogy" /> | |||
|- | |||
|} | |||
] (left), ] (center), and ] (right)]] | |||
=== Influences === | |||
{{Seealso|Star Wars sources and analogues}} | |||
Many different influences have been suggested for the ''Star Wars'' films by fans and critics. George Lucas himself has cited some quite surprising inspirations for his films, for example the novel ]. Lucas acknowledges that the plot and characters in the 1958 Japanese film ''],'' directed by ], were a major inspiration. Lucas has said in an interview, which is included on the DVD edition of ''The Hidden Fortress'', that the movie influenced him to tell the story of ''Star Wars'' from the viewpoint of the humble ]s, rather than a major player. It also played a role in the conception of Darth Vader, whose trademark black helmet intentionally resembles the black ] of the arch-villain in Kurosawa's '']''. The Jedi, nearly extinct futuristic ]s of the former Republic, also have a high influence from the ] as spiritual warriors and duelists with a strong sense of honor and devotion to their duty. Their traditional clothing even resembles ]s. | |||
Prior to writing the script for ''Star Wars'', George Lucas originally wanted to make a film of ]. The rights for ''Flash Gordon'', however, were held by ], and Lucas decided to work on his own science fiction project instead. | |||
] | |||
]'s '']'']] | |||
Another influence in Lucas's creation of ''Star Wars'' was the writings of ]. Campbell's work explored the supposed common meanings, structures, and purposes of the world's mythologies. Lucas has stated that his intention was to create in ''Star Wars'' a "modern mythology" based on Campbell's work. The original ''Star Wars'' film, episode IV, for example, closely followed the archetypal "hero's journey", as described in Campbell's '']''. This influence was discussed by ] and Campbell in the ] mini-series, '']'' and by Lucas and Moyers in the 1999 program, '']''.<ref>http://www.films.com/id/11017/The_Mythology_of_Star_Wars_with_George_Lucas_and_Bill_Moyers.htm</ref> In addition, the ''] of the ]'' sponsored an exhibit during the late 1990s called ''Star Wars: The Magic of Myth'' which discussed the ways in which Campbell's work shaped the ''Star Wars'' films.<ref>http://www.nasm.si.edu/exhibitions/StarWars/sw-unit1.htm</ref> A companion guide of the same name was published in 1997. | |||
It is thought that the setting for the ''Star Wars'' universe came from ]'s '']'', published in the early 1950s. This saga also involves a galaxy teeming with inhabited worlds held together by a collapsing ] using ]s (for long-distance transportation). It also features the planet ], which is entirely covered by the galaxy's capital, similar to ], and the protagonist of '']'' is Lathan Devers, a character resembling Han Solo. Even lightsabers have precursors in the ''The Foundation Trilogy'' as force field penknives. The planet Korrell is thought to be the basis of the planet ].{{citation needed}} | |||
It is often argued that ''Star Wars'' was influenced by ]'s classic science fiction book '']''. Many elements of ''Star Wars'' are also evident in ''Dune''.<ref>; A comparison of the most often cited similarities between ''Star Wars'' and ''Dune''</ref> There are so many similarities, in fact, some ''Dune'' devotees consider ''Star Wars'' little more than a campy film adaptation of Herbert's work. While this is certainly an exaggeration, many of the similarities are striking. For example, both ''Dune'' and ''Star Wars'' are set on desert planets. Both stories feature a mystical knighthood of sorts — the Jedi in ''Star Wars'' and the ] of ''Dune''. In both stories the hero is a ]-like character, uses mystical powers, exhibits mind control (Jedi mind trick/the Voice), and duels opponents with sword-like weapons. Finally, both stories describe a corrupt empire and the hero's efforts to overcome it. | |||
Some comic book fans have drawn parallels between ''Star Wars'' and ]’s epic Fourth World series, published by ]. The cosmos-spanning series of titles was never completed because DC canceled it, citing low sales. At the heart of the series was the battle between Orion of the New Gods and his villainous father, ] (pronounced “dark side.”) ] called upon the mystical force known as "the source" to aid him in this struggle. The Death Star is somewhat reminiscent of Apokolips, Darkseid’s home planet. Likewise, Darkseid's headpiece is similar in structure to Vader's. | |||
Furthermore, Orion, like Luke Skywalker, was separated from his evil father at birth, growing up ignorant of his true parentage. Also like Skywalker, Orion was mentored by an old man who carried a staff and was far more powerful than his appearance suggested; the Highfather. Finally, both Orion and Skywalker are forced to struggle not only against their biological father's dreams of universal conquest but also against their own inner darkeness. | |||
Also, Darth Vader shares some visual similarities with Kirby’s armored über-villain ], co-created with editor/scripter ] at ]. | |||
The ''Star Wars'' saga has also been influenced by historical events; Lucas claims to have drawn on ], ] and the ] for inspiration. The reference to the historical past can be seen with Lucas's use of 'stormtroopers', commonly associated with the ]s of ] Germany and ] ], and also associated with the SS under Hitler in World War II. These troopers acted as the Nazi party’s military force, under Hitler’s direct control. Similarly, the stormtroopers of Star Wars acted as the Empire’s military force, under Palpatine’s direct control. Lucas also based the space battles in ''A New Hope'' on World War II-era aerial ]s. The rise of Palpatine mirrors ] in that a democracy becomes an empire. | |||
The ''Star Wars'' film series centers around three sets of trilogies, the nine films of which are collectively referred to as the "]".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/star-wars-original-title-last-jedi/|title=A Brief History of Star Wars Titles|last=Leadbeater|first=Alex|date=January 24, 2017|website=]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190206205905/https://screenrant.com/star-wars-original-title-last-jedi/|archive-date=February 6, 2019|quote=... how the Star Wars saga is currently evolving ... Lucasfilm fluctuated between Star Wars Anthology and A Star Wars Story, before settling on the latter. ... Episode VIII becoming The Last Jedi continues this trend, ... the announcement calls it "the next chapter in the Skywalker saga," solidifying "Skywalker Saga" as the official banner for the numbered episodes.}}</ref> The saga was produced non-chronologically, beginning '']'' with the release of the original trilogy between 1977 and 1983. This was followed by the prequel trilogy, released between 1999 and 2005, and the sequel trilogy, released between 2015 and 2019.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thewrap.com/star-wars-movies-in-order-how-to-watch/ |title=How to watch the Star Wars movies in order |website=The Wrap |date=November 2, 2023 |accessdate=November 5, 2023 |archive-date=November 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231105130532/https://www.thewrap.com/star-wars-movies-in-order-how-to-watch/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
Even ] is said to have had a limited influence on Star Wars. ]'s intergallactic vision among humans has long been a staple for these concepts. A reference to ST is used in Episode V when an Empire commander mentions a cloaking device, a device used by ], to describe the disappearance of the ]. It's been mentioned that Lucas wanted to label the Falcon's light speed capabilities as "warp drive" but was advised against it because at the time Roddenberry was looking into doing the ] TV show and didn't want to start a conflict. | |||
Each trilogy focuses on a generation of the ]-sensitive ] and their struggle against the evil ] lord ] (Darth Sidious).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.starwars.com/databank/emperor-palpatine-darth-sidious |title=Emperor Palpatine / Darth Sidious |website=StarWars.com |accessdate=November 5, 2023 |archive-date=June 28, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628231042/http://www.starwars.com/databank/character/palpatine/?id=bts |url-status=live }}</ref> The original trilogy depicts the heroic development of ] as a ] and his fight against Palpatine's ] alongside his sister, ].<!-- Do not remove because you believe this to be a spoiler, as per ]. --><ref>{{Cite video|title= ]|publisher=]|date=1983 |medium=Blu-ray}}</ref> The prequels tell the ] backstory of their father, ], who is corrupted by Palpatine and becomes ].<!-- Do not remove because you believe this to be a spoiler, as per ]. --><ref>{{Cite video|title = ]|publisher=]|date=2005|medium=Blu-ray}}</ref> The sequels follow the conflict between Leia's son, ], and Luke and Leia's protegé, ], and their eventual alliance against Palpatine after the fall of the Empire.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.starwars.com/news/skywalker-a-family-at-war-announce |title=Skywalker: A Family at War, a New Star Wars Biography, Revealed |website=StarWars.com |date=January 21, 2021 |accessdate=October 22, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110103632/https://www.starwars.com/news/skywalker-a-family-at-war-announce |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
Star Wars was also influenced by ] by ']'.<ref>{{cite web | work=Star Wars Origins | title=Star Wars Origins - The Lord of the Rings|url=http://www.spookybug.com/origins/lotr.html| accessdate=2006-09-19}}</ref> | |||
=== |
==== Original trilogy ==== | ||
{{Main|Star Wars original trilogy}} | |||
] | |||
The ''Star Wars'' saga began with a 14-page treatment for a space adventure movie that Lucas drafted in 1973, inspired by multiple myths and classical narratives. According to one source, Lucas initially wrote summaries for fifteen stories that would make up the ''Star Wars'' saga. Out of these fifteen stories, Lucas originally planned to film only one of them as a feature film. Then, in 1978, following the success of the first released ''Star Wars'' film, he publicly announced that he would create a total of twelve films to chronicle the adventures of Luke Skywalker (in the original scripts, the character’s name was Luke Starkiller). In 1979, Lucas retracted his former statement, saying that he would instead make nine films.<ref>http://scifi.about.com/library/starwars/bl-sixornine.htm</ref> Four years later, having completed ''Return of the Jedi'', Lucas announced that he was putting ''Star Wars'' on indefinite hold until special-effects technology had improved to his satisfaction. Finally, in 1995, (after seeing the effects results of ] work on ]) Lucas decided that he would produce the trilogy of ]s (Episodes I, II, and III), for a total of six films. He also claimed at the time that he had always envisioned "the whole thing as a series of six films". | |||
Other sources, including publicly available draft scripts of ''Star Wars'', show that Lucas had an incomplete and quickly-changing conception of the ''Star Wars'' story up until the release of the first film in 1977. Story elements such as the ] present in early scripts are missing entirely in the films, while names were freely exchanged between different planets and characters — "Organa Major" being the original name for ], for instance (Organa later became Princess Leia's surname). Even as late as the production of ''The Empire Strikes Back'' and ''Return of the Jedi'', there were significant differences from the films which emerged — for example, ] being a clone from the Clone Wars and the climactic battle of ''Return of the Jedi'' taking place against two Death Stars orbiting the Imperial capital planet, then known as Had Abbadon.<ref>http://www.starwarz.com/starkiller/scripts.htm</ref> Another version of the ''Return of the Jedi'' script had Luke turning to the dark side after killing Darth Vader. Leia would then become the next Jedi to fight the dark side. This did not happen, however, because Lucas felt that the ending would be too dark, especially for children, who were a major target audience. Also, George Lucas had the script of ''The Empire Strikes Back'' saying that "Obi-Wan killed your father," all the while having the "I am your father" line in mind. Since Darth Vader's voice was overdubbed by ], the true line was revealed in post-production.<ref>Empire of Dreams documentary (extended), 2004 Star Wars DVD Box Set Bonus disk</ref> In addition, the story released as the novel '']'' was intended as a possible direction for a low-budget ''Star Wars'' sequel — however, the success of ''A New Hope'' allowed Lucas to pursue the more ambitious ''The Empire Strikes Back'' instead. | |||
Lucas has been criticized for allegedly deviating from his original conception of the universe that was introduced in the original 1977 film. It has been theorized by some that developments in the later films, including (but not limited to) the revelation of Darth Vader as the father of Luke Skywalker, the revelation of Princess Leia as Luke's sister, and the progression of Darth Vader from a powerful lackey serving under ] to a much-feared military leader answerable only to the Emperor (as well as the overall Star Wars Saga's shift in focus from Luke to Vader as the main character) go completely against the history/characters/relationships that were established in the original 1977 film. The Star Wars prequel trilogy has also been accused of similar retroactive changes that were allegedly not part of Lucas' original concept for Star Wars. | |||
For his part, Lucas claimed in a segment filmed for the ]-] ] release of the original trilogy that the original ''Star Wars'' story was intended as a single film but was later split into three because the story was too long to be told in a single film. In the ] commentaries for the original trilogy, Lucas claims that many story elements were changed within the production of the films — for instance, the attack on the Death Star in ''A New Hope'' was moved from the end of the trilogy in order to strengthen ''A New Hope'' on its own merits, while the character of Chewbacca established the Wookiees as a technologically advanced race, necessitating their replacement with Ewoks in ''Return of the Jedi''. Other changes, including the death of Obi-Wan in ''A New Hope'', were made during the filming. Lucas also stated in the commentaries that the prequel stories existed only as "notes" explaining the backstories of characters such as Obi-Wan. In an interview with ] prior to the release of ''The Phantom Menace'', Lucas remarked that he had allowed the publication of novels written as sequels to the films (see ]) because he would never make the sequels himself. | |||
Lucas's history of different statements regarding his future and past plans for the ''Star Wars'' saga have caused a great deal of popular confusion, while drawing criticism from some. For example, some still believe that Lucas's original plan was for a "trilogy of trilogies," based on early statements made by Lucasfilm regarding sequels. For more information on the supposed sequel trilogy, see ]. | |||
It has been reported that Lucas's original script was almost 500 pages long. The title, originally ''The Adventures of Luke Starkiller'', was changed several times before becoming ''Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope''.{{citation needed}} | |||
{{multiple image | |||
=== Production and release === | |||
| total_width = 320 | |||
] | |||
| caption_align = left | |||
The ''Star Wars'' film series was shot in an original ] of 2.35:1. The "original trilogy" was shot with ] lenses (Episodes IV and V were shot in Panavision, while Episode VI was shot in J.D.C. scope), while Episode I was shot in Arriscope film format, and Episodes II and III were shot with Sony's ] high-definition digital camera. | |||
| image1 = Mark_Hamill_by_Gage_Skidmore_2.jpg | |||
| image2 = Harrison Ford by Gage Skidmore 3.jpg | |||
There were countless problems during the production of ''Episode IV'', and few critics expected the film to achieve the measure of success it did. Many problems with effects, editing, funding, and shooting caused the film to be pushed back from its expected release date of December 1976. The production company, not to mention many involved in the actual production, had little faith in the movie. According to reports, it was a daily struggle merely to complete the film on time. Despite these difficulties, the first film was released on ], ], and became a surprise hit. Though its ] had hit the shelves six months earlier, the book had not seen nearly the amount of interest that the film would draw. | |||
| image3 = Carrie Fisher 2013 cropped retouched.jpg | |||
| image4 = David_Prowse_2013_(cropped).jpg | |||
| footer = The original trilogy's main cast includes (from left to right) ] (Luke Skywalker), ] (]), ] (]), and ] (]). | |||
| direction = | |||
}} | |||
In 1971, ] wanted to film an adaptation of the ], but could not obtain the rights, so he began developing his own ].<ref name=Behind>{{cite web|title=The Cinema Behind Star Wars: John Carter|website=StarWars.com|last=Young|first=Bryan|url=https://www.starwars.com/news/the-cinema-behind-star-wars-john-carter|date=December 21, 2015|access-date=September 17, 2018|archive-date=November 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108142622/https://www.starwars.com/news/the-cinema-behind-star-wars-john-carter|url-status=dead}}</ref>{{efn|Lucas started by researching the inspiration behind ]'s '']'' comic, leading him to the works of author ]—the '']'' series in particular.<ref name=Behind />}} After directing '']'' (1973), he wrote a two-page synopsis, which ] decided to invest in.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Vallely|first=Jean|date=June 12, 1980|title=The Empire Strikes Back and So Does Filmmaker George Lucas With His Sequel to Star Wars|magazine=]|publisher=Wenner Media LLC}}</ref>{{Sfn|Rinzler|2007|p=8}} By 1974, he had expanded the story into the first draft of a screenplay.<ref name=starkiller>{{cite web|access-date=March 27, 2008|url=http://starwarz.com/starkiller/scripts.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060628065925/http://www.starwarz.com/starkiller/scripts.htm |archive-date=June 28, 2006|title=Starkiller |publisher=Jedi Bendu}}</ref> Fox expected the film would be of limited financial success, and so it was given a relatively low budget, with production being moved to ] in England to help save on cost.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://whynow.co.uk/read/uk-shaped-star-wars | title=How Has the UK Shaped Star Wars? | date=May 4, 2022 | access-date=November 4, 2022 | archive-date=November 4, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221104192802/https://whynow.co.uk/read/uk-shaped-star-wars | url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
''Star Wars'' was released on May 25, 1977, and first subtitled ''Episode IV: A New Hope'' in the 1979 book '']''.<ref>{{cite tweet|user=pablohidalgo|last=Hidalgo|first=Pablo|number=1096499575131594752|title=(And just to preemptively 'well, actually' myself, 'Episode IV: A New Hope' was made public by publishing it in the screenplay in 1979's Art of Star Wars book. But it wasn't added to the crawl until 1981)|date=February 15, 2019}}</ref> The film's success led Lucas to make it the basis of an elaborate ].{{Sfn|Kaminski|2008|p=142}} With the backstory he created for the sequel, Lucas decided that the series would be a trilogy of trilogies.<ref name=PrevueLucas>Steranko, "George Lucas", ''Prevue'' #42, September–October 1980.</ref> ''Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back'' was released on May 21, 1980, also achieving wide financial and critical success. The final film in the trilogy, ''Episode VI: Return of the Jedi'', was released on May 25, 1983. | |||
Many consider the phenomenal popularity of its first release due to the need for escapism after the experiences of Vietnam and Watergate. Throughout the first half of the 70's, baby-boomers (like Lucas himself) were getting more involved in filmaking along with Coppola, Scorcese, Freidken and others only to express dark and gritty realism in their films. Star Wars offered an escape from these confining realities. | |||
==== Prequel trilogy ==== | |||
===Filming locations=== | |||
{{Main|Star Wars prequel trilogy}} | |||
Episodes IV, V, and VI were shot at, among other locations, ], in ], ]. The outdoor scenes from the ice planet ] in ''Episode V'' were shot at ], ]. Also, one shot of the Rebel Base on ] in Episode IV was of ] temples in ], ]. ''The Phantom Menace'' was filmed at ] and the subsequent prequels were filmed in ], ]. ], and the sand dunes of Yuma, Arizona, have served as the location for filming scenes set on the desert planet ] in ''A New Hope'', ''Return of the Jedi'', ''The Phantom Menace'', ''Attack of the Clones'', and ''Revenge of the Sith''. Italy's ] was used to create the ] palace on Queen Amidala's home planet, Naboo, and some scenes were also shot at ]'s ]. Also some scenes in ''A New Hope'' were shot in ], ], ] and ], ].<ref>http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0076759/locations</ref> | |||
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Both the "original trilogy" and the "prequel trilogy" were released over a period of six years (1977–1983 and 1999–2005, respectively), each movie taking two years to produce. | |||
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According to producer Gary Kurtz, loose plans for a prequel trilogy were developed during the outlining of the original two films.<ref name=kurtz>{{cite web|url=http://www.theforce.net/latestnews/story/gary_kurtz_reveals_original_plans_for_episodes_19_80270.asp|title=Gary Kurtz Reveals Original Plans for Episodes 1–9|website=TheForce.net|date=May 26, 1999|access-date=September 22, 2018|archive-date=September 29, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120929191817/http://www.theforce.net/latestnews/story/gary_kurtz_reveals_original_plans_for_episodes_19_80270.asp|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1980, Lucas confirmed that he had the nine-film series plotted,<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.jeditemplearchives.com/specialreports/banthatracks/archives/banthatracks08.pdf|magazine=Bantha Tracks|title=Interview: George Lucas|issue=8|year=1980|last=Lucas|first=George|access-date=October 11, 2018|archive-date=June 23, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130623142537/http://www.jeditemplearchives.com/specialreports/banthatracks/archives/banthatracks08.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> but due to the stress of producing the original trilogy, he had decided to cancel further sequels by 1981.{{Sfn|Kaminski|2008|p=494}} In 1983, Lucas explained that "There was never a script completed that had the entire story as it exists now ... As the stories unfolded, I would take certain ideas and save them ... I kept taking out all the good parts, and I just kept telling myself I would make other movies someday."<ref>Worrell, Denise. ''Icons: Intimate Portraits''. p. 185.</ref> | |||
Technical advances in the late 1980s and early 1990s, including the ability to create ] (CGI), inspired Lucas to consider that it might be possible to revisit his saga. In 1989, Lucas stated that the prequels would be "unbelievably expensive".{{Sfn|Kaminski|2008|p=303}} In 1992, he acknowledged that he had plans to create the prequel trilogy.{{Sfn|Kaminski|2008|p=312}} A theatrical rerelease of the original trilogy in 1997 "]" the 20-year-old films with the style of CGI envisioned for the new trilogy.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2017/02/01/20-years-ago-star-wars-special-edition-made-star-wars-special-again/?sh=5f03da032a61 |title=20 Years Ago, 'Star Wars: Special Edition' Made 'Star Wars' Special Again |website=Forbes |date=February 1, 2017 |accessdate=November 5, 2023 |archive-date=November 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231105145232/https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2017/02/01/20-years-ago-star-wars-special-edition-made-star-wars-special-again/?sh=5f03da032a61 |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
=== Musical score === | |||
{{Main|Star Wars music}} | |||
] ] the ] during the recording of the score for '']'']] | |||
The scores for all six ''Star Wars'' films were composed by ]. Lucas's intentions for ''Star Wars'' involved a grand musical sound, with ]s for different characters and important objects; an approach used to great effect, for instance, in the operas of ]. Toward this end, Lucas put together a collection of classical and romantic pieces for composer Williams to review, as an idea of what effects Lucas desired for the films. The music Williams composed was often distinctly reminiscent of the original pieces. Williams' score for ''Star Wars'' in 1977 set a new standard for science fiction films by drawing its inspiration primarily from a palette of Romantic symphonies, rather than creating completely new music (in choosing this classical approach, Williams was following the lead of '']'' and a mix-tape of ] opera and other selections compiled by George Lucas.) Although Williams had already established himself as a film composer with scores for blockbusters such as '']'' and '']'', the ''Star Wars'' score gave him international recognition. | |||
Williams' scores for the original trilogy were primarily motif-based: individual characters and settings were each given their own, unique musical theme which would identify their presence in the film, whether physically or figuratively. By combining and varying these motifs, Williams could create a score possessed of a rich, interwoven fabric. | |||
By the time of the prequel trilogy, however, Williams had grown and changed as a composer. His new scores de-emphasized motifs, tending to weave them subtly into a broader and more dynamic musical composition. He had also expanded his use of thematic motifs, using the technique to highlight the emotional or archetypal structure of the film, rather than the more literal associations to character and setting used in the earlier scores. | |||
''Episode I: The Phantom Menace'' was released on May 19, 1999, ''Episode II: Attack of the Clones'' on May 16, 2002, and ''Episode III: Revenge of the Sith'' on May 19, 2005.<ref name="release dates">{{cite web|access-date=March 27, 2008|url=https://www.starwars.com/episode-iii/bts/production/news20040405.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080415144223/http://www.starwars.com/episode-iii/bts/production/news20040405.html|archive-date=April 15, 2008|title=Episode III Release Dates Announced|website=StarWars.com|date=April 5, 2004}}</ref> The first two films were met with mixed reviews, with the third being received somewhat more positively. Together with the original trilogy, Lucas has referred to the first six episodic films of the franchise as "the tragedy of Darth Vader".<ref>{{cite web|first=Gregory|last=Wakeman|url=https://www.cinemablend.com/new/George-Lucas-Was-Terrible-Predicting-Future-Star-Wars-68506.html|title=George Lucas Was Terrible At Predicting The Future Of Star Wars|date=December 4, 2014|website=]|access-date=February 28, 2019|archive-date=January 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114031020/https://www.cinemablend.com/new/George-Lucas-Was-Terrible-Predicting-Future-Star-Wars-68506.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
=== Re-releases === | |||
{{Main|List of changes in Star Wars re-releases}} | |||
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In 1997, ''A New Hope'', ''The Empire Strikes Back'', and ''Return of the Jedi'' were re-mastered and theatrically re-released as the "Special Editions." It was one of the first films series to be re-mastered in this way, and the trend of re-mastering and re-releasing films has proven to be extremely successful and many other movies and series have followed suit. For the re-release, in addition to extensive clean-up and restoration work, Lucas also made several ] to the films in order to "finish the film the way it was meant to be" (as Lucas said in a September 2004 interview with the ]). Many of Lucas' changes for the Special Editions were cosmetic, generally adding special effects which were not originally possible. Other changes, however, are considered to have affected plot or character development. These changes, such as the change often referred to by fans as "]," have proven to be controversial, inciting considerable ], and was one of the first causes of what came to be known as "Lucas bashing". | |||
==== Sequel trilogy ==== | |||
In 2004, in addition to an extensive and comprehensive hi-definition digital cleanup and restoration job by Lowry Digital, the original films were changed once again for their release on DVD. In these new versions of the films, in addition to new scenes and major image adjustments designed to make the films visually resemble the prequels, a few changes which had been made for the 1997 Special Editions were removed. With this release, Lucasfilm created a new high-definition master of the films, which will be used in future releases as well. | |||
{{Main|Star Wars sequel trilogy}} | |||
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Prior to releasing the original 1977 film, and made possible by its success, Lucas planned "three trilogies of nine films".<ref name=PrevueLucas /><ref name=hamill>{{cite news|url=http://www.movieweb.com/news/NEDgFKFJPSFEID|title=Mark Hamill talks ''Star Wars'' 7, 8 and 9!|date=September 10, 2004|work=]|access-date=October 18, 2008|archive-date=December 6, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081206053803/http://www.movieweb.com/news/NEDgFKFJPSFEID|url-status=live}}</ref> However, he announced to '']'' in 1978 that he planned "10 sequels".<ref name=TimeMar78>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,915986,00.html|title=George Lucas' Galactic Empire|date=March 6, 1978|magazine=]|access-date=September 15, 2012|archive-date=November 3, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071103235925/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0%2C9171%2C915986%2C00.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> He confirmed that he had outlined the prequels and sequels in 1981.<ref name=Starlog50>]. "The George Lucas Saga Chapter 3: 'The Revenge of the Box Office{{'"}}. ''Starlog'' #50, September 1981.</ref> At various stages of development, the sequel trilogy was to focus on the rebuilding of the ],<ref>Gerald Clarke. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130825234833/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,924122,00.html |date=August 25, 2013 }}. ''Time'', May 19, 1980. Retrieved September 26, 2012.</ref> the return of Luke as a Jedi Master (a role similar to that of Obi-Wan Kenobi in the original trilogy),<ref name=hamill /> Luke's sister (not yet determined to be Leia),<ref name=kurtz /> Han, Leia,<ref name=Starlog237>{{cite magazine|first=Bill|last=Warren|title=Maker of Myths|magazine=Starlog|issue=#237, April 1997}}</ref> ] and ].<ref name=PrevueLucas /><ref>]. "The George Lucas Saga Chapter 1: 'A New View{{'"}}, ''Starlog'' #48, July 1981.</ref> However, after beginning work on the prequel trilogy, Lucas insisted that ''Star Wars'' was meant to be a six-part series and that there would be no sequel trilogy.<ref>{{cite book|title=Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back|last=Lucas|first=George|year=1997|publisher=]|page=i}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.killermovies.com/s/starwarsepisodeiii/articles/4415.html|title=George Lucas talks on ''Star Wars'' sequels 7, 8 & 9|date=September 13, 2004|publisher=Killer Movies|access-date=October 18, 2008|archive-date=October 11, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081011055915/http://www.killermovies.com/s/starwarsepisodeiii/articles/4415.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
Although the original films have undergone significant alterations over the years, the prequel films have received only minor changes from their theatrical versions. The DVD releases of ''The Phantom Menace'', ''Attack of the Clones'', and ''Revenge of the Sith'' have had such elements altered as small additions of scenes, touch-ups in effects, and small sound changes. | |||
Lucas decided to leave the franchise in the hands of other filmmakers, announcing in January 2012 that he would make no more ''Star Wars'' films.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/17/george-lucas-done-with-star-wars-red-tails_n_1210951.html|title=George Lucas Done With 'Star Wars' Fanboys, Talks 'Red Tails'|website=]|date=January 17, 2012|access-date=January 17, 2012|archive-date=January 18, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120118124616/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/17/george-lucas-done-with-star-wars-red-tails_n_1210951.html|url-status=live}}</ref> That October, ] agreed to buy Lucasfilm and announced that ''Episode VII'' would be released in 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/disney-star-wars-films-buy-210830937.html|title=Disney to make new 'Star Wars' films, buy Lucas co|last=Nakashima|first=Ryan|website=]|date=October 30, 2012|access-date=October 10, 2018|archive-date=October 30, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121030233227/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/disney-star-wars-films-buy-210830937.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The co-chairman of Lucasfilm, ], became president and served as executive producer of new ''Star Wars'' feature films.<ref>{{cite web| url= https://hollywoodreporter.com/news/disney-buy-lucasfilm-405-billion-384448| title= Disney to Buy Lucasfilm for Billion; New 'Star Wars' Movie Set for 2015| last= Block| first= Alex| website= ]| date= October 30, 2012| access-date= October 31, 2012| archive-date= November 1, 2012| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121101002139/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/disney-buy-lucasfilm-405-billion-384448| url-status= live}}</ref> Lucas provided Kennedy his story treatments for the sequels during the 2012 sale,<ref>{{cite web |title=George Lucas & Kathleen Kennedy Discuss Disney and the Future of Star Wars |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YyqlTi7lkhY |website=YouTube.com |publisher=Lucasfilm |access-date=March 28, 2019 |date=October 30, 2012 |quote="I have story treatments of VII, VIII, and IX ... and I have complete confidence that 's going to take them and make great movies." |archive-date=April 13, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190413083953/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YyqlTi7lkhY |url-status=live }}</ref> but in 2015 it was revealed Lucas's sequel outline had been discarded.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Breznican |first1=Anthony |title=George Lucas on 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens': 'They weren't keen to have me involved' |url=https://ew.com/article/2015/11/20/george-lucas-star-wars-force-awakens-breakup/ |access-date=March 28, 2019 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=November 20, 2015 |quote=hey looked at the stories and they said, 'We want to make something for the fans' ... So I said, 'All I want to do is tell a story of what happened'. |archive-date=March 28, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328231251/https://ew.com/article/2015/11/20/george-lucas-star-wars-force-awakens-breakup/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Sciretta |first1=Peter |title=Interview: J.J. Abrams Talks About Abandoning George Lucas' Treatments and Lessons of the Star Wars Prequels |url=https://www.slashfilm.com/jj-abrams-interview-star-wars-the-force-awakens/ |access-date=March 28, 2019 |publisher=Slashfilm |quote=I came on board, and Disney had already decided they didn't want to go that direction. So the mandate was to start from scratch. |archive-date=March 28, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328231105/https://www.slashfilm.com/jj-abrams-interview-star-wars-the-force-awakens/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The sequel trilogy also meant the end of the ] stories, which were discarded from ] to give "maximum creative freedom to the filmmakers and also preserve an element of surprise and discovery for the audience."<ref name="SW Legends" /> | |||
For many years, Lucas has stated that the original, unaltered versions of the trilogy would never be released again, having been released for the last time on VHS and ] in 1995. However, on ], ], Lucasfilm announced on the official ''Star Wars'' site that due to "overwhelming demand", the original versions would be released on DVD on ], ]. Each film was released as a two-disc set with the 2004 versions of the films on one disc, and the original, unaltered film on the second disc, as a bonus feature. The set is only available until ], ], then will be withdrawn from the market. | |||
''Episode VII: The Force Awakens'' was released on December 16, 2015, ''Episode VIII: The Last Jedi'' on December 13, 2017, and ''Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker'' on December 18, 2019, in many countries.{{efn|Each film was released two days later in the U.S.}} ''The Force Awakens'' and ''The Last Jedi'' were both critical and box office successes.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://qz.com/575399/star-wars-the-force-awakens-reviews-are-in-and-theyre-overwhelmingly-positive/ |title='Star Wars: The Force Awakens' reviews are in, and they're overwhelmingly positive |last=Epstein |first=Adam |work=] |date=December 16, 2015 |access-date=December 28, 2015 |archive-date=December 26, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151226172951/http://qz.com/575399/star-wars-the-force-awakens-reviews-are-in-and-theyre-overwhelmingly-positive/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2017/12/star-wars-the-last-jedi-rotten-tomatoes-metacritic-imdb-users-cinemascore-posttrak-1202228837/ |title=Did Audiences Enjoy 'Star Wars: The Last Jedi'? Deciphering Online User Reviews From Exit Polls |author=D'Alessandro, Anthony |date=December 17, 2017 |work=] |access-date=February 26, 2021 |archive-date=December 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181223234045/https://deadline.com/2017/12/star-wars-the-last-jedi-rotten-tomatoes-metacritic-imdb-users-cinemascore-posttrak-1202228837/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Episode IX'' received a mixed reception from critics and audiences.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2019/12/jj-abrams-reacts-last-jedi-rise-of-skywalker |title=J.J. Abrams on The Rise of Skywalker Critics and Defenders: "They're All Right" |magazine=] |publisher=] |date=December 21, 2019 |access-date=January 1, 2020 |first=Anthony |last=Breznican |archive-date=December 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223205624/https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2019/12/jj-abrams-reacts-last-jedi-rise-of-skywalker |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
There has been controversy surrounding this release, since it was revealed that the DVDs featured non-anamorphic versions of the original, unaltered films based on laserdisc releases from 1993 (as opposed to newly-remastered, film-based transfers). Since non-anamorphic transfers fail to make full use of the resolution available on widescreen sets, many fans were upset over this choice. | |||
=== |
=== Standalone films === | ||
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" style="text-align:center; margin=auto; width:100%;" | |||
! style="width:17%;" | Film | |||
At a ShoWest convention in 2005, George Lucas demonstrated new technology and stated that he planned to release all six films in a new ] format, beginning with ''A New Hope'' in 2007.<ref>http://film.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/Guardian/0,4029,1440820,00.html</ref> | |||
! U.S. release date | |||
! Directed by | |||
Additionally, Lucas has hinted in the past that he will release his definitive (often called "archival") editions of all six of his ''Star Wars'' films on a next-generation home-video format in 2007. This release would coincide with the 30th anniversary of the ''Star Wars'' saga. It has been speculated that he will take this opportunity to make any final adjustments, changes, additions, and/or subtractions to his films for this final release. An altered clip from ''The Phantom Menace'' included in a featurette on the DVD release of ''Revenge of the Sith'' (in which a computer generated Yoda replaces the original puppet) appears to be a sign that the "archival" editions are indeed in the works. | |||
! Screenplay by | |||
! Story by | |||
It is said that this edition will be released in a "Grand Saga" box set. Lucasfilm Vice President of Marketing Jim Ward confirmed that in this final release, Lucasfilm is likely to return to John Lowry to do even more work on the films (possibly digital contemporization of the original trilogy). He says, "As the technology evolves and we get into a high-definition platform that is easily consumable by our customers, the situation is much better, but there will always be work to be done."<ref>http://www.apple.com/pro/film/lowry/starwars/index2.html</ref> | |||
! Produced by | |||
! {{nowrap|{{Abbr|Refs.|References}}}} | |||
Producer Rick McCallum has also explained that Lucasfilm has been holding back a large amount of bonus material for this release, including deleted scenes, as well as numerous previous ''Star Wars'' "making-ofs," spin-offs, television specials, documentaries, and other special material. | |||
|- | |||
! scope="row"| '']'' | |||
| style="text-align:left"| {{Start date|2016|12|16}} | |||
| ] | |||
| ] and ] | |||
| ] and ] | |||
| rowspan="2"| Kathleen Kennedy, ] and Simon Emanuel | |||
| <ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2016/05/star-wars-rogue-one-re-shoots-no-test-screening-release-date-1201765101/|title='Rogue One': Re-Shoots But No Test Screening; Release Date Not Impacted|date=May 31, 2016|first=Anita|last=Busch|website=]|access-date=October 15, 2020|archive-date=November 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111163604/https://deadline.com/2016/05/star-wars-rogue-one-re-shoots-no-test-screening-release-date-1201765101/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
! scope="row" | '']'' | |||
| style="text-align:left"| {{Start date|2018|05|25}} | |||
| ] | |||
| colspan="2"| ] & Lawrence Kasdan | |||
| <ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2018/05/solo-star-wars-story-review-alden-ehrenreich-donald-glover-ron-howard-lucasfilm-disney-1202397776/|title='Solo: A Star Wars Story' Review: Han, Chewy & Lando Save The Day In Rip-Roarin' Origin Story|date=May 24, 2018|first=Pete|last=Hammond|website=]|access-date=October 15, 2020|archive-date=June 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615111118/https://deadline.com/2018/05/solo-star-wars-story-review-alden-ehrenreich-donald-glover-ron-howard-lucasfilm-disney-1202397776/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
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|} | |||
Several ''Star Wars'' films have been produced separately from the Skywalker Saga. In 2008, Lucasfilm released the animated film '']'', which is set during the prequel trilogy and serves as the theatrical pilot of the ].<ref name="CWQA">{{cite web |url=https://www.starwars.com/theclonewars/news/news20080317.html |title=George Lucas Talks 'Star Wars: The Clone Wars' |publisher=Starwars.com |date=March 17, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604040751/http://www.starwars.com/theclonewars/news/news20080317.html |archive-date=June 4, 2011 }}</ref> Following Disney's acquisition of Lucasfilm in 2012, an "anthology" film series set between the main episodes of the Skywalker Saga entered development in parallel with the production of the sequel trilogy,<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/movies/news/a849876/george-lucas-solo-a-star-wars-story-han-solo-movie-disney-lucasfilm/|title=Lucas had been developing a Han Solo movie for ages|website=]|first=Louise|last=McCreesh|date=February 13, 2018|access-date=March 14, 2018|archive-date=March 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180314181430/http://www.digitalspy.com/movies/news/a849876/george-lucas-solo-a-star-wars-story-han-solo-movie-disney-lucasfilm/|url-status=live}}</ref> described by Disney chief financial officer ] as ].<ref name="Graser">{{cite news|last=Graser|first=Marc|title=''Star Wars'': The 'Sky's the Limit' for Disney's Spinoff Opportunities|url=https://variety.com/2013/biz/news/star-wars-skies-the-limit-for-disney-when-it-comes-to-opportunities-1200609291/|access-date=September 13, 2013|newspaper=Variety|date=September 12, 2013|archive-date=November 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114043220/https://variety.com/2013/biz/news/star-wars-skys-the-limit-for-disney-when-it-comes-to-opportunities-1200609291/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
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The first film released was 2016's '']'', which tells the story of the ] who steal the plans for the ], the ]'s superweapon, just before the events of the original ''Star Wars'' film.<ref name="Entertainment Weekly">{{cite magazine|last=Breznican|first=Anthony|author-link=Anthony Breznican|title=Star Wars: Rogue One and mystery standalone movie take center stage|url=https://ew.com/article/2015/04/19/star-wars-rogue-one-and-mystery-stand-alone-movie-take-center-stage|access-date=April 19, 2015|magazine=]|date=April 19, 2015|archive-date=April 20, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150420013720/http://www.ew.com/article/2015/04/19/star-wars-rogue-one-and-mystery-stand-alone-movie-take-center-stage|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/2016/11/22/rogue-one-lucasfilm-new-star-wars-movies|title=As Rogue One looms, Lucasfilm develops secret plans for new Star Wars movies|last=Breznican|first=Anthony|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=November 22, 2016|access-date=December 7, 2019|archive-date=January 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200107235510/https://ew.com/article/2016/11/22/rogue-one-lucasfilm-new-star-wars-movies/|url-status=live}}</ref> A second film, 2018's '']'', tells Han Solo's backstory, set 10 years prior to '']''.<ref>{{Cite video|title = ]|publisher=]|date=2018|medium=Blu-ray}}</ref> The series '']'' was originally planned as a film, but changed to a miniseries due to ''Solo'' underperforming at the box office.<ref name="Obi-Wan Solo">{{Cite web |author=Analysis by Brian Lowry |title=As 'Obi-Wan Kenobi' heads to Disney+, just remember: It's Han Solo's fault |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/03/09/entertainment/obi-wan-column/index.html |access-date=March 11, 2022 |website=CNN |date=March 9, 2022 |archive-date=March 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220311232231/https://www.cnn.com/2022/03/09/entertainment/obi-wan-column/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
=== Upcoming films === | |||
There has been much hope for another Star Wars trilogy but George Lucas has said that there are no plans for episodes 7, 8, and 9. | |||
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center; margin=auto; width:100%;" | |||
! Film | |||
! U.S. release date | |||
! Directed by | |||
! Screenplay by | |||
! Story by | |||
! Produced by | |||
! Status | |||
! {{nowrap|{{Abbr|Refs.|References}}}} | |||
|- | |||
|- | |||
! scope="row" | '']'' | |||
| style="text-align:left"| {{Start date|2026|5|22}} | |||
| ] | |||
| colspan="2" | Jon Favreau and ] | |||
| Jon Favreau, ] and Dave Filoni | |||
| Post-production | |||
| <ref>{{Cite web |last=Grobar |first=Matt |date=2024-01-09 |title='The Mandalorian & Grogu': Jon Favreau To Direct And Produce 'Star Wars' Pic For Lucasfilm |url=https://deadline.com/2024/01/mandalorian-grogu-movie-jon-favreau-lucasfilm-1235700326/ |access-date=2024-01-09 |website=] |language=en-US |archive-date=January 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240109174536/https://deadline.com/2024/01/mandalorian-grogu-movie-jon-favreau-lucasfilm-1235700326/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Mando&GroguReleaseDate">{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2024/04/mandalorian-grogu-moana-live-action-toy-story-5-disney-2026-release-dates-1235876948/amp/|title='Mandalorian & Grogu', 'Moana' Live Action & 'Toy Story 5' Stake Out 2026 Release Dates|website=Deadline Hollywood|last=D'Alessandro|first=Alexander|date=April 5, 2024|access-date=April 5, 2024|archive-date=April 5, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240405181250/https://deadline.com/2024/04/mandalorian-grogu-moana-live-action-toy-story-5-disney-2026-release-dates-1235876948/amp/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
! scope="row" | Untitled ''New Jedi Order'' film | |||
| style="text-align:left" rowspan="3" {{N/A|TBA}} | |||
| ] | |||
| style="text-align:left" colspan="2" {{N/A|TBA}} | |||
| rowspan="2" | Kathleen Kennedy | |||
| Pre-production | |||
| <ref name="Future_Deadline" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=2024-10-25 |title=Search For New Scribe On Daisy Ridley 'Star Wars' Movie Underway After Steven Knight Exit |url=https://deadline.com/2024/10/star-wars-daisy-ridley-movie-steven-knight-1236158445/ |access-date=2024-10-29 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
! scope="row" | Untitled ''Dawn of the Jedi'' film | |||
| colspan="1" | ] | |||
| colspan="2" | James Mangold and ]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/star-wars-beau-willimon-to-co-write-james-mangolds-movie-exclusive-1235867598/ | title='Star Wars': Beau Willimon to Co-Write James Mangold's Movie (Exclusive) | website=] | date=April 5, 2024 | access-date=April 6, 2024 | archive-date=April 6, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240406024011/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/star-wars-beau-willimon-to-co-write-james-mangolds-movie-exclusive-1235867598/ | url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
| rowspan="2" | In development | |||
| <ref name="Future_Deadline">{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2023/04/daisy-ridley-reprising-rey-in-sharmeen-obaid-chinoy-steven-knight-star-wars-movie-star-wars-celebration-1235319893/|work=]|title=Daisy Ridley Returning As Rey In Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy & Steven Knight Star Wars Movie|author=Goldbart, Max|date=April 7, 2023|access-date=April 7, 2023|archive-date=January 9, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240109182501/https://deadline.com/2023/04/daisy-ridley-reprising-rey-in-sharmeen-obaid-chinoy-steven-knight-star-wars-movie-star-wars-celebration-1235319893/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
! scope="row" | Untitled ''New Republic'' film | |||
| colspan="3" | Dave Filoni | |||
| Kathleen Kennedy and Jon Favreau | |||
| <ref name="Future_Deadline" /> | |||
|} | |||
In April 2023, three new ''Star Wars'' films were announced to be set within ] of the franchise.<ref name="SWCE 2023"/> An untitled film written and directed by ] will be set during the "dawn of the Jedi".<ref name="SWCE 2023"/> ] will direct a film set between the original and sequel trilogies during the ] era, serving as the climax of the ] that began with '']'' in 2019.<ref name="SWCE 2023"/> ] will direct a third film about a new Jedi Order, set fifteen years after the sequel trilogy.<ref name="Future_Deadline"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.starwars.com/news/swce-2023-lucasfilm-studio-showcase?cmp=smc%7C9460393092/|work=StarWars.com|title=SWCE 2023: 11 Highlights from Lucasfilm's Studio Showcase|author=Brooks, Dan|date=April 8, 2023|access-date=April 9, 2023|archive-date=April 12, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412000504/https://www.starwars.com/news/swce-2023-lucasfilm-studio-showcase?cmp=smc%7C9460393092/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
===Television rights=== | |||
Aside from pay-per-view cable showings, the original ''Star Wars'' movie (Episode IV) first saw TV release in 1983 on all the major pay-cable networks (], ], etc.). ] had exclusive network rights when it aired on commercial television one year later, and continued on CBS for several years. The remaining films in the original trilogy also made their cable rounds (pay-per-view, premium cable) before airing on network television (] acquired the original network rights to ''The Empire Strikes Back'' and ''Return of the Jedi''). In 1992, the ] became the first U.S. network to air the three then-existing episodes in the saga. Sci-Fi retained TV rights until 1996, in preparation for the theatrical release of the "Special Editions" of the original trilogy. In 1998, a year after the SE releases, ] acquired limited one-month premium cable rights to the "Special Edition" of ''Star Wars'' for airing in January. It continued on broadcast stations, including superstations ] and ], for several years after). | |||
In 1999, to promote '']'', the remaining "Special Edition" films (V and VI) aired on U.S. broadcast network ] (they bypassed pay-per-view and premium cable for direct broadcast airing). That same year, Fox acquired all television rights to Episode I after the premium cable networks declined due to cost. A similar situation nearly happened with '']'', until ] struck a last-minute deal with Fox and Lucasfilm for the exclusive pay-cable rights. Episode II, like its predecessor, never saw prior pay-per-view cable release, but it did run on HBO and sister network ] during its 18-month term of license. The Fox network acquired the U.S. network television rights. In April/May 2005, to promote the then-upcoming '']'', Episodes I, IV, V, and VI were placed in limited ] distribution, while the Fox network was able to air Episode II in mid-May, prior to Episode III's initial theatrical release. | |||
During negotiations for the cable rights to Episode II, HBO/Cinemax also struck a first-look deal for Episode III, which they accepted and is currently on its initial 18-month term of license (it was also the only ''Star Wars'' prequel film to see any pay-per-view cable issue). In addition, the ]-owned networks were able to win the right to become the first U.S. television network system (cable or broadcast) to air all six films in the saga, and Cinemax will air them beginning November 2006 in High Definition. The six films will also be repeated on HBO in High Defenition. The versions of Episodes IV, V, and VI that will be aired will be the 2004 DVD Special Editions, as they are the current canonical versions. In the UK, Sky purchased the rights to air all six movies in August 2006, becoming the first English-language television network to air all six films, which will be aired in order of release, beginning with the original Episode IV. Afterwards, the episodes will continue to be shown during the "100 films a month" cycles on Sky Movies. Meanwhile ], in a separate deal, acquired the commercial broadcast rights to Episode III, including the right to become the first broadcast network to air all six films (the deal takes effect in April 2008). | |||
In January 2024, it was announced that ] would direct a new ''Star Wars'' film, titled ''The Mandalorian & Grogu''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rubin |first=Rebecca |date=2024-01-09 |title='Star Wars' Announces New Movie 'The Mandalorian & Grogu' From Director Jon Favreau |url=https://variety.com/2024/film/news/mandalorian-grogu-star-wars-movie-baby-yoda-jon-favreau-1235866277/ |access-date=2024-01-09 |website=Variety |language=en-US |archive-date=January 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240109211551/https://variety.com/2024/film/news/mandalorian-grogu-star-wars-movie-baby-yoda-jon-favreau-1235866277/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In February of the same year, ] announced that the film would be the first release of the next slate of ''Star Wars'' movies.<ref name="Slate_SR">{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/star-wars-next-movie-plans-the-mandalorian-and-grogu-confirmed/|work=Screen Rant|title=Disney CEO Confirms Next Star Wars Movie Plans, Hints More Films Yet To Be Announced|author=Bacon, Thomas|date=February 7, 2024|accessdate=February 7, 2024|archive-date=February 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216000748/https://screenrant.com/star-wars-next-movie-plans-the-mandalorian-and-grogu-confirmed/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''The Mandalorian & Grogu'' is scheduled for release on May 22, 2026.<ref name="Mando&GroguReleaseDate"/> | |||
== Expanded Universe == | |||
{{Main|Expanded Universe (Star Wars)}} | |||
====Other potential projects==== | |||
The term "Expanded Universe" has come into existence as an umbrella term for all of the officially licensed ''Star Wars'' material outside of the six feature films. This includes television productions, books, comics, games, and other forms of media. The material expands and continues the stories told in the films, taking place anywhere from 25,000 years before ''The Phantom Menace'' to 140 years after ''Return of the Jedi''. The first Expanded Universe story appeared in ]' ''Star Wars'' #7 in January 1978 (the first six issues of the series having been an adaptation of the movie), followed quickly by ]'s novel '']'' the following month. | |||
Lucasfilm has a number of ''Star Wars'' films in various stages of development, including: | |||
* '''Untitled Rian Johnson trilogy''': In November 2017, a trilogy of movies written by ''The Last Jedi'' writer/director ] was announced to be in development.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.starwars.com/news/rian-johnson-writer-director-of-star-wars-the-last-jedi-to-create-all-new-star-wars-trilogy|title=Rian Johnson, Writer-Director of ''Star Wars: The Last Jedi'', to Create All-New ''Star Wars'' Trilogy|website=StarWars.com|date=November 9, 2017|access-date=November 9, 2017|archive-date=November 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171116155713/http://www.starwars.com/news/rian-johnson-writer-director-of-star-wars-the-last-jedi-to-create-all-new-star-wars-trilogy|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Breznican |first=Anthony |title=Lucasfilm putting the 'Star Wars' movies 'on hiatus' after this year |url=https://ew.com/movies/2019/04/13/lucasfilm-star-wars-movies-hiatus/ |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |access-date=April 15, 2019 |date=April 13, 2019 |archive-date=April 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190414230434/https://ew.com/movies/2019/04/13/lucasfilm-star-wars-movies-hiatus/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In April 2023, Kennedy stated that trilogy of films is still in open development at the studio, with the writer/director working on the story, although it is not currently a priority.<ref name="variety.com">{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2023/film/news/kathleen-kennedy-star-wars-celebration-lucasfilm-daisy-ridley-obi-wan-kenobi-season-2-1235577414/|title=Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy on Daisy Ridley's New Rey Film, 'Obi-Wan Kenobi' Season 2 and Rian Johnson's 'Star Wars' Future|website=Variety|date=April 8, 2023|access-date=April 9, 2023|archive-date=April 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230409033903/https://variety.com/2023/film/news/kathleen-kennedy-star-wars-celebration-lucasfilm-daisy-ridley-obi-wan-kenobi-season-2-1235577414/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
George Lucas retains ultimate creative control over the ''Star Wars'' universe. For example, the death of central characters and similar changes in the status quo must first pass his screening before authors are given the go-ahead. In addition, Lucasfilm Licensing devotes considerable effort to ensure continuity between the works of various authors across multiple companies. | |||
* '''Untitled David Benioff and D. B. Weiss trilogy''': In February 2018, it was announced that ] and ] would serve as writers and producers on a trilogy of new ''Star Wars'' movies.<ref name="BenioffWeiss_Deadline">{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2018/02/star-wars-trilogy-david-benioff-d-b-weiss-game-of-thrones-duo-1202279600/|work=]|title='Game Of Thrones' Duo Benioff & Weiss To Pilot New 'Star Wars' Movie Series|author=Hipes, Patrick|date=February 6, 2018|accessdate=April 12, 2023|archive-date=April 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230413050353/https://deadline.com/2018/02/star-wars-trilogy-david-benioff-d-b-weiss-game-of-thrones-duo-1202279600/|url-status=live}}</ref> The plot would take place chronologically before the prequel trilogy, and center around the origin of the Jedi.<ref name="BenioffWeiss_Variety">{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2019/film/features/star-wars-kathleen-kennedy-david-benioff-db-weiss-1203388611/amp/|work=Variety|title='Star Wars': Inside 'Game of Thrones' Creators' Exit and the Pressures Facing Lucasfilm (EXCLUSIVE)|author=Kroll, Justin & Brent Lang|date=October 30, 2019|accessdate=April 12, 2023|archive-date=April 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230413050353/https://variety.com/2019/film/features/star-wars-kathleen-kennedy-david-benioff-db-weiss-1203388611/amp/|url-status=live}}</ref> By May 2019, the duo were also slated to serve as co-directors of the first installment in their three films.<ref name="BenioffWeiss_Deadline2">{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2019/05/star-wars-game-of-thrones-david-benioff-d-b-weiss-bob-iger-1202614731/|work=]|title='Star Wars' Film Future: Bob Iger Confirms 'Game Of Thrones' Duo Helming Next Installment After Franchise "Hiatus"|author=Hayes, Dade|date=May 19, 2019|accessdate=April 12, 2023|archive-date=April 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230413050353/https://deadline.com/2019/05/star-wars-game-of-thrones-david-benioff-d-b-weiss-bob-iger-1202614731/|url-status=live}}</ref> In October of the same year however, the filmmaking duo exited development of the projects due to scheduling conflicts with projects they are developing for ]. Kennedy stated that the studio is open to working with the duo, and developing their films once their schedule allows it.<ref name="BenioffWeiss_Deadline3">{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2019/10/star-wars-setback-game-of-thrones-duo-david-benioff-d-b-weiss-exit-trilogy-1202771184/|work=]|title='Star Wars' Setback: 'Game Of Thrones' Duo David Benioff & D.B. Weiss Exit Trilogy|author=Boucher, Geoff|date=October 28, 2019|accessdate=April 12, 2023|archive-date=July 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200721195000/https://deadline.com/2019/10/star-wars-setback-game-of-thrones-duo-david-benioff-d-b-weiss-exit-trilogy-1202771184/|url-status=live}}</ref> In January 2024, the filmmaking duo announced that the working title was ''The First Jedi'' and would have followed the titular ancient protagonist. The pair cast doubt on returning to their planned trilogy, commenting on its apparent influence on James Mangold's similarly premised ''Dawn of the Jedi'' movie.<ref name="BenioffWeiss_THR">{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/david-benioff-dan-weiss-star-wars-movie-the-first-jedi-1235784437/|work=The Hollywood Reporter|title=David Benioff and Dan Weiss Reveal Their Shelved Star Wars Idea: 'The First Jedi'|author=Hibberd, James|date=January 10, 2024|accessdate=April 6, 2024|archive-date=April 6, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240406213507/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/david-benioff-dan-weiss-star-wars-movie-the-first-jedi-1235784437/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
* '''Untitled Taika Waititi film''': In May 2020, ] signed onto the project which was stated to be the first priority for the studio, with the filmmaker Waititi serving as director from a script he is co-writing with ].<ref>{{cite web|date=May 4, 2020|title=Taika Waititi to Direct, Co-Write new Star Wars Film|url=https://www.starwars.com/news/taika-waititi-announce|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200504161812/https://www.starwars.com/news/taika-waititi-announce|archive-date=May 4, 2020|access-date=May 7, 2020|website=StarWars.com}}</ref> In May 2022, the movie was named as the next ''Star Wars'' film to begin production ahead of ''Rogue Squadron'', with Kennedy stating that the studio was tentatively looking towards late 2023 for a debut, but had not yet officially set a release date.<ref name="vanityfair.com">{{Cite magazine |date=May 17, 2022 |title='Star Wars': The Rebellion Will Be Televised |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2022/05/star-wars-cover-the-rebellion-will-be-televised |access-date=May 29, 2022 |magazine=Vanity Fair |language=en-US |archive-date=July 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706133507/https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2022/05/star-wars-cover-the-rebellion-will-be-televised |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |first1=Jack |last1=Shepherd |date=May 27, 2022 |title=Kathleen Kennedy on the future of Star Wars movies: "We need to create a whole new saga" |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/star-wars-movies-kathleen-kennedy-celebration-interview/ |access-date=May 29, 2022 |website=gamesradar |language=en |archive-date=May 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220528062338/https://www.gamesradar.com/star-wars-movies-kathleen-kennedy-celebration-interview/ |url-status=live }}</ref> By April 2023, she stated that the project is still in development, with Waititi continuing to work on the script.<ref name="THRSept2022">{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/star-wars-rogue-squadron-removed-2023-1235221389/|title=Disney Pushes 'Haunted Mansion' to Summer 2023, Removes 'Star Wars' Movie 'Rogue Squadron' From Calendar|website=]|date=September 15, 2022 |access-date=October 1, 2022|archive-date=October 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221001105829/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/star-wars-rogue-squadron-removed-2023-1235221389/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="variety.com"/> | |||
* '''''Rogue Squadron''''': An anthology film, following the events of ''Rogue One'', will be directed by ] with a script written by ].<ref name="PattyJenkins">{{Cite web|last=Stedman|first=Alex|date=December 10, 2020|title=Patty Jenkins to Direct 'Star Wars' Movie 'Rogue Squadron'|url=https://variety.com/2020/more/news/patty-jenkins-star-wars-1234851113/|access-date=December 10, 2020|website=Variety|language=en-US|archive-date=December 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201210235631/https://variety.com/2020/more/news/patty-jenkins-star-wars-1234851113/|url-status=live}}</ref> In April 2023, Kennedy stated that the script is still in development, with the studio considering changing the project into a television series.<ref name="RogueSquadron_CB.com">{{cite web|url=https://comicbook.com/starwars/news/star-wars-rogue-squadron-update-status-lucasfilm-kathleen-kennedy-patty-jenkins/|work=]|title=Star Wars: Rogue Squadron "Definitely" Still Possible at Lucasfilm, Could Pivot to Series|author=Cavanaugh, Patrick|date=April 7, 2023|accessdate=April 12, 2023|archive-date=April 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230413050353/https://comicbook.com/starwars/news/star-wars-rogue-squadron-update-status-lucasfilm-kathleen-kennedy-patty-jenkins/|url-status=live}}</ref> In March 2024, Jenkins announced that she had once again commenced working on the script; confirming that developments for the project are ongoing.<ref name="RogueSquadron_THR">{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/patty-jenkins-star-wars-rogue-squadron-1235852540/|work=The Hollywood Reporter|title=Patty Jenkins Says She's Back on 'Star Wars' Movie 'Rogue Squadron'|author=Hibberd, James|date=March 14, 2024|accessdate=April 6, 2024|archive-date=April 6, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240406183240/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/patty-jenkins-star-wars-rogue-squadron-1235852540/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
* '''Untitled J.D. Dillard film''': In February 2020, a film was announced to be in development from director ] and writer Matt Owens;<ref name="vtyDillardFilm">{{cite web | url = https://variety.com/2020/film/news/star-wars-movie-jd-dillard-1203511055/ | title = New 'Star Wars' Movie in Development With 'Sleight' Director, 'Luke Cage' Writer | work = ] | first = Adam B. | last = Vary | date = February 21, 2020 | access-date = February 21, 2020 | archive-date = October 6, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201006234802/https://variety.com/2020/film/news/star-wars-movie-jd-dillard-1203511055/ | url-status = live }}</ref> although, Dillard announced he was no longer to direct that film in November 2022.<ref>{{cite web |date=November 8, 2022 |first=Drew |last=Taylor |title=J.D. Dillard Star Wars Movie No Longer Happening |url=https://www.thewrap.com/jd-dillard-star-wars-movie-update-rocketeer-sequel/ |access-date=December 13, 2022 |archive-date=December 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221212172720/https://www.thewrap.com/jd-dillard-star-wars-movie-update-rocketeer-sequel/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
* '''''Star Wars: A Droid Story''''': In December 2020, an animated film centered around the adventures of R2-D2 and C-3PO was announced as being in development; the story will introduce a new heroic character to the franchise, alongside the two returning droids. The project will be a joint-venture production between Lucasfilm Animation, and Industrial Light & Magic. The film is being developed to debut via ], exclusively through ].<ref name="A Droid Story">{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/starwars/status/1337177098364940289|work=Star Wars Official Twitter|title=A Droid Story|date=December 10, 2020|accessdate=April 12, 2023|archive-date=April 4, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404161427/https://twitter.com/starwars/status/1337177098364940289|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="A Droid Story_SW">{{cite web|url=https://www.starwars.com/news/future-lucasfilm-projects-revealed|work=StarWars.com|title=Future Lucasfilm Projects Revealed|author=Lucasfilm|date=December 10, 2020|accessdate=April 12, 2023|archive-date=December 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201213074720/https://www.starwars.com/news/future-lucasfilm-projects-revealed|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="A Droid Story_SR">{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/a-droid-story-info-characters-details-updates/#:~:text=Not%20much%20has%20been%20revealed,drop%20directly%20on%20Disney%20Plus.|work=]|title=A Droid Story: Story Info & Everything We Know So Far|author=Thapa, Shaurya|date=March 27, 2023|accessdate=April 12, 2023|archive-date=April 12, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412054230/https://screenrant.com/a-droid-story-info-characters-details-updates/#:~:text=Not%20much%20has%20been%20revealed,drop%20directly%20on%20Disney%20Plus.|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
* '''Untitled Shawn Levy film''': In November 2022, ] entered talks to direct a ''Star Wars'' film, following his work on '']'' (2024) and the ] of '']''.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Fleming |first1=Mike Jr |last2=Kroll |first2=Justin |date=November 8, 2022 |title=Shawn Levy In Talks To Direct A 'Star Wars' Film After 'Deadpool 3' & 'Stranger Things' Final Eps |url=https://deadline.com/2022/11/star-wars-film-shawn-levy-directing-talks-after-deadpool-3-stranger-things-lucasfilm-1235166644/ |website=] |language=en-US |access-date=April 26, 2023 |archive-date=November 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221108220928/https://deadline.com/2022/11/star-wars-film-shawn-levy-directing-talks-after-deadpool-3-stranger-things-lucasfilm-1235166644/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In September 2023, Levy said that development on his ''Star Wars'' film began, but would not continue until after the conclusion of the ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=McPherson |first=Chris |date=September 11, 2023 |title=Shawn Levy Gives an Update on His Upcoming Star Wars Movie |url=https://collider.com/new-star-wars-movie-update-shawn-levy-comments/ |access-date=May 19, 2024 |website=]}}</ref> | |||
*'''''Lando''''': In December 2020, a spin-off series to ''Solo: A Star Wars Story'' was announced as being in development. The miniseries which was being developed exclusively for Disney+ was revealed to be centered around ], titled ''Lando''. ] was confirmed at that time to be reprising the lead role, while ] was named as the series creator and showrunner. By July 2020 however, Donald and ] were hired to replace Simien, write and redevelop the show.<ref name="Lando_Variety">{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/donald-glover-stephen-write-lando-series-disney-justin-simien-exits-1235681988/|work=Variety|title=Donald Glover and Brother Stephen to Write 'Lando' Series at Disney+ as Justin Simien Exits|author=Bell, BreAnna|date=July 27, 2023|accessdate=April 13, 2024|archive-date=January 9, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240109225526/https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/donald-glover-stephen-write-lando-series-disney-justin-simien-exits-1235681988/|url-status=live}}</ref> In September 2023, the show was repurposed to be released as a ] film instead.<ref name="Lando_Deadline">{{Cite web|last=D'Alessandro|first=Anthony|date=September 14, 2023|title='Lando' No Longer A Series, Rather A Movie|url=https://deadline.com/2023/09/lando-movie-stephen-glover-donald-glover-1235546898/|access-date=September 14, 2023|website=Variety|language=en-US|archive-date=September 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230914170807/https://deadline.com/2023/09/lando-movie-stephen-glover-donald-glover-1235546898/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
* '''Untitled Simon Kinberg trilogy''': In November 2024, ] was hired to write and produce the new trilogy of ''Star Wars'' movies.<ref name="l236">{{cite web | last=Rubin | first=Rebecca | title=New 'Star Wars' Trilogy in the Works From 'X-Men' Alum Simon Kinberg | website=Variety | date=2024-11-07 | url=https://variety.com/2024/film/news/star-wars-new-trilogy-simon-kinberg-1236203793/ | access-date=2024-11-07}}</ref> The series of movies was reported to be ''Episode X''–''XII'',<ref name="Episode10-12">{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2024/11/star-wars-trilogy-simon-kinberg-movies-1236169916/|work=Deadline|title='Star Wars' Trilogy Deal: Lucasfilm Taps Simon Kinberg To Write & Produce|author=Fleming, Mike Jr.|date=November 7, 2024}}</ref> though this was also disputed by other sources.<ref name="Episodes10-12_THR">{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/star-wars-simon-kinberg-trilogy-1236055848/|work=The Hollywood Reporter|title='Star Wars': Simon Kinberg to Write, Produce New Trilogy for Lucasfilm|author=Kit, Borys|date=November 7, 2024|accessdate=November 9, 2024}}</ref> | |||
== Television == | |||
Some purists reject the Expanded Universe as "]", believing that only the events in the film series are part of the "real" ''Star Wars'' universe. However, elements of the Expanded Universe have been adopted by Lucas for use in the films. These included the name of the Republic/Empire capital planet, ], which first appeared in ]'s novel '']'' before being used in ''The Phantom Menace'', while a character introduced in ]' ''Star Wars'' series, a blue Jedi Knight named Aayla Secura, was liked enough by Lucas to be included as a character in ''Attack of the Clones'' (and is seen meeting her demise in ''Revenge of the Sith'' in an ambush on the jungle planet Felucia). | |||
{{Main|List of Star Wars television series}} | |||
{{Series overview | |||
] and ] in animated form.]] | |||
| seasonT = Seasons | |||
=== Television === | |||
| network = y | |||
To date, three films and three animated series have been produced for television, with a live-action series in pre-production. For the most part, Lucas has played a large role in the production of the television projects — usually serving as storywriter and/or executive producer. | |||
| released = y | |||
| multiseries = {{Series overview/part|c=#ccccff|subtitle=Animated series}} | |||
{{Series overview | |||
{| class="wikitable" width="500px" | |||
| series = '']'' | |||
|- | |||
| episodes1 = 13 | |||
!<center>Production</center> | |||
| released1 = {{Start and end dates|1985|9|7|1986|6|7}} | |||
!<center>Release date</center> | |||
| network1 = ] | |||
|- | |||
| network1span = 2 | |||
| width="50%"|<center>'']''</center> | |||
}} | |||
| width="50%"|<center>], ]</center> | |||
{{Series overview | |||
| series = '']'' | |||
| episodes2 = 26 | |||
| released2 = {{Start and end dates|1985|9|7|1986|12|13}} | |||
}} | |||
{{Series overview | |||
| series = '']'' | |||
| episodes7 = 133 | |||
| released7 = {{Start and end dates|2008|10|3|2020|5|4}} | |||
| network7 = ] / ] / ] | |||
}} | |||
{{Series overview | |||
| series = '']'' | |||
| episodes4 = 75 | |||
| released4 = {{Start and end dates|2014|10|3|2018|3|5}} | |||
| network4 = ] | |||
}} | |||
{{Series overview | |||
| series = '']'' | |||
| episodes2 = 40 | |||
| released2 = {{Start and end dates|2018|10|7|2020|1|26}} | |||
| network2 = ] | |||
}} | |||
{{Series overview | |||
| series = '']'' | |||
| episodes3 = {{tmpv|Star Wars: The Bad Batch|Infobox television||num_episodes|}} | |||
| released3 = {{Start and end dates|2021|5|4|2024|5|1}} | |||
| network3 = Disney+ | |||
| network3span = 3 | |||
}} | |||
{{Series overview | |||
| series = '']'' | |||
| episodes2 = {{tmpv|Star Wars: Visions|Infobox television||num_episodes|}} | |||
| released2 = {{Start and end dates|2021|9|22|present}} | |||
}} | |||
{{Series overview | |||
| series = '']'' | |||
| episodes2 = {{tmpv|Tales of the Jedi (TV series)|Infobox television||num_episodes|}} | |||
| released2 = {{Start and end dates|2022|10|26|present}} | |||
}} | |||
{{Series overview | |||
| series = '']'' | |||
| episodes2 = {{tmpv|Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures|Infobox television||num_episodes|}} | |||
| released2 = {{Start and end dates|2023|5|4|present}} | |||
| network2 = Disney+ / ] | |||
| network2span = 1 | |||
}} | |||
{{Series overview/part|c=#ccccff|subtitle=Animated micro-series and shorts}} | |||
{{Series overview | |||
| series = '']'' | |||
| episodes3 = 25 | |||
| released3 = {{Start and end dates|2003|11|7|2005|3|25}} | |||
| network3 = Cartoon Network | |||
}} | |||
{{Series overview | |||
| series = '']'' | |||
| episodes1 = 8 | |||
| released1 = {{Start and end dates|2017|5|3|2017|9|4}} | |||
| network1 = YouTube | |||
| network1span = 4 | |||
}} | |||
{{Series overview | |||
| series = '']'' | |||
| episodes2 = 32 | |||
| released2 = {{Start and end dates|2017|7|3|2018|5|25}} | |||
}} | |||
{{Series overview | |||
| series = '']'' | |||
| episodes2 = 55 | |||
| released2 = {{Start and end dates|2018|11|30|2020|10|2}} | |||
}} | |||
{{Series overview | |||
| series = '']'' | |||
| episodes1 = 16 | |||
| released1 = {{Start and end dates|2019|8|9|2020|4|1}} | |||
}} | |||
{{Series overview | |||
| series = '']'' | |||
| episodes2 = 24 | |||
| released2 = {{Start and end dates|2021|10|14|2023|2|21}} | |||
| network2 = StarWarsKids.com | |||
| network2span = 2 | |||
}} | |||
{{Series overview | |||
| series = '']'' | |||
| episodes1 = 12 | |||
| released1 = {{Start and end dates|2022|4|12|2022|11|1}} | |||
}} | |||
{{Series overview | |||
| series = "]" | |||
| linkT1 = Short | |||
| episodes1 = 1 | |||
| released1 = {{Start date|2022|11|12}} | |||
| network1 = Disney+ | |||
| network1span = 1 | |||
}} | |||
{{Series overview | |||
| series ='']'' | |||
| episodes1 = 10 | |||
| released1 = {{Start and end dates|2024|6|14|2024|7|26}} | |||
| network1 = StarWarsKids.com | |||
}} | |||
{{Series overview/part|c=#ccccff|subtitle=Live-action series}} | |||
{{Series overview | |||
| series = '']'' | |||
| episodes3 = {{tmpv|The Mandalorian|Infobox television||num_episodes|}} | |||
| released3 = {{Start and end dates|2019|11|12|2023|4|19}} | |||
| network3 = Disney+ | |||
| network3span = 7 | |||
}} | |||
{{Series overview | |||
| series = '']'' | |||
| episodes1 = 7 | |||
| released1 = {{Start and end dates|2021|12|29|2022|2|9}} | |||
}} | |||
{{Series overview | |||
| series = '']'' | |||
| episodes1 = 6 | |||
| released1 = {{Start and end dates|2022|5|27|2022|6|22}} | |||
}} | |||
{{Series overview | |||
| series = '']'' | |||
| episodes1 = {{tmpv|Andor (TV series)|Infobox television||num_episodes|}} | |||
| released1 = {{Start and end dates|2022|9|21|present}} | |||
}} | |||
{{Series overview | |||
| series = '']'' | |||
| episodes1 = {{tmpv|Ahsoka (TV series)|Infobox television||num_episodes|}} | |||
| released1 = {{Start and end dates|2023|8|22|present}} | |||
}} | |||
{{Series overview | |||
| series = '']'' | |||
| episodes1 = 8 | |||
| released1 = {{Start and end dates|2024|6|4|2024|7|16}} | |||
}} | |||
{{Series overview | |||
| series = '']'' | |||
| episodes1 = {{tmpv|Star Wars: Skeleton Crew|Infobox television||num_episodes|}} | |||
| released1 = {{Start and end dates|2024|12|2|present}} | |||
}} | |||
{{Series overview/part|c=#ccccff|subtitle=Game shows}} | |||
{{Series overview | |||
| series = '']'' | |||
| episodes1 = 10 | |||
| released1 = {{Start and end dates|2020|6|10|2020|8|5}} | |||
| network1 = StarWarsKids.com | |||
}} | |||
}} | |||
===Animated series=== | |||
The first two animated series, '']'' and '']'', were produced in the 1980s.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/star-wars-droids-animated-show-prequel-connections-boba-fett-kylo-ren |title=37 YEARS AGO, THIS FORGOTTEN TV SHOW CHANGED STAR WARS FOREVER |website=Inverse |date=October 25, 2022 |accessdate=November 7, 2023 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207052149/https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/star-wars-droids-animated-show-prequel-connections-boba-fett-kylo-ren |url-status=live }}</ref> They were followed by the '']'' animated micro-series in 2003 and the ]. Following Disney's acquisition of Lucasfilm, all animated series released prior to 2014, apart from the 2008 series, were discarded from the franchise's ].<ref name="SW Legends" /> Subsequent animated series include '']'', released in 2014; '']'', released in 2018; and '']'', released in 2021. | |||
Several micro-series and shorts have also been released by Lucasfilm since Disney's acquisition, with the earlier animated series falling under Disney's "Vintage" collection of ''Star Wars'' content.<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.starwars.com/news/star-wars-vintage-collection-disney-plus|title = The Star Wars Vintage Collection Has Arrived on Disney+!|date = April 2, 2021|access-date = April 2, 2021|archive-date = April 9, 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210409171353/https://www.starwars.com/news/star-wars-vintage-collection-disney-plus|url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.theverge.com/2021/4/2/22364156/star-wars-vintage-collection-clone-wars-holiday-special-boba-fett-disney-plus-streaming|title = The Star Wars Vintage Collection brings classic cartoons and shows to Disney Plus|date = April 2, 2021|access-date = April 2, 2021|archive-date = April 2, 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210402175153/https://www.theverge.com/2021/4/2/22364156/star-wars-vintage-collection-clone-wars-holiday-special-boba-fett-disney-plus-streaming|url-status = live}}</ref> | |||
===Live-action series=== | |||
The ''Star Wars'' franchise includes several live-action series. The first series, '']'', was released in 2019 for the streaming service ] and is set between the original and sequel trilogies of the Skywalker Saga.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=McCluskey |first=Megan |date=November 12, 2019 |title=How ''The Mandalorian'' Fits Into the Larger ''Star Wars'' Timeline |url=https://time.com/5717734/mandalorian-star-wars-timeline/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191124055630/https://time.com/5717734/mandalorian-star-wars-timeline/ |archive-date=November 24, 2019 |access-date=November 7, 2023 |magazine=]}}</ref> Due to its success, the series spawned multiple live-action spin-offs set during the same fictional era, including '']'', released in 2021; '']'', released in 2023; and '']'', released in 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Couch |first=Aaron |date=February 4, 2020 |title=Disney's Bob Iger Considering 'Mandalorian' Spinoff Shows |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/disneys-bob-iger-teases-mandalorian-falcon-winter-soldier-wandavision-dates-1276326/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200204230308/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/disneys-bob-iger-teases-mandalorian-falcon-winter-soldier-wandavision-dates-1276326 |archive-date=February 4, 2020 |access-date=November 7, 2023 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Otterson |first=Joe |date=May 26, 2022 |title='Star Wars' Sets New Disney+ Series 'Skeleton Crew,' Jude Law to Star |url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/star-wars-disney-plus-series-skeleton-crew-jude-law-1235278548/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220526191443/https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/star-wars-disney-plus-series-skeleton-crew-jude-law-1235278548/ |archive-date=May 26, 2022 |access-date=November 7, 2023 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Porter |first=Rick |date=September 29, 2021 |title='Mandalorian' Spinoff 'Book of Boba Fett' Gets December Date on Disney+ |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/mandalorian-spinoff-book-boba-fett-premiere-date-1235022518/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210930000123/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/mandalorian-spinoff-book-boba-fett-premiere-date-1235022518/ |archive-date=September 30, 2021 |access-date=November 7, 2023 |website=]}}</ref> These series follow the plight of the ] and its allies against the remnants of the fallen ].<ref>{{cite web |date=December 10, 2020 |title=Disney+ Star Wars Shows Will Crossover In Big Story Event |url=https://screenrant.com/mandalorian-spinoffs-ahsoka-tano-rangers-new-republic-crossover/ |accessdate=November 7, 2023 |website=Screenrant |archive-date=March 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327191204/https://screenrant.com/mandalorian-spinoffs-ahsoka-tano-rangers-new-republic-crossover/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
A story focused on ] was planned as a film before becoming a ] after the box office failure of '']'' in 2018.<ref name="Obi-Wan Solo" /> The series was released on Disney+ in 2022 and is set between the prequel and original trilogy films.<ref name="Obi Wan CNET">{{cite web |date=June 22, 2022 |title='Obi-Wan Kenobi': Plot and Everything to Know as the Finale Hits Disney Plus |url=https://www.cnet.com/culture/entertainment/obi-wan-kenobi-plot-and-everything-to-know-as-the-finale-hits-disney-plus/ |accessdate=November 7, 2023 |website=CNET |archive-date=November 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107202054/https://www.cnet.com/culture/entertainment/obi-wan-kenobi-plot-and-everything-to-know-as-the-finale-hits-disney-plus/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It was followed by the live-action series '']'' in the same year; both series follow their titular characters during the reign of the Empire.<ref name="Obi Wan CNET" /><ref>{{cite web |date=September 25, 2022 |title=Andor Is Changing How You See The Empire |url=https://screenrant.com/andor-show-change-star-wars-empire-imperials/ |accessdate=November 7, 2023 |website=Screenrant |archive-date=April 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410072435/https://screenrant.com/andor-show-change-star-wars-empire-imperials/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
'']'' is a series created by ] set at the end of the ] era before the events of the ], and follows an investigation into a series of murders of Jedi Masters. | |||
=== Films and specials === | |||
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center; width:99%;" | |||
! Film | |||
! U.S. release date | |||
! Directed by | |||
! Teleplay by | |||
! Story by | |||
! Produced by | |||
! Network | |||
|- | |- | ||
! scope="row" style="text-align:left" | '']'' | |||
|<center>'']''</center> | |||
| style="text-align:left" | {{Start date|1978|11|17}} | |||
|<center>], ]</center> | |||
| ] | |||
| colspan="2" | ], Leonard Ripps, ], ], and Mitzie Welch | |||
| Joe Layton, Jeff Starsh, Ken Welch, and Mitzie Welch | |||
| ] | |||
|- | |- | ||
! scope="row" style="text-align:left" | '']''<!-- This is the TV title & TV section. --> | |||
|<center>'']''</center> | |||
| style="text-align:left" | {{Start date|1984|11|25}} | |||
|<center>], ]</center> | |||
| ] | |||
| Bob Carrau | |||
| rowspan="2" |] | |||
| Thomas G. Smith and Patricia Rose Duignan | |||
| rowspan="2" | ] | |||
|- | |- | ||
! scope="row" style="text-align:left" | '']'' | |||
|<center>'']''</center> | |||
| style="text-align:left" | {{Start date|1985|11|24}} | |||
|<center>], ]</center> | |||
| colspan="2" |] | |||
|- | |||
| Thomas G. Smith and ] | |||
|<center>'']''</center> | |||
|<center>], ]</center> | |||
|- | |||
|<center>]</center> | |||
|<center>], ]</center> | |||
|- | |||
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== Fictional timeline == | |||
<!-- Keep this section brief by not adding details someone would need to read the Journal of the Whills to understand.--> | |||
{{Seealso|Star Wars (radio)}} | |||
{{See also|Star Wars in other media#Legends fictional timeline}} | |||
A radio adaptation of ''A New Hope'' was first broadcast on ] in 1981. The adaptation was written by science fiction author ] and directed by ]. It was followed by adaptations of ''The Empire Strikes Back'' in 1983 and ''Return of the Jedi'' in 1996. The adaptations included background material created by Lucas but not used in the films. ], ], and ] reprised their roles as Luke Skywalker, ], and ], respectively. The series also used John Williams' original score from the films and ]'s original sound designs. | |||
{{Timeline of Star Wars franchise}} | |||
The ''Star Wars'' canon ] spans multiple eras, of which three are focused around each of the film trilogies.<ref name="StarWars.comEras">{{Cite web |title=The Eras of Star Wars |url=https://www.starwars.com/eras |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826050943/https://www.starwars.com/eras |archive-date=August 26, 2023 |access-date=August 26, 2023 |website=]}}</ref> The following eras were defined in January 2021,<ref name="Jan2021Timeline">{{cite web|url=https://comicbook.com/starwars/news/star-wars-new-official-timeline-high-republic-preview/|title=Star Wars Official New Timeline, Updated For The High Republic|last=Outlaw|first=Kofi|work=]|date=January 8, 2021|access-date=January 8, 2021|archive-date=January 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108204629/https://comicbook.com/starwars/news/star-wars-new-official-timeline-high-republic-preview/|url-status=live}}</ref> and further refined and expanded in April 2023:<ref name="Apr2023Timeline">{{Cite web |last=Outlaw |first=Kofi |date=April 7, 2023 |title=Star Wars New Official Timeline Revealed At Celebration 2023 |url=https://comicbook.com/starwars/news/star-wars-timeline-official-new-canon-2023/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407155747/https://comicbook.com/starwars/news/star-wars-timeline-official-new-canon-2023/ |archive-date=April 7, 2023 |access-date=April 7, 2023 |website=]}}</ref> | |||
* Dawn of the Jedi: The first ] wields ], which will be depicted in an upcoming untitled film.<ref name="SWCE 2023">{{Cite web |title=SWCE 2023: Three New Star Wars Movies Announced |url=https://www.starwars.com/news/swce-2023-new-star-wars-films |website=] |date=April 7, 2023 |accessdate=October 22, 2023 |archive-date=October 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022175411/https://www.starwars.com/news/swce-2023-new-star-wars-films |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Star Wars: Three New Movies Confirmed At Celebration – Including Daisy Ridley's Return As Rey |url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/star-wars-three-movies-confirmed-celebration-daisy-ridley-return-rey/ |website=] |date=April 7, 2023 |accessdate=October 22, 2023 |archive-date=October 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231021004853/https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/star-wars-three-movies-confirmed-celebration-daisy-ridley-return-rey/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="StarWars.comEras" /> | |||
=== Audio Books === | |||
* The Old Republic: The ] is founded and the Jedi Order emerges to protect it. A schism within the Jedi leads to the creation of the ].<ref name="StarWars.comEras" /> | |||
* The High Republic: Under the protection of the Jedi, the Republic grows into a ]. This era includes '']'', '']'' literary works and the animated series '']''.<ref name="StarWars.comEras" /> | |||
* Fall of the Jedi: The Republic's Supreme Chancellor, ] (secretly the Sith lord Darth Sidious), orchestrates the ], ] the Republic, exterminates the Jedi Order and corrupts ].<ref name="StarWars.comEras" /><ref name="Space.com: Star Wars timeline">{{cite web |url=https://www.space.com/star-wars-timeline |title=Star Wars timeline: From the dawn of the Jedi to the New Jedi Order |website=] |date=29 August 2023 |accessdate=21 October 2023 |archive-date=October 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231021182821/https://www.space.com/star-wars-timeline |url-status=live }}</ref> This era includes ] films, the beginning of the episodic ], and the animated series '']'' and '']''.<ref name="StarWars.comEras" /> | |||
* Reign of the Empire: Palpatine's ] rules the galaxy and the remaining Jedi are hunted down.<ref name="StarWars.comEras" /> This era includes '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', the animated series '']'' and '']'', and the video games '']'', '']'' and '']''.<ref name="StarWars.comEras" /> | |||
* Age of Rebellion: The ] against the Empire spreads across the galaxy, while the Jedi return with the emergence of ].<ref name="StarWars.comEras" /><ref>{{Cite video|title=]|publisher=20th Century Fox|date=1983|medium=Blu-ray}}</ref> This era includes the ] films{{efn|The original trilogy depicts the galaxy as dirty and grimy in ]'s depiction of a "used universe".<ref>{{cite magazine |editor-last=Woods|editor-first=Bob|year=1997|title=Launching the Rebellion|magazine=Star Wars: Official 20th Anniversary Commemorative Magazine|location=New York|publisher=]|page=9}}</ref>}} and the video games '']'' and '']''.<ref name="StarWars.comEras" /> | |||
* The New Republic: Following the Empire's defeat, the emergent ] attempts to reunite the galaxy, while threatened by the remnants of the Empire.<ref name="StarWars.comEras" /> This era includes '']'', '']'', '']'', and '']''.<ref name="StarWars.comEras" /> | |||
* Rise of the First Order: The remnants of the Empire transform into the ] but are fought by the ], climaxing with the defeat of Palpatine and the Sith by the Jedi ].<ref name="StarWars.comEras" /><ref name="Space.com: Star Wars timeline"/> This era includes the ] films, the animated series '']'' and the video game '']''.<ref name="StarWars.comEras" /> | |||
* New Jedi Order: Rey builds a new Jedi Order, which will be depicted in an upcoming untitled film.<ref name="SWCE 2023"/><ref name="StarWars.comEras" /> | |||
The ] of spin-off media depicts different levels of continuity, which were deemed non-canonical and rebranded as ''Legends'' on April 25, 2014, to make most subsequent works align to the episodic films, ], and ].<ref name="SW Legends" /> | |||
== Other media == | |||
{{Seealso|List of Star Wars Audio Books}} | |||
{{Main|Star Wars in other media}} | |||
From 1976 to 2014, the term ''Expanded Universe'' (EU) was an umbrella term for all officially licensed ''Star Wars'' storytelling material set outside the events depicted within the theatrical films, including novels, comics, and video games.<ref name="KurtzBourdaa2016">{{cite book|author1=Benjamin W.L. Derhy Kurtz|first2=Mélanie|last2=Bourdaa|title=The Rise of Transtexts: Challenges and Opportunities|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LCQlDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA23|year=2016|publisher=Taylor & Francis|isbn=978-1-317-37105-2|page=23|access-date=March 14, 2018|archive-date=August 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200819141408/https://books.google.com/books?id=LCQlDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA23|url-status=live}}</ref> Lucasfilm maintained internal continuity between the films and television content and the EU material until April 25, 2014, when the company announced all of the EU works would cease production. Existing works would no longer be considered canon to the franchise and subsequent reprints would be rebranded under the ''Star Wars Legends'' label,<ref name="KurtzBourdaa2016" /> with downloadable content for the ] '']'' the only ''Legends'' material to still be produced. The ''Star Wars'' canon was subsequently restructured to only include the existing six feature films, the animated film '']'' (2008), and its companion animated series. All future projects and creative developments across all types of media would be overseen and coordinated by the story group, announced as a division of Lucasfilm created to maintain continuity and a cohesive vision on the storytelling of the franchise.<ref name="SW Legends">{{cite web|url=https://www.starwars.com/news/the-legendary-star-wars-expanded-universe-turns-a-new-page|title=The Legendary ''Star Wars Expanded Universe'' Turns a New Page|website=StarWars.com|date=April 25, 2014|access-date=May 26, 2016|archive-date=September 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910044317/http://www.starwars.com/news/the-legendary-star-wars-expanded-universe-turns-a-new-page|url-status=live}}</ref> Multiple comics series from ] and novels published by ] were produced after the announcement. Since the new canon has been introduced, there has been a multitude of pieces of Expanded Universe continuity that have become a part of canon.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=David |date=2023-01-29 |title=Every Star Wars Legends Thing Disney Has Made Canon |url=https://screenrant.com/star-wars-legends-disney-canon/ |access-date=2024-02-26 |website=ScreenRant |language=en |archive-date=July 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230705051452/https://screenrant.com/star-wars-legends-disney-canon/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
=== Print media === | |||
Numerous Audiobooks have bee produced in the releam of Additional Fiction on the materials from the orginal movies. | |||
''Star Wars'' in print predates the release of the first film, with the November 1976 ] of ''Star Wars'', initially subtitled "'']''". Credited to Lucas, it was ] by ].<ref name="Tor SW1">{{cite web|url=http://www.tor.com/2013/01/24/weird-differences-between-the-first-star-wars-movie-and-its-preceding-novelization/|title=Weird Differences Between the First ''Star Wars'' Movie and Its Preceding Novelization|first=Ryan|last=Britt|website=]|date=January 24, 2013|access-date=February 27, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170619170336/http://www.tor.com/2013/01/24/weird-differences-between-the-first-star-wars-movie-and-its-preceding-novelization/|archive-date=June 19, 2017}}</ref> The first "Expanded Universe" story appeared in ]' ''Star Wars'' #7 in January 1978 (the first six issues being an adaptation of the film), followed by Foster's sequel novel '']'' the following month. | |||
=== |
==== Novels ==== | ||
{{ |
{{Further|List of Star Wars books}} | ||
] authored the ], which was widely credited with revitalizing the dormant ''Star Wars'' franchise in the early 1990s.]] | |||
''Star Wars''-based fiction predates the release of the first movie, with the 1976 novelization of "A New Hope" (ghost-written by ] and credited to George Lucas). Foster's 1978 novel, '']'', was very nearly the first Expanded Universe work to be released. In addition to filling in the time between the movies, this additional content greatly expanded the Star Wars timeline before and after the film series. | |||
After penning the novelization of the original film, Foster followed it with the sequel '']'' (1978). The novelizations of ''The Empire Strikes Back'' (1980) by ] and ''Return of the Jedi'' (1983) by ] followed, as well as '']'' trilogy (1979–1980) by ],<ref name="CG Han">{{cite web |url=http://theculturalgutter.com/science-fiction/a-long-time-ago.html |title=A Long Time Ago … |date=December 25, 2014 |website=The Cultural Gutter |first=Keith |last=Allison |access-date=March 2, 2017 |archive-date=March 3, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170303044755/http://theculturalgutter.com/science-fiction/a-long-time-ago.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and '']'' trilogy (1983) by ].<ref name="CG Lando">{{cite web |url=http://theculturalgutter.com/science-fiction/in-a-galaxy-far-far-away.html |title=... In a Galaxy Far, Far Away |date=January 22, 2015 |website=The Cultural Gutter |first=Keith |last=Allison |access-date=March 2, 2017 |archive-date=March 2, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170302194554/http://theculturalgutter.com/science-fiction/in-a-galaxy-far-far-away.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Dark Times">{{cite web|url=https://www.starwars.com/news/star-wars-in-the-uk-the-dark-times-1987-1991|title=''Star Wars'' in the UK: The Dark Times, 1987–1991|last=Newbold|first=Mark|website=StarWars.com|date=April 15, 2013|access-date=March 16, 2017|archive-date=March 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170311093228/http://www.starwars.com/news/star-wars-in-the-uk-the-dark-times-1987-1991|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
''Star Wars'' fiction flourished during the time of the original series (1977-1983) but slowed to a trickle afterwards. In 1991, however, ]'s celebrated ] debuted, sparking a new interest in the ''Star Wars'' universe. Since then, several hundred tie-in novels have been published by ] and ]. A similar resurgence in the Expanded Universe occurred in 1996 with the Steve Perry novel ''Shadows of the Empire,'' ] set between Episodes V and VI, and accompanying video game and comic book series. | |||
]'s bestselling '']'' trilogy (1991–1993) reignited interest in the franchise and introduced the popular characters ], ], ], and ].<ref name="SW Heir">{{cite web |url=https://www.starwars.com/news/heir-to-the-empire-critical-reaction |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714065516/http://www.starwars.com/news/heir-to-the-empire-critical-reaction |title=Critical Opinion: ''Heir to the Empire'' Reviews |website=StarWars.com|date=April 4, 2014 |archive-date=July 14, 2014 |access-date=February 27, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="EW 2012">{{cite magazine|url=http://insidemovies.ew.com/2012/11/02/star-wars-sequels-timothy-zahn/|title=''Star Wars'' sequel author Timothy Zahn weighs in on new movie plans|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|first=Anthony|last=Breznican|date=November 2, 2012|access-date=July 21, 2016|archive-date=May 16, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130516110755/http://insidemovies.ew.com/2012/11/02/star-wars-sequels-timothy-zahn/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="SW Outbound">{{cite web |url=https://www.starwars.com/eu/lit/novel/f20060131/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060204162725/http://www.starwars.com/eu/lit/novel/f20060131/index.html |date=January 31, 2006 |archive-date=February 4, 2006 |title=Timothy Zahn: ''Outbound Flight'' Arrival |website=StarWars.com |access-date=July 21, 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref>{{Sfn|Kaminski|2008|pp=289–91}} The first novel, '']'', reached #1 on the ],<ref name="NYT Heir">{{cite web |url=http://www.hawes.com/1991/1991-06-30.pdf |title=''The New York Times'' Best Seller List |publisher=Hawes.com |date=June 30, 1991 |access-date=March 1, 2017 |archive-date=August 11, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811223901/http://www.hawes.com/1991/1991-06-30.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> and the series finds Luke, Leia, and Han facing off against tactical genius Thrawn, who is plotting to retake the galaxy for the Empire.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tor.com/2013/02/28/how-zahns-heir-to-the-empire-turned-star-wars-into-science-fiction/ |title=How Timothy Zahn's ''Heir to the Empire'' Turned ''Star Wars'' into Science Fiction |first=Ryan |last=Britt |website=Tor.com |date=February 28, 2013 |access-date=August 26, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150616111805/http://www.tor.com/2013/02/28/how-zahns-heir-to-the-empire-turned-star-wars-into-science-fiction/ |archive-date=June 16, 2015 }}</ref> In '']'' (1994) by ], set immediately before the ''Thrawn'' trilogy, Leia considers an advantageous political marriage to ] of the planet Hapes, but she and Han ultimately marry.<ref>{{cite web |title=''Star Wars: The Courtship of Princess Leia'' (Review) |url=https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/dave-wolverton/star-wars-the-courtship-of-princess-leia/ |website=] |date=May 20, 2010 |access-date=December 7, 2015 |archive-date=December 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208175352/https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/dave-wolverton/star-wars-the-courtship-of-princess-leia/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Courtship of Princess Leia |first=Dave |last=Wolverton |author-link=Dave Wolverton |date=1994 |publisher=] |isbn=978-0-553-08928-8|title-link=The Courtship of Princess Leia }}</ref> ]'s '']'' (1996), set between ''The Empire Strikes Back'' and ''Return of the Jedi'', was part of a multimedia campaign that included a comic book series and video game.<ref name="Verge">{{cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/12/2/3715592/the-classics-star-wars-shadows-of-the-empire |title=The Classics: ''Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire'' |website=] |first=Andrew |last=Webster |date=December 2, 2012 |access-date=March 2, 2017 |archive-date=March 3, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170303122524/http://www.theverge.com/2012/12/2/3715592/the-classics-star-wars-shadows-of-the-empire |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Shadows">{{cite web |url=http://www.rebelscum.com/CH-SOTE.asp |title=''Shadows of the Empire'' Checklist |publisher=Rebelscum.com |access-date=March 2, 2017 |archive-date=March 3, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170303124102/http://www.rebelscum.com/CH-SOTE.asp |url-status=live }}</ref> The novel introduced the crime lord ], another popular character who would appear in multiple other works.<ref name="Verge" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.starwars.com/databank/character/princexizor/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628202602/http://www.starwars.com/databank/character/princexizor/ |archive-date=June 28, 2011 |title=Databank: Xizor, Prince|website=StarWars.com|access-date=March 2, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> Other notable series from ] include the ] (1994) by ],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://moviepilot.com/posts/3745050 |title=''Star Wars: The Force Awakens'' borrowed heavily from Kevin J. Anderson's ''Jedi Academy'' Trilogy |publisher=Moviepilot |first=Matt Timmy |last=Creamer |date=January 20, 2016 |access-date=March 4, 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170304114308/https://moviepilot.com/posts/3745050 |archive-date=March 4, 2017 }}</ref><ref name="CONDFW 2014">{{cite web|title=ConDFW XIII 2014: Kevin J. Anderson Profile|url=http://www.condfw.org/kevin-j-anderson |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131127041434/http://www.condfw.org/kevin-j-anderson|publisher=ConDFW.org |archive-date=November 27, 2013|date=March 7, 2013}}</ref> the 14-book '']'' series (1995–1998) by Anderson and ],<ref name="CONDFW 2014" /><ref name="Beast">{{cite news |url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/03/26/is-the-new-star-wars-trilogy-the-story-of-the-solo-twins-and-darth-caedus.html |title=Is the New 'Star Wars' Trilogy the Story of the Solo Twins and Darth Caedus? |newspaper=] |first=Rich |last=Goldstein |date=March 26, 2014 |access-date=February 21, 2015 |archive-date=February 22, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150222072230/http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/03/26/is-the-new-star-wars-trilogy-the-story-of-the-solo-twins-and-darth-caedus.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and the '']'' series (1996–2012) by ] and ].<ref>{{cite web|last=Britt|first=Ryan|title=Even More Kids on the Playground: ''X-Wing #1 Rogue Squadron''|url=http://www.tor.com/blogs/2014/03/even-more-kids-on-the-playground-x-wing-1-rogue-squadron|website=Tor.com|date=March 27, 2014|access-date=March 4, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150409122844/http://www.tor.com/blogs/2014/03/even-more-kids-on-the-playground-x-wing-1-rogue-squadron|archive-date=April 9, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/02/22/books/paperback-best-sellers-february-22-1998.html |title=Paperback Best Sellers: February 22, 1998 (''X-Wing #5: Wraith Squadron'') |date=February 22, 1998 |website=The New York Times |access-date=March 4, 2017 |archive-date=August 14, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814062232/http://www.nytimes.com/1998/02/22/books/paperback-best-sellers-february-22-1998.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/08/29/books/paperback-best-sellers-august-29-1999.html |title=Paperback Best Sellers: August 29, 1999 (''X-Wing #9: Starfighters of Adumar'') |date=August 29, 1999 |website=The New York Times |access-date=March 4, 2017 |archive-date=August 14, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814022943/http://www.nytimes.com/1999/08/29/books/paperback-best-sellers-august-29-1999.html |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
LucasBooks radically changed the face of the ''Star Wars'' universe with the introduction of the '']'' series, which takes place some 20 years after ''Return of the Jedi'' and stars a host of new characters alongside series originals. However, several significant events which occur during the course of this series (such as the death of a major film character) have sparked much fan criticism. | |||
] took over ''Star Wars'' book publishing in 1999, releasing what would become a 19-installment novel series called '']'' (1999–2003). Written by multiple authors, the series was set 25 to 30 years after the original films and introduced the Yuuzhan Vong, a powerful alien race attempting to invade and conquer the entire galaxy.<ref name="HP">{{cite web |url=https://huffingtonpost.com/inverse/star-wars-was-nearly-ruin_b_10832354.html |title=''Star Wars'' Was Nearly Ruined By A Hacky Alien Invasion Storyline |website=] |first=Ryan |last=Britt |date=July 6, 2016 |access-date=March 1, 2017 |archive-date=March 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170301181735/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/inverse/star-wars-was-nearly-ruin_b_10832354.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="USA Today">{{cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/books/news/2004-06-23-star-wars-books_x.htm |website=] |title=''Star Wars'' books are soldiering on |first=Dinah |last=Eng |date=June 23, 2004 |access-date=February 28, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131120080800/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/books/news/2004-06-23-star-wars-books_x.htm |archive-date=November 20, 2013}}</ref> The bestselling multi-author series '']'' (2006–2008) chronicles the crossover of Han and Leia's son ] to the dark side of the Force; among his evil deeds, he kills Luke's wife Mara Jade as a sacrifice to join the ]. Although no longer canon, the story is paralleled in ''The Force Awakens'' with Han and Leia's son ], who becomes the evil Kylo Ren.<ref name="THR Jacen">{{cite web |url=https://hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/how-abandoned-star-wars-expanded-850987 |title=How the Abandoned ''Star Wars'' Expanded Universe Inspired ''Force Awakens'' |website=] |first=Graeme |last=McMillan |date=December 23, 2015 |access-date=January 1, 2016 |archive-date=January 1, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101175332/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/how-abandoned-star-wars-expanded-850987 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Slate Jacen">{{cite web |last=Bouie |first=Jamelle |url=http://www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2015/12/16/how_the_force_awakens_remixes_the_star_wars_expanded_universe.html |title=How ''The Force Awakens'' Remixes the ''Star Wars'' Expanded Universe |date=December 16, 2015 |website=] |access-date=December 20, 2015 |archive-date=February 13, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160213145229/http://www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2015/12/16/how_the_force_awakens_remixes_the_star_wars_expanded_universe.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="ScreenRant Jacen">{{cite web |last=Kendrick |first=Ben |url=https://screenrant.com/star-wars-7-kylo-ren-backstory-identity-explained/ |title=''Star Wars 7:'' Kylo Ren Backstory Explained |date=December 18, 2015 |website=] |access-date=December 20, 2015 |archive-date=December 19, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151219234116/http://screenrant.com/star-wars-7-kylo-ren-backstory-identity-explained/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="DenofGeek Jacen">{{cite web |last=Saavedra |first=John |url=http://www.denofgeek.us/movies/star-wars/251420/star-wars-the-force-awakens-easter-eggs-and-reference-guide/page/0/2 |title=''Star Wars: The Force Awakens'' Easter Eggs and Reference Guide (Kylo Ren/Ben Solo and the Knights of Ren) |date=December 17, 2015 |publisher=] |access-date=December 18, 2015 |archive-date=February 13, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160213015929/http://www.denofgeek.us/movies/star-wars/251420/star-wars-the-force-awakens-easter-eggs-and-reference-guide/page/0/2 |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
=== Comics === | |||
{{Seealso|List of Star Wars comic books}} | |||
] published ''Star Wars'' comic book series and adaptations from 1977 to 1986. A wide variety of creators worked on this series, including ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], and ]. In the late 1980s, Marvel announced it would publish a new ''Star Wars'' comic by ] and ]. However, in December 1991, ] acquired the ''Star Wars'' license and used it to launch a number of ambitious sequels to the original trilogy instead, including the very popular ] stories. They have since gone on to publish a large number of original adventures set in the ''Star Wars'' universe. | |||
Three series set in the prequel era were published by ] for younger audiences: the 18-book '']'' (1999–2002) chronicles the adventures of ] and his master ] in the years before ''The Phantom Menace''; the 11-book '']'' (2001–2004) follows Obi-Wan and his own apprentice, ] in between ''The Phantom Menace'' and ''Attack of the Clones''; and the 10-book '']'' (2005–2008), set almost immediately after ''Revenge of the Sith'', features Obi-Wan and the last few surviving Jedi. In 2019, a new prequel era novel, starring Qui-Gon and the young Obi-Wan, was published by Del Rey under the title '']''.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211119203501/https://www.starwars.com/news/sdcc-2018-queens-shadow-revealed-and-more-from-the-lucasfilm-publishing-panel |date=November 19, 2021 }}.</ref> | |||
=== Games === | |||
{{See also|Star Wars computer and video games|List of LucasArts Star Wars games}} | |||
Since 1983, over 120 ] have been published bearing the ''Star Wars'' name, beginning with ''Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back'' published for the ] by ]. Since then, ''Star Wars'' has opened the way to a myriad of space-flight simulation games, first-person shooter games, roleplaying games, RTS games, and others. | |||
Although Thrawn had been designated a ''Legends'' character in 2014, he was reintroduced into the canon in 2016 for the third season of the ''Rebels'' animated series, with Zahn returning to write more novels based on the character and set in the new canon.<ref name="UT Rebels">{{cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2016/07/16/thrawn-star-wars-rebels-celebration/87180842/ |title=Thrawn to make grand appearance in ''Star Wars Rebels'' |website=USA Today |first=Brian |last=Truitt |date=July 16, 2016 |access-date=July 16, 2016 |archive-date=July 16, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160716183003/http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2016/07/16/thrawn-star-wars-rebels-celebration/87180842/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="SW GAT">{{cite web |url=https://www.starwars.com/news/the-rebels-face-grand-admiral-thrawn-when-star-wars-rebels-season-three-premieres-saturday-september-24 |title=The Rebels Face Grand Admiral Thrawn When ''Star Wars Rebels'' Season Three Premieres Saturday, September 24 |website=StarWars.com |date=August 8, 2016 |access-date=September 25, 2016 |archive-date=October 5, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161005104338/http://www.starwars.com/news/the-rebels-face-grand-admiral-thrawn-when-star-wars-rebels-season-three-premieres-saturday-september-24 |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
Two different official tabletop ]s have been developed for the ''Star Wars'' universe– ] in the 1980s and 1990s, and ] in the 2000s. | |||
In the ''Lego Star Wars Series'' the movies are played in a different way. And in Empire at war, players can take control of either the empire or the rebellion and fight for control of the galaxy. | |||
=== |
==== Comics ==== | ||
{{Main|Star Wars comics|List of Star Wars comic books}} | |||
]<ref>http://starwarscards.net</ref> have been published since the first 'blue' series, by ], in 1977. Dozens of series have been produced, with ] being the licensed creator in the United States. Some of the card series are of movie stills, while others are original art. Many of the cards have become highly collectible with some very rare 'promos', such as the 1993 Galaxy Series II 'floating Yoda' P3 card often commanding US$1000 or more. While most 'base' or 'common card' sets are plentiful, many 'insert' or 'chase cards' are very rare. Star Wars card game cards are different from the ]. A thriving market for both types exists on ]. | |||
] published a ] from 1977 to 1986.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://marvel.com/comics/issue/53791/star_wars_1977_1|title= ''Star Wars'' #1 (April 1977)|publisher= Marvel Comics|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170704204631/http://marvel.com/comics/issue/53791/star_wars_1977_1|archive-date= July 4, 2017|url-status=live|access-date= August 23, 2016|df= mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="GCDB">{{gcdb issue |id=31248 |title=''Star Wars'' #1 (April 1977) |access-date=August 23, 2016}}</ref><ref name="CR142">{{cite magazine |magazine=] |issue=142 |date=April 1977 |title=''Star Wars''}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://marvel.com/comics/issue/53897/star_wars_1977_107|title= ''Star Wars'' #107 (May 1986)|publisher= Marvel Comics|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170620065417/http://marvel.com/comics/issue/53897/star_wars_1977_107|archive-date= June 20, 2017|url-status=live|access-date= August 23, 2016|df= mdy-all}}</ref> Original ''Star Wars'' comics were serialized in the Marvel magazine '']'' between 1977 and 1979. The 1977 installments were the first original ''Star Wars'' stories not directly adapted from the films to appear in print form, as they preceded those of the ''Star Wars'' comic series.<ref>{{cite web |last=Cronin |first=Brian |url=http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/2011/06/17/comic-book-legends-revealed-318/ |title=Comic Book Legends Revealed #318 |website=] |date=June 17, 2011 |access-date=March 13, 2017 |archive-date=May 7, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507190456/http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/2011/06/17/comic-book-legends-revealed-318/ |url-status=live }}</ref> From 1985 to 1987, the animated children's series '']'' and '']'' inspired comic series from Marvel's ] line.<ref>{{cite news |last=McMillan |first=Graeme |title=Leaving an Imprint: 10 Defunct MARVEL Publishing Lines: Star Comics |url=http://www.newsarama.com/15662-leaving-an-imprint-10-defunct-marvel-publishing-lines.html |work=] |date=January 10, 2013 |access-date=March 13, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141012025607/http://www.newsarama.com/15662-leaving-an-imprint-10-defunct-marvel-publishing-lines.html |archive-date=October 12, 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Ceimcioch |first=Marck |title=Marvel for Kids: Star Comics |magazine=] |date=December 2014 |issue=77 |url=https://issuu.com/twomorrows/docs/backissue77preview/21?e=2241656/9118616 |access-date=March 13, 2017 |archive-date=March 19, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160319094633/https://issuu.com/twomorrows/docs/backissue77preview/21?e=2241656%2F9118616 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.starwars.com/news/droids-and-ewoks-return-spains-lost-star-wars-comic-strips |title=Droids and Ewoks Return: Spain's Lost ''Star Wars'' Comic Strips |first=Rich |last=Handley |website=StarWars.com |date=April 20, 2013 |access-date=March 13, 2017 |archive-date=February 19, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170219181116/http://www.starwars.com/news/droids-and-ewoks-return-spains-lost-star-wars-comic-strips |url-status=live }}</ref> According to ] former Editor-In-Chief ], the strong sales of ''Star Wars'' comics saved Marvel financially in 1977 and 1978.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.jimshooter.com/2011/07/roy-thomas-saved-marvel.html|title= Roy Thomas Saved Marvel|first= Jim|last= Shooter|author-link= Jim Shooter|date= July 5, 2011|publisher= Jimshooter.com|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110809045103/http://www.jimshooter.com/2011/07/roy-thomas-saved-marvel.html|archive-date= August 9, 2011|url-status=dead|quote= In the most conservative terms, it is inarguable that the success of the ''Star Wars'' comics was a significant factor in Marvel's survival through a couple of very difficult years, 1977 and 1978. In my mind, the truth is stated in the title of this piece.}}</ref> Marvel's ''Star Wars'' series was one of the industry's top selling titles in 1979 and 1980.<ref>{{Citation|last = Miller|first = John Jackson|author-link = John Jackson Miller|title = Gone but not forgotten: Marvel ''Star Wars'' series kept franchise fans guessing between films |newspaper = ]|issue = 1216|page = 46|date = March 7, 1997|location= Iola, Wisconsin|quote= The industry's top seller? We don't have complete information from our Circulation Scavenger Hunt for the years 1979 and 1980, but a very strong case is building for ''Star Wars'' as the industry's top-selling comic book in 1979 and its second-place seller (behind ''Amazing Spider-Man'') in 1980.}}</ref> The only downside for Marvel was that the 100,000 copy sales quota was surpassed quickly, allowing Lippincott to renegotiate the royalty arrangements from a position of strength.<ref>{{cite book|last=Jenkins|title=Empire|page=186}}</ref> | |||
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Star Wars Trading Cards are nonsport, collectible trading cards, stickers, wrappers, and caps (pogs) based on the Star Wars movies and television shows. Both screen stills and original art are featured in the cards. Star Wars trading cards are different from the various Star Wars collectible card game cards. | |||
In the late 1980s, Marvel dropped a new ''Star Wars'' comic it had in development, which was picked up by ] and published as the popular ''Dark Empire'' series (1991–1995).<ref name="Dark Horse">{{cite web |url=http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/2007/11/29/comic-book-urban-legends-revealed-131/ |title=Comic Book Urban Legends Revealed #131 |first= Brian |last= Cronin |date=November 29, 2007 |website=]|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150426232903/http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/2007/11/29/comic-book-urban-legends-revealed-131 |archive-date= April 26, 2015 |url-status=live |access-date=February 27, 2017}}</ref> Dark Horse subsequently launched dozens of series set after the original film trilogy, including '']'' (1993–1998), '']'' (1995–1998), '']'' (1998–2006), '']'' (1999–2005), '']'' (2002–2006), and '']'' (2006–2010).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gizmodo.com/the-greatest-dark-horse-star-wars-comics-to-buy-before-1670419639|title=The Greatest Dark Horse ''Star Wars'' Comics To Buy Before They're Gone|first=James|last=Whitbrook|website=Gizmodo|date=December 12, 2014|access-date=March 13, 2017|archive-date=March 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170315085740/http://gizmodo.com/the-greatest-dark-horse-star-wars-comics-to-buy-before-1670419639|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://denofgeek.com/us/books-comics/star-wars/231894/star-wars-the-13-greatest-dark-horse-comics-stories|title=''Star Wars'': The 13 Greatest Dark Horse Comics Stories|first=John|last=Saavedra|website=]|date=January 4, 2015|access-date=March 13, 2017|archive-date=March 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170315090846/http://www.denofgeek.com/us/books-comics/star-wars/231894/star-wars-the-13-greatest-dark-horse-comics-stories|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
After Disney's acquisition of Lucasfilm, it was announced in January 2014 that in 2015 the ''Star Wars'' comics license would return to Marvel Comics,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/disney-moves-star-wars-comics-668377|title=Disney Moves ''Star Wars'' Comics License to Marvel|last=McMillan|first=Graeme|website=]|date=January 3, 2014|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160323165400/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/disney-moves-star-wars-comics-668377|archive-date= March 23, 2016|url-status=live|access-date=January 3, 2014}}</ref> whose parent company, ], Disney had purchased in 2009.<ref name="Disney">{{cite news | title=Disney to Acquire Marvel Entertainment for $4B |url=https://www.marketwatch.com/story/disney-to-acquire-marvel-entertainment-for-4b-2009-08-31 | work=] | date=August 31, 2009 | first=David B. |last=Wilkerson| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110608001308/http://www.marketwatch.com/story/disney-to-acquire-marvel-entertainment-for-4b-2009-08-31 | archive-date= June 8, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> Launched in 2015, the first three publications were titled '']'', '']'', and the miniseries '']''.<ref name="SDCC 2014">{{cite web |url=https://www.starwars.com/news/sdcc-2014-inside-marvels-new-star-wars-comics-exclusive |title=SDCC 2014: Inside Marvel's New ''Star Wars'' Comics |first=Dan |last=Brooks |website=StarWars.com |date=July 26, 2014 |access-date=August 20, 2016 |archive-date=May 14, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160514043523/http://www.starwars.com/news/sdcc-2014-inside-marvels-new-star-wars-comics-exclusive |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://comicsalliance.com/marvel-new-star-wars-titles-darth-vader-princess-leia-aaron-cassaday-gillen-larroca-waid-dodson/ |title=Force Works: Marvel Announces Three New ''Star Wars Titles'' From All-Star Creative Teams |work=] |first=Andrew |last=Wheeler |date=July 26, 2014|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161008145245/http://comicsalliance.com/marvel-new-star-wars-titles-darth-vader-princess-leia-aaron-cassaday-gillen-larroca-waid-dodson/|archive-date= October 8, 2016|url-status=live|access-date=August 20, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://uk.ign.com/articles/2014/07/27/sdcc-2014-marvel-announces-3-star-wars-comics |title=SDCC 2014: Marvel Announces 3 ''Star Wars'' Comics for 2015 |website=]|first=Joshua |last=Yehl |date=July 26, 2014|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20151121190208/http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/07/27/sdcc-2014-marvel-announces-3-star-wars-comics|archive-date= November 21, 2015|url-status=live|access-date=August 20, 2016}}</ref> | |||
History | |||
First announced as ''Project Luminous'' at Star Wars Celebration in April 2019, the '']'' publishing initiative was revealed in a press conference in February 2020. Involving the majority of the then current officially licensed publishers, a new era set 200 years before the Skywalker Saga was explored in various books and comics. Including ongoing titles by Marvel and IDW Publishing, written by Cavan Scott and Daniel José Older respectively.<ref name="StarWarsHighRepublic">{{cite web|url=https://www.starwars.com/news/star-wars-the-high-republic|title=Lucasfilm to Launch ''Star Wars: The High Republic'' Publishing Campaign in 2021 |date=February 24, 2020|access-date=February 25, 2020|publisher=StarWars.com|archive-date=February 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200225043833/https://www.starwars.com/news/star-wars-the-high-republic|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
The first set of Star Wars trading cards was produced and released by Topps in 1977 to coincide with first Star Wars movie, now renamed Star Wars: A New Hope. Many trading card series have been produced since, with more released every year by various manufacturers around the world. Topps is the official producer of Star Wars trading cards in the United States. | |||
--> | |||
Marvel Comics will publish a ] comic book on September 4, 2024, that bridges the gap between the High Republic publishing initiative and the events of ''The Acolyte''. Titled ''Star Wars: The Acolyte – Kelnacca'', the one-shot was written by High Republic writer ] with art by Marika Cresta. It focuses on Kelnacca, the Wookiee Jedi introduced in ''The Acolyte''.<ref name="KelnaccaComic">{{Cite web |last=Lussier |first=Germain |date=May 31, 2024 |title=Star Wars' New Wookiee Jedi Is Getting His Own Marvel Comic |url=https://gizmodo.com/wookiee-jedi-star-wars-comic-acolyte-marvel-kelnacca-1851509251 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531163410/https://gizmodo.com/wookiee-jedi-star-wars-comic-acolyte-marvel-kelnacca-1851509251 |archive-date=May 31, 2024 |access-date=May 31, 2024 |website=]}}</ref> | |||
=== Fan works === | |||
:''See also: ]'' | |||
The ''Star Wars'' saga has inspired many fans, called ], to create their own stories set in the ''Star Wars'' galaxy. In recent years, this has ranged from writing fan-fiction to creating ]s. | |||
=== Audio === | |||
In 2002, Lucasfilm sponsored the first annual ], officially recognizing filmmakers and the genre. Because of concerns over potential copyright and trademark issues, however, the contest remains open only to parodies, mockumentaries, and documentaries. Fan-fiction films set in the ''Star Wars'' universe are ineligible. Initially this limitation caused an outcry for those interested in creating serious fan-fiction for a competition. | |||
==== Soundtracks and singles ==== | |||
{{Further|Music of Star Wars}} | |||
] composed the soundtracks for the nine episodic films. He stated he would retire from the franchise with ''The Rise of Skywalker'',<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.avclub.com/john-williams-says-hes-only-got-one-more-of-these-damn-1823487057 |title=John Williams says he's only got one more of these damn ''Star Wars'' movies in him |last=Hughes |first=William |work=] |date=March 3, 2018 |access-date=March 3, 2018 |archive-date=April 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402225934/https://www.avclub.com/john-williams-says-hes-only-got-one-more-of-these-damn-1823487057 |url-status=live }}</ref> but he composed a theme for Obi-Wan Kenobi for the ] and Han Solo's theme for ''Solo: A Star Wars Story''.<ref name=SoloScore>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2017/film/news/john-williams-star-wars-composer-han-solo-movie-theme-1202650282/|title='Solo' Locks in Key 'Star Wars' Veteran (EXCLUSIVE)|last=Burlingame|first=Jon|date=December 30, 2017|work=]|access-date=December 30, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171230173800/http://variety.com/2017/film/news/john-williams-star-wars-composer-han-solo-movie-theme-1202650282/|archive-date=December 30, 2017}}</ref> Williams also created the main theme for '']''.<ref>{{cite news|last=Burlingame|first=Jon|date=May 20, 2019|title=John Williams in Disneyland: The Story Behind His 'Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge' Theme|url=https://variety.com/2019/music/news/john-williams-new-theme-music-star-wars-galaxys-edge-disneyland-1203220959/|work=Variety|location=Los Angeles|access-date=October 16, 2020|archive-date=May 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190520191631/https://variety.com/2019/music/news/john-williams-new-theme-music-star-wars-galaxys-edge-disneyland-1203220959/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
Several other composers worked on other soundtracks, including ] (''Obi-Wan Kenobi''), ] (''Rogue One''),<ref name=SoloScore /> and ] ('']'').<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.starwars.com/news/5-highlights-from-star-wars-forces-of-destiny-the-padawan-path|title=5 Highlights from Star Wars Forces of Destiny: "The Padawan Path" {{!}} StarWars.com|date=July 6, 2017|work=StarWars.com|access-date=August 23, 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=January 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120204008/https://www.starwars.com/news/5-highlights-from-star-wars-forces-of-destiny-the-padawan-path|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
While many of the serious fan films have used elements from the licensed Expanded Universe to tell their story, they are obviously not considered an official part of the ''Star Wars'' canon. Lucasfilm, for the most part, has allowed but not endorsed the creation of these derivative fan-fiction works, so long as no such work attempts to make a profit from or tarnish the ''Star Wars'' franchise in any way. | |||
==== Audio novels ==== | |||
Lucasfilm's open support and sanction of fan creations is a marked contrast to the attitudes of many other copyright holders. Some owners, such as ] with the ] properties, have been known to actively discourage the creation of such works by fans. | |||
{{Further|The Story of Star Wars|List of Star Wars books}} | |||
The first ''Star Wars'' audio work is '']'', an ] using audio samples from the original film and a new narration to retell the story, released in 1977. Most later printed novels were adapted into audio novels, usually released on ] and re-released on CD. As of 2019, audio-only novels have been released not directly based on printed media.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Liptak |first1=Andrew |title=A new Star Wars audio-only novel will explore Count Dooku and Asajj Ventress' backstory |url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/3/27/18284363/star-wars-audio-novel-dooku-asajj-ventress-backstory-lucasfilm |access-date=October 5, 2020 |work=The Verge |date=March 27, 2019 |archive-date=October 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201008102823/https://www.theverge.com/2019/3/27/18284363/star-wars-audio-novel-dooku-asajj-ventress-backstory-lucasfilm |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
==== Radio ==== | |||
{{Further|Star Wars (radio)}} | |||
Radio adaptations of the films were also produced. Lucas, a fan of the NPR-affiliated ] station of his alma mater the ], licensed the ''Star Wars'' radio rights to ] for {{US$|1}}. The production used John Williams's original film score, along with ]'s sound effects.<ref name="Encyc Radio" /><ref name="SW Collect" /> | |||
The first was written by science-fiction author ] and directed by ]. It was broadcast on ] in 1981, adapting ] into 13 episodes.<ref name="All Things">{{cite news|last=John|first=Derek|title=That Time NPR Turned ''Star Wars'' Into A Radio Drama—And It Actually Worked|url=https://www.npr.org/2015/12/18/460269884/that-time-npr-turned-star-wars-into-a-radio-drama-and-it-actually-worked|publisher=] |website=]|access-date=March 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160620103128/http://www.npr.org/2015/12/18/460269884/that-time-npr-turned-star-wars-into-a-radio-drama-and-it-actually-worked|archive-date=June 20, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Encyc Radio">{{cite book |last=Sterling |first=Christopher H. |title=Encyclopedia of Radio (Vol. 3) |publisher=Routledge |date=2004 |isbn=978-1-135-45649-8 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-UeveLMilioC&pg=PA2206 |access-date=March 2, 2017 |page=2206 |archive-date=November 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114043219/https://books.google.com/books?id=-UeveLMilioC&pg=PA2206 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="SW Collect">{{cite web |url=https://www.starwars.com/news/5-awesome-star-wars-media-collectibles |title=5 Awesome ''Star Wars'' Media Collectibles |website=StarWars.com |date=April 9, 2015 |access-date=March 2, 2017 |archive-date=March 3, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170303045809/http://www.starwars.com/news/5-awesome-star-wars-media-collectibles |url-status=live }}</ref> ] and ] reprised their film roles.<ref name="All Things" /><ref name="Encyc Radio" /> | |||
The overwhelming success, led to a 10-episode adaptation of ''The Empire Strikes Back'' debuted in 1983.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Robb|first1=Brian J.|title=A Brief Guide to Star Wars|date=2012|publisher=Hachette|location=London|isbn=978-1-78033-583-4|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5l-eBAAAQBAJ&pg=PT76|access-date=July 21, 2016|language=en|archive-date=November 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114043220/https://books.google.com/books?id=5l-eBAAAQBAJ&pg=PT76|url-status=live}}</ref> ] joined the other two stars, reprising his role as Lando Calrissian.<ref name="Encyc Radio"/> | |||
In 1983, ] released an original, 30-minute ''Star Wars'' ] titled ''Rebel Mission to Ord Mantell'', written by Daley.<ref name="SW Collect" /><ref name="Tor audio" /> In the 1990s, ] Audio Publishing adapted several ''Star Wars'' series from ] into audio dramas: the three-part '']'' saga, '']'', '']'', the '']'' trilogy, and '']'' (1998).<ref name="Tor audio" /> ''Return of the Jedi'' was adapted into 6-episodes in 1996, featuring Daniels.<ref name="Encyc Radio" /><ref name="Tor audio">{{cite web |url=http://www.tor.com/2015/12/16/sounds-of-star-wars-the-audio-dramas/ |title=Sounds of ''Star Wars'': The Audio Dramas |first=Alan |last=Brown |website=Tor.com |date=December 16, 2015 |access-date=March 2, 2017 |archive-date=March 20, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170320023312/http://www.tor.com/2015/12/16/sounds-of-star-wars-the-audio-dramas/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
=== Video games === | |||
{{Further|Star Wars video games|List of Star Wars video games}} | |||
The ''Star Wars'' franchise has spawned over one hundred<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blog.igdb.com/2017/12/12/star-wars-40-years-in-gaming|title=Star Wars Infographic: 40 Years in Gaming|work=www.igdb.com|access-date=December 12, 2017|archive-date=December 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171215110841/https://blog.igdb.com/2017/12/12/star-wars-40-years-in-gaming/|url-status=live}}</ref> computer, video, and board games, dating back to some of the earliest ]. Some are based directly on the movie material, while others rely heavily on the non-canonical Expanded Universe (rebranded as ''Star Wars Legends'' and removed from the canon in 2014). ''Star Wars'' games have gone through three significant development eras, marked by a change in leadership among the developers: the early licensed games, those developed after the creation of LucasArts, and those created after the closure of the Lucasfilm division by Disney and the transfer of the license to ]. | |||
==== Early licensed games (1979–1993) ==== | |||
The first officially licensed electronic ''Star Wars'' game was ]'s 1979 table-top ''Star Wars Electronic Battle Command''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.handheldmuseum.com/Kenner/SWBattleCommand.htm |title=Kenner ''Star Wars'' Battle Command |publisher=Handheldmuseum.com |access-date=March 15, 2017 |archive-date=January 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180123215906/http://www.handheldmuseum.com/Kenner/SWBattleCommand.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Coopee |first=Todd |title=''Star Wars'' Electronic Battle Command Game |url=https://toytales.ca/star-wars-electronic-battle-command-game/ |publisher=ToyTales.ca |access-date=March 15, 2017 |archive-date=August 13, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170813220551/https://toytales.ca/star-wars-electronic-battle-command-game/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1982, ] published the first ''Star Wars'' video game for the ], '']'',<ref>{{cite book|last1=Bogost |first1=Ian|author-link1=Ian Bogost|last2=Montfort|first2=Nick|title=Racing the Beam: The Atari Video Computer System|publisher=]|year=2009|isbn=978-0-262-01257-7|title-link=Racing the Beam}}</ref> followed soon the year later by '']'', the first video game to depict lightsaber combat. They were followed in 1983 by ]'s ] ] '']'', with ] to replicate the Death Star trench run scene from the 1977 film.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tomshardware.com/picturestory/7-30-a-brief-history-of-star-war-games-part-1.html|title=A Brief History of ''Star War'' Games, Part 1 (Slide 1–6) |date=May 20, 2007|publisher=]|access-date=March 3, 2017}}</ref> The next game, '']'' (1984), has more traditional ],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/star-wars-return-of-the-jedi |title=''Star Wars: Return of the Jedi'' |publisher=] |access-date=March 15, 2017 |archive-date=March 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316113601/http://www.mobygames.com/game/star-wars-return-of-the-jedi |url-status=live }}</ref> while the following '']'' (1985) has vector graphics.<ref>{{cite magazine |magazine=] |issue=70 |pages=82–83 |title=The making of ''The Empire Strikes Back''|date=November 2009}}</ref> | |||
]s were made for the ], including the Japan-exclusive '']'' (1987), an international '']'' (1991), and '']'' (1992). '']'' (1992) was released for the ], with two sequels over the next two years. | |||
==== LucasArts and modern self-published games (1993–2014) ==== | |||
{{Main|LucasArts}} | |||
Lucasfilm founded its own video game company in 1982, becoming best known for adventure games and ] flight combat games, but as George Lucas took more interest in the increasing success of the video game market, he wanted to have more creative control over the games and founded his own development company, ]. Improved graphics allowed games to tell complex narratives, which allowed for the retelling of the films, and eventually original narratives set in the same continuity, with voice-overs and CGI ]s. In 1993, LucasArts released '']'', the first self-published ''Star Wars'' video game and the first ] based on the franchise.<ref name="LA History 2">{{cite web |url=http://www.lucasarts.com/20th/history_2.htm |title=LucasArts Entertainment Company: 20th Anniversary (Part Two: The Classics, 1990–1994) |publisher=] |date=June 23, 2006 |access-date=March 15, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060623025112/http://www.lucasarts.com/20th/history_2.htm |archive-date=June 23, 2006}}</ref> It was one of the bestselling video games of 1993 and established its own ].<ref name="LA History 2" /> The ] was released between 1998 and 2003, also focusing on space battles set during the films. | |||
'']'' (1995), a hybrid ] incorporating puzzles and strategy,<ref name=PCG>{{cite magazine |last=Mizell |first=Leslie |magazine=] |date=October 1994 |title=''Star Wars: Dark Forces'' preview | pages=34–37}}</ref> was the first ''Star Wars'' ].<ref name="Toms DF">{{cite web|url=http://www.tomshardware.com/picturestory/7-a-brief-history-of-star-war-games-part-1.html#s29|title=A Brief History of ''Star War'' Games, Part 1 (Slide 29–32)|date=May 20, 2007|publisher=Tom's Hardware|access-date=March 3, 2017|archive-date=October 2, 2014|archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20141002211452/http://www.tomshardware.com/picturestory/7%2Da%2Dbrief%2Dhistory%2Dof%2Dstar%2Dwar%2Dgames%2Dpart%2D1.html#s29|url-status=live}}</ref> It featured gameplay and graphical features not then common in other games, made possible by LucasArts' custom-designed ], the ].<ref name="Toms DF" /><ref name=PCG /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://archive.gamespy.com/articles/december03/doom/clones/index2.shtml|title=Bringin' in the ''DOOM'' Clones |last1=Turner|first1=Benjamin|last2=Bowen|first2=Kevin|date=December 11, 2003|publisher=]|access-date=August 15, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120127062845/http://archive.gamespy.com/articles/december03/doom/clones/index2.shtml|archive-date=January 27, 2012}}</ref><ref name=Byte>{{cite web|url=http://www.byte.com/art/9512/sec10/art1.htm|title=Today's hot first-person 3-D shoot-'em-ups |last=Baldazo|first=Rex|date=December 1995|website=]|access-date=August 15, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081123045145/http://www.byte.com/art/9512/sec10/art1.htm|archive-date=November 23, 2008}}</ref> The game was well received,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19950319/2111023/cd-rom|title=Tech Reviews CD-Rom – Dark Forces|last=Kent|first=Steven L.|date=March 19, 1995|website=]|access-date=December 15, 2008|archive-date=July 19, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090719012008/http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=19950319&slug=2111023|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=GRDOS>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/3397.asp?q=dark%20forces|title=''Star Wars Dark Forces'' – PC|publisher=]|access-date=December 30, 2008|archive-date=November 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114043252/https://www.metacritic.com/game|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=GspotDOS>{{cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/pc/action/darkforces/review.html|title=''Star Wars Dark Forces'' Review |last=Dulin|first=Ron|date=May 1, 1996|website=]|access-date=October 20, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018150903/http://uk.gamespot.com/star-wars-dark-forces/reviews/dark-forces-review-2538507/|archive-date=October 18, 2012}}</ref> and it was followed by ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://xbox.ign.com/articles/377/377807p1.html |last=Boulding |first=Aaron |title=''Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast'' Xbox review |date=November 19, 2002 |access-date=March 3, 2017 |website=] |archive-date=August 16, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120816142910/http://xbox.ign.com/articles/377/377807p1.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/star-wars-jedi-knight-jedi-academy-designer-diary-1/1100-6073921/| title=''Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy'' Designer Diary #1| website=GameSpot| date=August 25, 2003| access-date=April 26, 2016| archive-date=May 21, 2016| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160521081044/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/star-wars-jedi-knight-jedi-academy-designer-diary-1/1100-6073921/| url-status=live}}</ref> The series introduced ], who would appear in multiple games, novels, and comics.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://uk.stars.ign.com/articles/898/898223p1.html |title=Top 25 ''Star Wars Heroes'': Day 2 |last=Schedeen |first=Jesse |date=August 12, 2008 |website=] |access-date=March 3, 2017 |archive-date=March 13, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120313165545/http://uk.stars.ign.com/articles/898/898223p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Katarn is a former ] who joins the Rebellion and becomes a Jedi,<ref name="Toms DF" /><ref name=MG>{{cite web|url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/star-wars-dark-forces|title=''Star Wars: Dark Forces''|publisher=]|access-date=March 3, 2017|archive-date=December 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161225122620/http://www.mobygames.com/game/star-wars-dark-forces|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="SW Kyle">{{cite web|url=https://www.starwars.com/databank/character/kylekatarn/|title=Katarn, Kyle|website=StarWars.com |access-date=March 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110912124400/http://www.starwars.com/databank/character/kylekatarn/|archive-date=September 12, 2011}}</ref> a plot arc similar to that of Finn in the sequel trilogy films.<ref name="THR Jacen" /> A ], '']'', was in operation from 2003 until 2011. After Disney bought Lucasfilm, LucasArts ceased its role as a developer in 2013, although it still operates as a ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/disney-shuttering-lucasarts-moving-to-licensed-games-model/|title=Disney shuttering LucasArts, moving to licensed games model|last=Terdiman|first=Daniel|website=CNET|language=en|access-date=August 30, 2019|archive-date=August 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190830034804/https://www.cnet.com/news/disney-shuttering-lucasarts-moving-to-licensed-games-model/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
==== ''EA Star Wars'' (2014–present) ==== | |||
Following its acquisition of the franchise, Disney reassigned video game rights to ]. Games made during this era are considered canonical, and feature more influence from the ''Star Wars'' filmmakers. Disney partnered with ] to create the ] video game ''Jedi Challenges'', released in November 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2017/08/31/star-wars-jedi-challenges-augmented-reality-game-launches-with-lenovo-mirage-headset.html|title=Lenovo, Disney launch 'Star Wars' Jedi augmented reality game that lets you use a Lightsaber|first=Arjun|last=Kharpal|date=August 31, 2017|publisher=CNBC|access-date=September 27, 2018|archive-date=July 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180728071352/https://www.cnbc.com/2017/08/31/star-wars-jedi-challenges-augmented-reality-game-launches-with-lenovo-mirage-headset.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.starwars.com/news/how-jedi-challenges-brings-star-wars-to-life-at-home|title=How Jedi Challenges Brings Star Wars to Life at Home|date=November 3, 2017|website=StarWars.com|access-date=September 27, 2018|archive-date=September 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180927165227/https://www.starwars.com/news/how-jedi-challenges-brings-star-wars-to-life-at-home|url-status=live}}</ref> In August 2018, it was announced that ] would publish ] ''Star Wars'' mobile games.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/zynga-disney-star-wars-games-1202911645/|title=Zynga Partners With Disney For New 'Star Wars' Games|website=Variety|date=August 21, 2018|access-date=September 2, 2018|archive-date=September 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180903045810/https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/zynga-disney-star-wars-games-1202911645/|url-status=live}}</ref> The ''Battlefront'' games received a canonical reboot with '']'' in November 2015, which was followed by a sequel, '']'', in November 2017. A single-player action-adventure game, '']'', with an original story and cast of characters, was released in November 2019. A ] titled '']'', which builds upon the space battles from ''Battlefront'', was released in October 2020. | |||
=== Theme park attractions === | |||
{{Main|List of Star Wars theme parks attractions}} | |||
In addition to the ] ride ] (1987) and its successor, ] (2011), many live attractions have been held at Disney parks, including the traveling exhibition ], the ] spin-off ], a walkthrough ], and the night-time '']''. An immersive themed area called ] (2019) opened at Disneyland and opened at ] in mid-2019.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/star-wars-galaxys-edge-opening-dates-set-may-august-1192999|title=Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge Sets Opening Dates|last1=Vlessing|first1=Etan|date=March 7, 2019|work=]|access-date=March 7, 2019|last2=Parker|first2=Ryan|archive-date=March 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190307205347/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/star-wars-galaxys-edge-opening-dates-set-may-august-1192999|url-status=live}}</ref> A themed hotel, ], operated from 2022 to 2023 at Walt Disney World. | |||
{{More citations needed section|date=January 2020}} | |||
{{#section:List of Star Wars theme parks attractions|Attractions}} | |||
=== Multimedia projects === | |||
A multimedia project involves works released across multiple types of media. '']'' (1996) was a multimedia project set between ''The Empire Strikes Back'' and ''Return of the Jedi'' that included a novel by ], a comic book series, ], and action figures.<ref name="Verge" /><ref name="Shadows" /> '']'' (2008–2010) was a similar project set between ''Revenge of the Sith'' and ''A New Hope'' that included a novel, a ] and its ], a ], a ] supplement, and toys.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.starwars.com/games-apps/star-wars-the-force-unleashed#/|title=''Star Wars: The Force Unleashed''|website=StarWars.com|access-date=September 26, 2018|archive-date=October 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181006070635/https://www.starwars.com/games-apps/star-wars-the-force-unleashed#/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.starwars.com/games/videogames/news20080923.html|title=''The Force Unleashed'' Sells 1.5 Million Units Worldwide in Under One Week|date=September 23, 2008|access-date=March 15, 2017|website=StarWars.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090402030455/http://starwars.com/games/videogames/news20080923.html|archive-date=April 2, 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
=== Merchandising === | |||
{{Main|Kenner Star Wars action figures|List of Kenner Star Wars action figures|Star Wars: The Vintage Collection|Lego Star Wars|Star Wars trading card|Star Wars role-playing games}} | |||
] | |||
The success of the ''Star Wars'' films led the franchise to become one of the most merchandised franchises in the world. While filming the original 1977 film, George Lucas decided to take a $500,000 pay cut to his salary as director in exchange for full ownership of the franchise's merchandising rights. By 1987, the first three films have made {{US$|2.6}}{{nbsp}}billion in merchandising revenue.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lPdVAAAAIBAJ&q=convention+celebrates+star+wars+milestone&pg=PA2|title=Convention celebrates 'Star Wars milestone|newspaper=]|date=May 25, 1987|access-date=December 21, 2019|archive-date=November 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114043221/https://books.google.com/books?id=lPdVAAAAIBAJ&q=convention+celebrates+star+wars+milestone&pg=PA2|url-status=live}}</ref> By 2012, the first six films produced approximately {{US$|20}}{{nbsp}}billion in merchandising revenue.<ref name="merch">{{Cite magazine |last=Block |first=Alex Ben |date=February 9, 2012 |title=The Real Force Behind 'Star Wars': How George Lucas Built an Empire |url=https://hollywoodreporter.com/news/george-lucas-star-wars-288513 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180923113443/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/george-lucas-star-wars-288513 |archive-date=September 23, 2018 |access-date=September 26, 2018 |magazine=]}}</ref> | |||
] made the first ] to coincide with the release of the original film, and today the original figures are highly valuable. Since the 1990s, Hasbro holds the rights to create action figures based on the saga. ] began to be produced in 1997.<ref>Nina Chertoff and Susan Kahn, {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200820001156/https://books.google.com/books?id=uuDcU7-EIdAC&pg=PA87 |date=August 20, 2020 }}, ''Celebrating Pez'' (Sterling Publishing Company, Inc., 2006), 87.</ref> ''Star Wars'' was the first intellectual property to be licensed in ] history.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metro.co.uk/tech/games/885284-lego-gets-lord-of-the-rings-and-hobbit-licence|title=Lego gets Lord Of The Rings and Hobbit licence|website=Metro|date=December 19, 2011|access-date=August 2, 2016|archive-date=January 8, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108033247/http://www.metro.co.uk/tech/games/885284-lego-gets-lord-of-the-rings-and-hobbit-licence|url-status=live}}</ref> Lego has produced animated parody short films and mini-series to promote their ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.starwars7news.com/2015/02/new-lego-star-wars-mini-series-coming-to-disneyxd.html|title=Star Wars Episode 7 News – New LEGO Star Wars Mini-Series Retelling the Whole Saga Coming to DisneyXD|author=Link Voxx|publisher=Star Wars Episode 7 News|access-date=January 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150819074538/http://www.starwars7news.com/2015/02/new-lego-star-wars-mini-series-coming-to-disneyxd.html|archive-date=August 19, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> The ] are critically acclaimed bestsellers.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://ign.com/articles/2006/03/02/lego-star-wars-ii-developer-diary | title = LEGO Star Wars II: Developer Diary | author = LucasArts | date = March 2, 2006 | website = ] | publisher = ] | access-date = September 3, 2018 | author-link = LucasArts | archive-date = September 3, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180903221149/http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/03/02/lego-star-wars-ii-developer-diary | url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/gamelife/2009/05/top-10-april-2009-games/|title=April 2009's Top 10 Game Sales, By Platform|last=Kohler|first=Chris|date=May 15, 2009|magazine=]|access-date=September 3, 2018|archive-date=November 3, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103173211/http://www.wired.com/gamelife/2009/05/top-10-april-2009-games/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
In 1977, the board game ''Star Wars: Escape from the Death Star'' was released.<ref>{{Citation | url = http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/4845/star-wars--escape-from-death-star-game | title = Star Wars: Escape from the Death Star | year = 1977 | type = description | publisher = Board game geek | access-date = August 19, 2012 | archive-date = November 14, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201114043222/https://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/4845/star-wars-escape-death-star-game | url-status = live }}</ref>{{efn|Not to be confused with the board game with the same name published in 1990<ref>{{Citation | url = http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/2725/star-wars-escape-from-the-death-star | title = Star Wars: Escape from the Death Star | year = 1990 | type = description | publisher = Board game geek | access-date = August 19, 2012 | archive-date = April 22, 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100422213022/http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/2725/star-wars-escape-from-the-death-star | url-status = live }}</ref>}} A '']'' and themed versions of '']'' and ] were released in 1997, with updated versions released in subsequent years. The board game '']'' has been adapted in two editions by ]: '']'' (2005)<ref>{{cite web|access-date=March 23, 2009|url=http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/15045|title=Star Wars Clone Wars Edition|publisher=Hasbro|archive-date=March 2, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090302101421/http://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/15045|url-status=live}}</ref> and the '']'' (2006).<ref>{{cite web|access-date=March 23, 2009|publisher=Board game geek|url=http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/22551|title=Risk Star Wars: The Original Trilogy Edition|archive-date=March 2, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090302101053/http://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/22551|url-status=live}}</ref> Three ''Star Wars'' tabletop ]s have been developed: ] in the 1980s and 1990s, ] in the 2000s, and ] in the 2010s. | |||
] have been published since the first "blue" series, by ], in 1977.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=March 27, 2008|url=http://starwarscards.net/|title=Star Wars Trading Cards|website=Starwarscards.net|archive-date=April 5, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080405015712/http://www.starwarscards.net/|url-status=live}}</ref> Dozens of series have been produced, with Topps being the licensed creator in the United States. Each card series are of film stills or original art. Many of the cards have become highly collectible with some very rare "promos", such as the 1993 Galaxy Series II "floating Yoda" P3 card often commanding US$1,000 or more. While most "base" or "common card" sets are plentiful, many "insert" or "]" are very rare.<ref>{{cite web|access-date= March 28, 2008|url= http://theswca.com/textf/promo.html|title= Star Wars Promotional Trading Card List|publisher= The Star Wars Collectors Archive|archive-date= May 3, 2008|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080503144152/http://theswca.com/textf/promo.html|url-status= live}}</ref> From 1995 until 2001, ] had the license for, created, and produced the '']''. | |||
== Themes == | |||
{{See also|Star Wars sources and analogues}} | |||
''Star Wars'' features elements such as ], ], and ] such as "]".<ref>{{cite web |last=Hamilton |first=Jason |title=Star Wars in Mythology: The Shadow |url=https://www.starwars.com/news/star-wars-in-mythology-the-shadow |work=StarWars.com |access-date=September 20, 2019 |date=February 25, 2015 |archive-date=September 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190921050250/https://www.starwars.com/news/star-wars-in-mythology-the-shadow |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
There are also many references to Christianity, such as in the appearance of ], whose design draws heavily from traditional depictions of the ].<ref name="myth">{{cite news|date=April 26, 1999|title=Of Myth And Men|work=]|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,990820,00.html|access-date=April 20, 2009|first=Bill|last=Moyers|archive-date=August 25, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130825045550/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,990820,00.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Anakin was conceived of a ], and is assumed to be the "]", a ] individual. However, unlike Jesus, Anakin falls from grace, remaining evil as Darth Vader until ''Return of the Jedi''. According to ], sequel trilogy villain Kylo Ren, who idolizes Vader, believes he is "doing what he thinks is right".<ref name=stuff>{{cite web |last=Idato |first=Michael |title=Adam Driver's Kylo Ren unmasked as real star of Star Wars: The Force Awakens |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/film/75021347/adam-drivers-kylo-ren-unmasked-as-real-star-of-star-wars-the-force-awakens?rm=m |website=Stuff |access-date=October 15, 2019 |date=December 11, 2015 |archive-date=November 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114043222/https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/film/75021347/adam-drivers-kylo-ren-unmasked-as-real-star-of-star-wars-the-force-awakens?rm=m |url-status=live }}</ref> George Lucas has said that the theme of the saga is redemption.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/the-force-returns-george-lucas-before-the-star-wars-prequels|title=The Force Returns: George Lucas Before the "Star Wars" Prequels|last=Seabrook|first=John|author-link=John Seabrook|date=December 19, 2015|magazine=]|access-date=March 23, 2019|archive-date=March 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330151942/https://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/the-force-returns-george-lucas-before-the-star-wars-prequels|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
The saga draws heavily from the ], an archetypical template developed by ] ].<ref name="myth" /> Each character—primarily Anakin, Luke, and Rey—follows the steps of the cycle or undergoes its reversal, becoming the villain.<ref>{{cite web |last=Young |first=Bryan |title=In The Last Jedi, Rey's Journey in the Mirror Cave Echoes a Star Wars Cycle |url=https://www.starwars.com/news/in-the-last-jedi-reys-journey-in-the-mirror-cave-echoes-a-star-wars-cycle |website=StarWars.com |access-date=September 20, 2019 |date=March 13, 2018 |archive-date=September 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190921050247/https://www.starwars.com/news/in-the-last-jedi-reys-journey-in-the-mirror-cave-echoes-a-star-wars-cycle |url-status=live }}</ref> A defining step of the journey is "Atonement with the Father".<ref>{{cite web |title=Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey #9: Atonement with the Father |url=http://thinkspiritual.ca/hj9_atonement |website=Think Spiritual |access-date=October 15, 2019 |date=March 27, 2019 |archive-date=October 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016064658/http://thinkspiritual.ca/hj9_atonement |url-status=live }}</ref> Obi-Wan's loss of a ] could have impacted his relationship with Anakin,<ref>{{cite web |last=Crouse |first=Megan |title=Always Two: How Matters of Trust Built and Broke Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi |url=https://www.starwars.com/news/always-two-anakin-skywalker-and-obi-wan-kenobi |website=StarWars.com |access-date=October 15, 2019 |date=August 3, 2018 |archive-date=October 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016064649/https://www.starwars.com/news/always-two-anakin-skywalker-and-obi-wan-kenobi |url-status=live }}</ref> whom both Obi-Wan and Palpatine are fatherlike mentors to.<ref>{{cite web |title=Becoming Sidious – Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith |url=https://www.starwars.com/video/becoming-sidious |website=StarWars.com |access-date=October 15, 2019 |archive-date=October 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016064631/https://www.starwars.com/video/becoming-sidious |url-status=live }}</ref> Luke's discovery that Vader is his father has strong repercussions on the saga and is regarded as one of the most influential ]s in cinema.<ref>{{cite web |last=McGranaghan |first=Mike |title=The 13 Most Influential Plot Twists In Cinema History |url=https://www.ranker.com/list/most-influential-movie-plot-twists/mike-mcgranaghan |website=Ranker |access-date=October 15, 2019 |archive-date=October 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016064629/https://www.ranker.com/list/most-influential-movie-plot-twists/mike-mcgranaghan |url-status=live }}</ref> ] encourages Kylo Ren to kill his father, Han Solo.<ref name=stuff /> Kylo uses the fact that Rey is an orphan to tempt her into joining the dark side.<ref>{{cite web |last=Cipriani |first=Casey |title=Every 'The Last Jedi' Clue About Rey's Parents, Explained |url=https://www.bustle.com/p/every-the-last-jedi-clue-about-reys-parents-explained-7590089 |website=Bustle |access-date=October 15, 2019 |date=December 14, 2017 |archive-date=June 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618204052/https://www.bustle.com/p/every-the-last-jedi-clue-about-reys-parents-explained-7590089 |url-status=live }}</ref> According to '']'', the final scene in ''The Last Jedi'', which depicts servant children playing with a toy of Luke and one boy using the Force, symbolizes that "the Force can be found in people with humble beginnings."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.inverse.com/article/39741-last-jedi-ending-force-broom-kid-temirlan-blaev-temiri-blagg|title=Who the Heck Was the Broom Kid at the End of 'The Last Jedi'?|website=Inverse|date=December 27, 2017|last=Grebey|first=James|access-date=March 7, 2019|archive-date=March 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330131843/https://www.inverse.com/article/39741-last-jedi-ending-force-broom-kid-temirlan-blaev-temiri-blagg|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
=== Historical influences === | |||
] has been an important element of ''Star Wars'' since the franchise launched in 1977, focusing on a struggle between democracy and dictatorship. Battles featuring the ]s and ]s against the Empire and ], respectively, represent the clash between a ] and a more advanced one, similar to the ].<ref>{{cite AV media|last=Lucas|first=George|title=Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace ''audio commentary''|medium=DVD |publisher=20th Century Fox Home Entertainment|year=2001|time=108}}</ref><ref>Lucas, George (2004). "Making-of" documentary on the ''Return of the Jedi'' DVD release.</ref> Darth Vader's design was initially inspired by ], and also incorporated a ].<ref name=wpo>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/ralph-mcquarrie-artist-who-drewdarth-vader-c-3po-dies-at-82/2012/03/04/gIQAY2AYrR_story.html|title=Ralph McQuarrie, artist who drew Darth Vader, C-3PO, dies at 82|newspaper=]|author=Rees Shapiro, T.|access-date=October 2, 2018|date=March 5, 2012|archive-date=August 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190821042744/https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/ralph-mcquarrie-artist-who-drewdarth-vader-c-3po-dies-at-82/2012/03/04/gIQAY2AYrR_story.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Gilbey|first=Ryan|title=John Mollo obituary: Star Wars costume designer who dressed Darth Vader|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/nov/01/john-mollo-obituary|website=The Guardian|language=en|date=November 1, 2017|access-date=October 2, 2018|archive-date=March 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330143416/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/nov/01/john-mollo-obituary|url-status=live}}</ref> Originally, Lucas conceived of the Sith as a group that served the Emperor in the same way the '']'' (SS) served ], but this was condensed into one character in the form of Vader.{{sfn|Kaminski|2008|p=184}} ] borrow the name of World War I German ]. Imperial officers wear uniforms resembling ],<ref name=ss>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=m81Bg4E_y_IC|title=Star Wars and History|date=October 15, 2012|access-date=August 30, 2013|isbn=978-1-118-28525-1|last1=Reagin|first1=Nancy R.|last2=Liedl|first2=Janice|page=144|publisher=Wiley |archive-date=June 28, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140628062134/http://books.google.com/books?id=m81Bg4E_y_IC|url-status=live}}</ref> and political and security officers resemble the black-clad SS down to the stylized silver ] on their caps. ] terms were used for names in the films; ''e.g.'' the planets ] (a term that refers to a group of ]) and ] (after ] who served on the snow-laden Eastern Front).<ref name="christopherklein">{{Cite web |last=Klein |first=Christopher |date=December 17, 2015 |title=The Real History That Inspired "Star Wars" |url=http://www.history.com/news/the-real-history-that-inspired-star-wars |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170613190212/http://www.history.com/news/the-real-history-that-inspired-star-wars |archive-date=June 13, 2017 |access-date=February 1, 2016 |publisher=HISTORY.com}}</ref> Shots of the commanders looking through ] walker viewscreens in ''The Empire Strikes Back'' resemble tank interiors,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Young |first1=Bryan |title=The Cinema Behind Star Wars: Battle of the Bulge |url=https://www.starwars.com/news/the-cinema-behind-star-wars-battle-of-the-bulge |website=StarWars.com |access-date=March 25, 2019 |date=January 21, 2014 |archive-date=September 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921103135/https://www.starwars.com/news/the-cinema-behind-star-wars-battle-of-the-bulge |url-status=live }}</ref> and space battles in the original film were based on ] and World War II ]s.<ref name="EmpireOfDreams">{{Cite video|title=]|medium=DVD|date=2004|publisher=Star Wars Trilogy Box Set DVD documentary}}</ref> | |||
Palpatine being a ] before becoming the Emperor in the prequel trilogy alludes to Hitler's role before appointing himself '']''.<ref name=ss /> Lucas has also drawn parallels to historical dictators such as ], ], and politicians like ].<ref>{{cite news|title=Star Wars: Attack of the Clones |url=http://www.time.com/time/covers/1101020429/story2.html|work=]|date=April 21, 2002|access-date=December 13, 2009|quote=The people give their democracy to a dictator, whether it's Julius Caesar or Napoleon or Adolf Hitler. Ultimately, the general population goes along with the idea ... That's the issue I've been exploring: how did the Republic turn into the Empire?|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020605161308/http://www.time.com/time/covers/1101020429/story2.html|archive-date=June 5, 2002}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=m81Bg4E_y_IC|title=Star Wars and History|date=October 15, 2012|access-date=August 30, 2013|isbn=978-1-118-28525-1|last1=Reagin|first1=Nancy R.|last2=Liedl|first2=Janice|page=32|publisher=Wiley |archive-date=June 28, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140628062134/http://books.google.com/books?id=m81Bg4E_y_IC|url-status=live}}</ref>{{efn|In his early drafts, Lucas used the plot point of a dictator staying in power with the support of the military. In his comment (made in the prequel trilogy era) Lucas attributed this to Nixon's supposed intention to defy the ],{{sfn|Kaminski|2008|p=95}} but the president resigned and never ran for a third term.}} The ] mirrors the events of the ].<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=m81Bg4E_y_IC|title=Star Wars and History|date=October 15, 2012|access-date=August 30, 2013|isbn=978-1-118-28525-1|last1=Reagin|first1=Nancy R.|last2=Liedl|first2=Janice|page=341|publisher=Wiley |archive-date=June 28, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140628062134/http://books.google.com/books?id=m81Bg4E_y_IC|url-status=live}}</ref> The corruption of the Galactic Republic is modeled after the fall of the democratic ] and the formation of ].<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=m81Bg4E_y_IC|title=Star Wars and History|date=October 15, 2012|access-date=August 30, 2013|isbn=978-1-118-28525-1|last1=Reagin|first1=Nancy R.|last2=Liedl|first2=Janice|pages=130–33|publisher=Wiley |archive-date=June 28, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140628062134/http://books.google.com/books?id=m81Bg4E_y_IC|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.utc.edu/Academic/FirstYearStudies/seminars/starwars.php|title="Star Wars" offers perspective into ancient history|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151123000936/http://blog.utc.edu/news/2012/11/star-wars-offers-perspective-into-ancient-history/|date=November 5, 2012|website=University of Tennessee at Chattanooga|archive-date=November 23, 2015|access-date=November 12, 2018}}</ref> | |||
On the inspiration for the ] formed "from the ashes of the Empire", ''The Force Awakens'' director ] spoke of conversations the writers had about how the Nazis could have ] after WWII and "started working together again."<ref name="empire">{{cite web |url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/jj-abrams-spills-details-kylo-ren/ |title=JJ Abrams Spills Details On Kylo Ren |newspaper=Empireonline.com |date=2015 |first=James |last=Dyer |access-date=February 2, 2016 |archive-date=February 1, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160201065222/http://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/jj-abrams-spills-details-kylo-ren/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
<gallery mode="packed" heights="160"> | |||
File:Luftkampf im Pazifik Juni 1942.jpg|The aerial warfare of WWII inspired the space fights. | |||
File:Flag of the First Galactic Empire.svg|The flag and iconography of the Empire resembles those of the ] and ]. | |||
</gallery> | |||
== Cultural impact == | == Cultural impact == | ||
{{Main|Cultural impact of |
{{Main|Cultural impact of Star Wars}} | ||
{{Multiple image|direction=vertical|image1=Lightsaber blue.svg|align=right|image2=StormTrooper Blaster.jpg|withcaption1= |caption2=The ] and the ] are iconic elements of the franchise.}} | |||
The ''Star Wars'' saga has had a significant impact on modern global ]. Science fiction since ''Star Wars'', particularly in film, has often been influenced by and compared to ''Star Wars''. References to the main characters and themes of ''Star Wars'' are casually made in Western society with the well-qualified assumption that others will understand the reference. George Lucas is also famous for using the best possible cameras and technology (see also ]) in his movies. Many say that the visual and virtual effects that take over today's movies would have never been created if not for Lucas's revolutionizing of the movie industry with ''Star Wars''. | |||
The ''Star Wars'' saga has had a significant impact on popular culture,<ref name="Danesi2012">{{cite book|last=Danesi|first=Marcel|title=Popular Culture: Introductory Perspectives|url=https://archive.org/details/popularculturein0000dane_e3n4|url-access=registration|year=2012|publisher=Rowman & Littlefield|isbn=978-1-4422-1783-6|pages=–}}</ref> with references to its fictional universe deeply embedded in everyday life.<ref name=Brooker>{{cite book|last1=Brooker|first1=Will|title=Using the Force: Creativity, Community, and Star Wars Fans|date=2002|publisher=Continuum|location=New York |isbn=978-0-8264-5287-0}}</ref> Phrases like "evil empire" and "]" have become part of the popular lexicon.<ref name=Chicago>{{cite web |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/chi-0505080390may08,0,5905863,full.story |title=The power of the dark side |website=] |date=May 8, 2005 |access-date=June 13, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522062851/http://www.chicagotribune.com/chi-0505080390may08,0,5905863,full.story |archive-date=May 22, 2011}}</ref> The first ''Star Wars'' film in 1977 was a cultural unifier,<ref name=msn>{{cite web |last=Emerson |first=Jim |url=http://entertainment.msn.com/movies/starwars_2 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080603125329/http://entertainment.msn.com/movies/starwars_2 |date=2007 |archive-date=June 3, 2008 |title=How ''Star Wars'' Shook The World |publisher=MSN Movies |access-date=December 1, 2015}}</ref> enjoyed by a wide spectrum of people.<ref name="pbs">{{Cite web |date=May 19, 2005 |title=Online NewsHour: The Impact of the Star Wars Trilogy Films |url=https://www.pbs.org:80/newshour/bb/entertainment/jan-june05/star_wars_5-19.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071117091742/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/entertainment/jan-june05/star_wars_5-19.html |archive-date=November 17, 2007 |access-date=June 13, 2016 |website=PBS.org}}</ref> The film can be said to have helped launch the science-fiction boom of the late 1970s and early 1980s, making ]s a mainstream genre.<ref name="BookerThomas2009">{{cite book|last1=Booker|first1=M. Keith|last2=Thomas|first2=Anne-Marie|title=The Science Fiction Handbook|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uW9xST9UsOIC&pg=PA9|date=March 30, 2009|publisher=John Wiley & Sons|isbn=978-1-4443-1035-1|pages=9–11|access-date=October 6, 2016|archive-date=January 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170102030301/https://books.google.com/books?id=uW9xST9UsOIC&pg=PA9|url-status=live}}</ref> The widespread impact made it a prime target for parody works and homages, with popular examples including '']'', '']'', '']'' and '']''. | |||
In 1989, the ] selected the original ''Star Wars'' film for preservation in the U.S. ], as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant."<ref name=NFR-Titles>{{cite web|title=U.S. National Film Registry Titles |publisher=U.S. National Film Registry |url=https://www.cs.cmu.edu/Unofficial/Movies/NFR-Titles.html |access-date=September 2, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060821132951/https://www.cs.cmu.edu/Unofficial/Movies/NFR-Titles.html |archive-date=August 21, 2006}}</ref> ''The Empire Strikes Back'' was selected in 2010,<ref name=congress>{{cite web|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jaseG0DbTvl6sIv1uPc-xelSmvjg?docId=c086d710fa42415cbeff1a6a2f80aa36|title='Empire Strikes Back' among 25 film registry picks|access-date=December 28, 2010|archive-date=December 31, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101231205322/http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jaseG0DbTvl6sIv1uPc-xelSmvjg?docId=c086d710fa42415cbeff1a6a2f80aa36|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=hollreporter>{{cite news|url=https://hollywoodreporter.com/news/empire-strikes-airplane-25-movies-65915|title='Empire Strikes Back,' 'Airplane!' Among 25 Movies Named to National Film Registry|access-date=December 28, 2010|work=]|first=Mike|last=Barnes|date=December 28, 2010|archive-date=December 30, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101230174923/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/empire-strikes-airplane-25-movies-65915|url-status=live}}</ref> and ''Return of the Jedi'' was selected in 2021.<ref>{{cite web|last=Tartaglione|first=Nancy|date=December 14, 2021|title=National Film Registry Adds ''Return Of The Jedi'', ''Fellowship Of The Ring'', ''Strangers On A Train'', ''Sounder'', ''WALL-E'' & More|url=https://deadline.com/2021/12/national-film-registry-2021-list-star-wars-return-of-the-jedi-fellowship-of-the-ring-sounder-nightmare-on-elm-street-wall-e-1234890666/|access-date=December 14, 2021|website=]|archive-date=July 2, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702231423/https://deadline.com/2021/12/national-film-registry-2021-list-star-wars-return-of-the-jedi-fellowship-of-the-ring-sounder-nightmare-on-elm-street-wall-e-1234890666/|url-status=live}}</ref> 35 mm reels of the 1997 Special Editions were the versions initially presented for preservation because of the difficulty of transferring from the original prints,<ref name=Andrews-NFR>{{cite web|last1=Andrews|first1=Mallory|title=A 'New' New Hope: Film Preservation and the Problem with 'Star Wars'|url=http://www.soundonsight.org/a-new-new-hope-film-preservation-and-the-problem-with-star-wars/|website=soundonsight.org|publisher=Sound on Sight|access-date=July 27, 2014|date=July 21, 2014|quote=the NFR does not possess workable copies of the original versions…Government-mandated agencies such as the National Film Registry are unable to preserve (or even possess) working copies of the films on their list without the consent of the author and/or copyright holder.|archive-date=July 28, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140728002438/http://www.soundonsight.org/a-new-new-hope-film-preservation-and-the-problem-with-star-wars/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=Save-SW-NFR>{{cite web|title=Request Denied: Lucas Refuses to Co-Operate with Government Film Preservation Organizations|url=http://savestarwars.com/lucas-nfr.html|website=savestarwars.com|publisher=Saving Star Wars|access-date=July 27, 2014|date=2011|quote=When the request was made for STAR WARS, Lucasfilm offered us the Special Edition version. The offer was declined as this was obviously not the version that had been selected for the Registry.|archive-date=December 3, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141203041304/http://savestarwars.com/lucas-nfr.html|url-status=live}}</ref> but it was later revealed that the Library possesses a copyright deposit print of the original theatrical releases.<ref name="mashable.com">{{cite web|last=Ulanoff|first=Lance|title=The search for the 'Star Wars' George Lucas doesn't want you to see|url=http://mashable.com/2015/12/17/star-wars-original-cut/#q9dBHW8NZkq0|website=Mashable|date=December 17, 2015|access-date=October 12, 2016|archive-date=October 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161013075503/http://mashable.com/2015/12/17/star-wars-original-cut/#q9dBHW8NZkq0|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
=== Parodies === | |||
Both the movie and characters have been parodied or spoofed in popular movies and television. Notable movie parodies of ''Star Wars'' include: '']'', a 13 minute spoof which George Lucas has called his favorite Star Wars parody{{fact}}; '']'', a feature film by ], and '']'', a ]-style documentary. There have been numerous parodic references to ''Star Wars'' in films such as '']'', '']'', '']'', and most of the films of ]. In 1997, the first film's twentieth anniversary, '']'' parodied the film's screen tests, which included ] imitating ] auditioning for ]. Walken was originally considered for the role before ] was chosen. | |||
=== |
=== Industry === | ||
The original ''Star Wars'' film was a huge success for ], and was credited for reinvigorating the company. Within three weeks of the film's release, the studio's stock price doubled to a record high. Prior to 1977, 20th Century Fox's greatest annual profits were $37 million, while in 1977, the company broke that record by posting a profit of $79 million.<ref name="EmpireOfDreams" /> The franchise helped Fox to change from an almost bankrupt ] to a thriving media conglomerate.<ref name=Cook>{{cite book|last1=Cook|first1=David A.|title=Lost Illusions: American Cinema in the Shadow of Watergate and Vietnam, 1970–1979|date=2000|publisher=University of California Press|location=Berkeley|isbn=978-0-520-23265-5|edition=1st paperback print.}}</ref> With over $10.3 billion in worldwide box office receipts, ''Star Wars'' is the ] of all time.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |title=Star Wars – Box Office History |url=https://the-numbers.com/movies/series/StarWars.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130822054739/http://www.the-numbers.com/movies/franchise/Star-Wars |archive-date=August 22, 2013 |access-date=January 5, 2020 |website=The Numbers}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{cite web |title=Movie Franchises |url=https://the-numbers.com/movies/series/franchisesW.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130822015623/http://www.the-numbers.com/movies/franchises/sort/World |archive-date=August 22, 2013 |access-date=January 3, 2013 |website=The Numbers}}</ref> | |||
''Star Wars'' fundamentally changed the aesthetics and narratives of ] films, switching the focus of Hollywood-made films from deep, meaningful stories based on dramatic conflict, themes and ] to sprawling special-effects-laden ], as well as changing the Hollywood film industry in fundamental ways. Before ''Star Wars'', special effects in films had not appreciably advanced since the 1950s.<ref name=Bigsby>{{cite book|last1=Bigsby|first1=Christopher|title=The Cambridge Companion to Modern American Culture|date=2006|publisher=Cambridge University Press|location=Cambridge|isbn=978-0-521-84132-0|edition=.}}</ref> The commercial success of ''Star Wars'' created a boom in state-of-the-art special effects in the late 1970s.<ref name=Cook /> Along with '']'', ''Star Wars'' started the tradition of the summer ] film in the entertainment industry, where films open on many screens at the same time and profitable ] are important.<ref name="chicago">{{Cite news |last=Caro |first=Mark |date=May 8, 2005 |title=The power of the dark side |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/chi-0505080390may08,0,5905863,full.story |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522062851/http://www.chicagotribune.com/chi-0505080390may08,0,5905863,full.story |archive-date=May 22, 2011 |access-date=June 13, 2016 |work=Chicago Tribune}}</ref><ref name="pbs" /> It created the model for the major film trilogy and showed that merchandising rights on a film could generate more money than the film itself did.<ref name="msn" /> | |||
There have been many songs based around the Star Wars universe, the most notable of which are ]'s ''Yoda,'' (a parody of ]' "]"), which describes Luke's training with the "wrinkled and green" Jedi master, and ''],'' (a parody of ]'s "]"), which chronicles the events of Episode I. The latter of these is particularly reveled, as it was released one week ''before'' the film. On ]'s album "Dude Ranch", the track "A New Hope" discusses the bassist Mark Hoppus' obsession with Princess Leia. | |||
Film critic ] wrote in his book '']'', "Like '']'' and '']'', ''Star Wars'' was a technical watershed that influenced many of the movies that came after." It began a new generation of special effects and high-energy motion pictures. The film was one of the first films to link genres together to invent a new, ] genre for filmmakers to build upon.<ref name="Legacy" /> Finally, along with ]'s '']'', it shifted the film industry's focus away from personal filmmaking of the 1970s and towards fast-paced, big-budget ] for younger audiences.<ref name="EmpireOfDreams" /><ref name="GreatEbert">{{cite web |work=Chicago Sun-Times |publisher=Sun-Times Media Group |last=Ebert |first=Roger |author-link=Roger Ebert |date=June 28, 1999 |title=Great Movies: Star Wars |url=https://rogerebert.com/reviews/great-movie-star-wars-episode-iv-a-new-hope-1977 |access-date=October 1, 2006 |archive-date=April 13, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130413113345/http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/great-movie-star-wars-episode-iv-a-new-hope-1977 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Shone">] (2004). '']''. London: Simon & Schuster. p. 64. {{ISBN|0-7432-6838-5}}.</ref> | |||
In late ], at the height of the original Star Wars craze, comedian ] portrayed Lounge Lizard Nick Winters on ] and sang a swanky version of the Star Wars theme, complete with inane improvised lyrics.<ref>http://www.boston.com/ae/celebrity/articles/2005/08/11/changing_his_stripes/</ref> | |||
Some critics have blamed ''Star Wars'' and ''Jaws'' for "ruining" Hollywood by shifting its focus from "sophisticated" films such as '']'', '']'', and '']'' to films about spectacle and juvenile fantasy, and for the industry shift from stand-alone, one and done films, towards blockbuster franchises with multiple sequels and prequels.<ref name="American">{{cite news |work=Decent Films Guide |author=Greydanus, Steven D. |title=An American Mythology: Why Star Wars Still Matters |url=http://www.decentfilms.com/articles/starwars |access-date=October 1, 2006 |archive-date=February 6, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120206024753/http://www.decentfilms.com/articles/starwars |url-status=live }}</ref> One such critic, ], complained, "When all was said and done, Lucas and Spielberg returned the 1970s audience, grown sophisticated on a diet of European and ] films, to the simplicities of the pre-1960s ]... They marched backward through the looking-glass."<ref name="American" /><ref name="Biskind">] (1998). "Star Bucks". ''Easy Riders, Raging Bulls: How the Sex-Drugs-and-Rock 'N' Roll Generation Saved Hollywood''. New York: ]. pp. 336–337, 343. {{ISBN|0-684-80996-6}}.</ref> In an opposing view, ] wrote that through ''Star Wars'' and ''Jaws'', Lucas and Spielberg "didn't betray cinema at all: they plugged it back into the grid, returning the medium to its roots as a carnival sideshow, a magic act, one big special effect", which was "a kind of rebirth".<ref name="Shone" /> | |||
Other songs based on the Star Wars saga include ''The Star Wars Gangsta Rap'' and ''Star Wars Cantina''. | |||
The original ''Star Wars'' trilogy is widely considered one of the best film trilogies in history.<ref>For a sampling of the reviews, read the following: | |||
== References == | |||
* {{cite web|title=The 33 Greatest Movie Trilogies | 2. The Original ''Star Wars'' Trilogy|url=https://www.empireonline.com/features/trilogy/default.asp?film=2|work=]|publisher=]|access-date=May 20, 2014|archive-date=December 22, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141222052758/http://www.empireonline.com/features/trilogy/default.asp?film=2|url-status=live}} | |||
<div class="references-small"> | |||
* {{cite web|last=Gibron|first=Bill|title=The 10 Greatest Motion Picture Trilogies of All Time|url=https://popmatters.com/post/148823-the-10-greatest-motion-picture-trilogies-of-all-time/|work=]|access-date=May 20, 2014|date=September 21, 2011|archive-date=December 23, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151223014531/http://www.popmatters.com/post/148823-the-10-greatest-motion-picture-trilogies-of-all-time/|url-status=live}} | |||
<references /> | |||
* {{cite news|last=Griffin|first=Michael|title=Good Things Come In Threes: Great Movie Trilogies|url=http://www.hollywood.com/news/movies/55027259/best-five-movie-trilogies|work=]|access-date=May 20, 2014|date=September 11, 2013|archive-date=May 21, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140521031228/http://www.hollywood.com/news/movies/55027259/best-five-movie-trilogies|url-status=live}} | |||
</div> | |||
* {{cite news|title=10 of the best movie trilogies of all-time | 1. ''Star Wars'' Episodes IV – VI|url=http://www.hitfix.com/galleries/10-of-the-best-movie-trilogies-of-all-time/11|work=]|access-date=May 20, 2014|date=April 25, 2013|author1=Ellwood, Gregory|author2=Eggersten, Chris|author3=Fienberg, Dan|author4=McWeeny, Drew|author5=Lewis, Dave|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140521031520/http://www.hitfix.com/galleries/10-of-the-best-movie-trilogies-of-all-time/11|archive-date=May 21, 2014}}</ref> Numerous filmmakers have been influenced by ''Star Wars'', including ], ], ], ],<ref>{{cite web|last=Pond|first=Steve|title=Why Disney Fired John Lasseter – And How He Came Back to Heal the Studio|url=https://thewrap.com/john-lasseter-disney-fired-frozen-healed-studio-oscarwrap-down-wire|work=]|publisher=The Wrap News Inc.|access-date=May 10, 2014|date=February 21, 2014|archive-date=May 8, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140508200853/http://www.thewrap.com/john-lasseter-disney-fired-frozen-healed-studio-oscarwrap-down-wire|url-status=live}}</ref> ], ], ], ],<ref name="Legacy">{{Cite video|title=The Force Is With Them: The Legacy of Star Wars|publisher=Star Wars Original Trilogy DVD Box Set: Bonus Materials|date=2004}}</ref> and later ''Star Wars'' directors ] and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2011/feb/27/gareth-edwards-monsters-star-wars|title=The film that changed my life: Gareth Edwards|author=Hopkins, Jessica|date=February 27, 2011|access-date=May 10, 2014|work=]|archive-date=May 5, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140505015532/http://www.theguardian.com/film/2011/feb/27/gareth-edwards-monsters-star-wars|url-status=live}}</ref> Lucas's concept of a "used universe" particularly influenced ]'s '']'' (1982) and '']'' (1979), ]'s '']'' (1986) as well as '']'' (1984), ]'s '']'' (1981), and ]'s ] (2001–2003).<ref name="Legacy" /> ] cited ''Star Wars'' as an influence when making the 2010 blockbuster film '']''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Christopher Nolan's Star Wars Inspiration |url=http://hub.contactmusic.com/news/christopher-nolans-star-wars-inspiration_1153625 |publisher=ContactMusic.com |date=July 16, 2010 |access-date=September 24, 2010 |archive-date=December 19, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141219064444/http://hub.contactmusic.com/news/christopher-nolans-star-wars-inspiration_1153625 |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
==== Fan works ==== | |||
*On philosophy and religion influences: | |||
{{Main|Star Wars fan films}} | |||
*On Technology influences: explains the many influences in its analysis of the writing of ''Star Wars''. | |||
The ''Star Wars'' saga has inspired many fans to create their own non-canon material set in the ''Star Wars'' galaxy. In recent years, this has ranged from writing ] to creating ]s. In 2002, Lucasfilm sponsored the first annual ], officially recognizing filmmakers and the genre. Because of concerns over potential ] and trademark issues, however, the contest was initially open only to ], ], and documentaries. Fan fiction films set in the ''Star Wars'' universe were originally ineligible, but in 2007, Lucasfilm changed the submission standards to allow in-universe fiction entries.<ref>{{Cite news|access-date=March 28, 2008|url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-25279212_ITM|title=Filmmaker Kevin Smith Hosts 'The Official Star Wars Fan Film Awards' on SCI FI Channel; George Lucas to Present Special Honor|publisher=]|date=April 23, 2002|archive-date=June 29, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629011859/http://www.accessmylibrary.com/search/?q=Filmmaker%20Kevin%20Smith%20Hosts%20%60The%20Official%20Star%20Wars%20Fan%20Film%20Awards'%20On%20SCI%20FI%20Channel;%20George%20Lucas%20to%20Present%20Special%20Honor.|url-status=live}}</ref> Lucasfilm has allowed but not endorsed the creation of fan fiction, as long as it does not attempt to make a profit.<ref>{{Cite news|first= Sarah|last= Knapton|title= Court to rule in Star Wars costume battle|url= http://film.guardian.co.uk/news/story/0,,2271561,00.html|work= The Guardian|location= UK|date= April 7, 2008|access-date= April 15, 2008|archive-date= April 11, 2008|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080411061922/http://film.guardian.co.uk/news/story/0,,2271561,00.html|url-status= live}}</ref> | |||
*Books about religion/philosophy and Star Wars: | |||
**"Peace Knights of the Soul: Wisdom in 'Star Wars'," by Jon Snodgrass, Ph.D., Foreword by Jonathan Young, Ph.D.ISBN 0-9755214-7-0 | |||
**''The Tao of Star Wars'' by John M. Porter ISBN 0-89334-385-4 | |||
**''The Dharma of Star Wars'' by Matthew Bortolin ISBN 0-86171-497-0 | |||
**''Star Wars And Philosophy'' by Kevin S. Decker, Jason T. Eberl, William Irwin ISBN 0-8126-9583-6 | |||
*"Conception" section based on: The Star Wars Timeline Gold-Appendice L-Understanding the Lost Episodes (p. 141–142). | |||
**''The Tao of Star Wars'' by John M. Porter ISBN 0-89334-385-4 | |||
*On the influence of ] on the ''Star Wars'' films: | |||
**"Peace Knights of the Soul: Wisdom in 'Star Wars'," by Jon Snodgrass, Ph.D., Foreword by Jonathan Young, Ph.D.ISBN 0-9755214-7-0 | |||
**Henderson, Mary. ''Star Wars: The Magic of Myth.'' Companion volume to the exhibition at the National Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institution. New York: Bantam, 1997. | |||
**Larsen, Stephen and Robin Larsen. ''Joseph Campbell: A Fire in the Mind.'' Rochester, Vermont: Inner Traditions, 2002. | |||
**Moyers, Bill and Joseph Campbell. '']''. Anchor; Reissue edition (1991) ISBN 0-385-41886-8 | |||
== |
=== Academia === | ||
As the characters and the storyline of the original trilogy are so well known, educators have used the films in the classroom as a learning resource. For example, a project in Western Australia honed elementary school students storytelling skills by role-playing action scenes from the movies and later creating props and audio/visual scenery to enhance their performance.<ref>{{Cite journal |last= Hesterman |first= Sandra |journal= Australasian Journal of Early Childhood |issn= 1836-9391 |volume= 36 |issue= 4 |pages= 86–95 |title= Multiliterate Star Warians : the force of popular culture and ICT in early learning |date= December 1, 2011 |doi= 10.1177/183693911103600412 |s2cid= 56078619 |url= https://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/15743/ |access-date= December 11, 2019 |archive-date= June 30, 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200630172225/https://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/15743/ |url-status= live |doi-access= free }}</ref> Others have used the films to encourage second-level students to integrate technology in the science classroom by making prototype lightsabers.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Thompson |first= Stephanie |journal=Science Scope |location=Washington, D.C. |issn=0887-2376 |page=55 |title=The science of Star Wars: Integrating technology and the Benchmarks for Science Literacy |date=November 1, 2006}}</ref> Similarly, psychiatrists in New Zealand and the U.S. have advocated their use in the university classroom to explain different types of ].<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Friedman |first1=Susan Hatters |last2=Hall |first2=Ryan C. W. |date=December 1, 2015 |title=Teaching Psychopathology in a Galaxy Far, Far Away: The Light Side of the Force |journal=Academic Psychiatry |language=en |volume=39 |issue=6 |pages=719–725 |doi=10.1007/s40596-015-0340-y |pmid=25933645 |s2cid=27871244 |issn=1042-9670}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Hall |first1=Ryan C. W. |last2=Friedman |first2=Susan Hatters |date=December 1, 2015 |title=Psychopathology in a Galaxy Far, Far Away: the Use of Star Wars' Dark Side in Teaching |journal=Academic Psychiatry |language=en |volume=39 |issue=6 |pages=726–732 |doi=10.1007/s40596-015-0337-6 |pmid=25943902 |s2cid=19738769 |issn=1042-9670}}</ref> | |||
Here are some of the general articles featured in the ]. For a detailed outline of the ''Star Wars'' Misplaced Pages articles, please see ]. | |||
==See also== | |||
=== General information === | |||
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* '']'' | |||
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* '']'' | |||
* ] | |||
* ], the Star Wars wiki | |||
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== Notes == | |||
=== ''Star Wars'' universe === | |||
{{notelist}} | |||
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== References == | |||
*] | |||
{{reflist|refs= | |||
*] | |||
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== Works cited == | |||
*] | |||
{{refbegin}} | |||
*] | |||
* {{Cite book | title = Once Upon a Galaxy: A Journal of the Making of The Empire Strikes Back | last = Arnold | first= Alan | year = 1980 | publisher = Ballantine Books | isbn = 978-0-345-29075-5 }} | |||
*] | |||
* {{Cite book | title = The Annotated Screenplays | last = Bouzereau | first = Laurent | year = 1997 | isbn = 978-0-345-40981-2 | publisher = Del Rey }} | |||
*] | |||
* {{cite book | title = The Secret History of Star Wars | last = Kaminski | first = Michael | year = 2008 | orig-year = 2007 | publisher = Legacy Books Press | isbn = 978-0-9784652-3-0 }} | |||
|} | |||
* {{Cite book | title = The Making of Star Wars, Episode III: Revenge of the Sith | last = Rinzler | first = Jonathan W. | year = 2005 | publisher = Del Rey | isbn = 978-0-345-43139-4 | url-access = registration | url = https://archive.org/details/makingofstarwars0000rinz }} | |||
* {{Cite book | title = The Making of Star Wars: The Definitive Story Behind the Original Film (Star Wars)| last = Rinzler | first = Johathan W | author-mask = 3 | year = 2007 | publisher = Del Rey | isbn = 978-0-345-49476-4 }} | |||
{{refend}} | |||
== Further reading == | |||
* {{Cite book | title = Star Wars and Philosophy | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=YL4Fm_5wbHUC&pg=PP1 | last = Decker | first = Kevin S. | year = 2005 | publisher = Open Court | isbn = 978-0-8126-9583-0}} | |||
* {{Cite book |title=The Power of Myth |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2GOIGuh5GJ4C&pg=PR1 |last=Campbell |first=Joseph |year=1991 |publisher=] |isbn=978-0-385-41886-7}} | |||
* {{Cite book | title = Star Wars: The Magic of Myth | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=5wROWR2Wbv8C&pg=PP1 | last = Henderson | first = Mary | date = 1997 | publisher = ] | isbn = 978-0-553-10206-2}} | |||
* {{Cite book | title = The Science of Star Wars | last = Cavlelos | first = Jeanne | year = 1999 | publisher = St. Martin's Press | isbn = 978-0-312-20958-2 | title-link = The Science of Star Wars (book)}} | |||
* {{Cite book | title = Star Wars and History | editor = Nancy R. Reagin, Janice Liedl | publisher=John Wiley & Sons | year = 2012| isbn = 978-0-470-60200-3 | title-link = Star Wars and History}} | |||
* {{Cite book | title = Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination|url = https://archive.org/details/starwarswheresci0000unse | url-access = registration| publisher = ] & ] | date = October 2005 | isbn = 978-0-7922-6200-8}} | |||
* {{cite book |last=Belluomini |first=L. |pages=1–25 |contribution=''The Mandalorian'' as Philosophy: 'This Is the Way' |editor=Johnson D. K. |title=The Palgrave Handbook of Popular Culture as Philosophy | year=2022 | publisher=Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. |doi=10.1007/978-3-319-97134-6_104-1 |isbn=978-3-319-97134-6|s2cid=245779254 }} | |||
* {{cite book |doi=10.7312/nich20180-022 |title=Ideology in U.S. Foreign Relations |year=2022 |last1=Immerwahr |first1=Daniel |chapter=21 the Galactic Vietnam: Technology, Modernization, and Empire in George Lucas's Star Wars |pages=435–451 |isbn=978-0-231-55427-5 |chapter-url=https://faculty.wcas.northwestern.edu/daniel-immerwahr/Lucas.pdf }} | |||
==External links== | |||
* {{Official website}} | |||
* {{Wookieepedia|Star Wars|''Star Wars''}} | |||
* ; ; | |||
== External links == | |||
{{Wikiquote}} | |||
{{Wikinews}} | |||
{{Commons}} | |||
* | |||
* - One of the oldest Star Wars fan sites. | |||
* (One of the longest running Star Wars: Jedi Knight gaming organizations) | |||
* - A wiki devoted to ''Star Wars'' | |||
*National Geographic News: | |||
* | |||
* - All six Star Wars films have been extensively discussed and analyzed on the Cinemaslave podcast. (Shows #10, #18, #42, and #60) | |||
* -- Star Wars trading card checklists and forums. | |||
{{Star Wars}} | {{Star Wars}} | ||
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Latest revision as of 18:31, 20 December 2024
American epic space opera media franchise This article is about the media franchise. For the film, see Star Wars (film). For other uses, see Star Wars (disambiguation).
Star Wars | |
---|---|
Created by | George Lucas |
Original work | Star Wars (1977) |
Owner | Lucasfilm |
Years | 1977–present |
Print publications | |
Book(s) | List of reference books |
Novel(s) | List of novels |
Short stories | See list of novels |
Comics | List of comics |
Comic strip(s) | See list of comics |
Magazine(s) | Star Wars Insider (1987–present) |
Films and television | |
Film(s) | List of films |
Television series | List of television series |
Animated series | See list of television series |
Television special(s) | See list of television series |
Television film(s) | See list of films |
Games | |
Role-playing | List of RPGs |
Video game(s) | List of video games |
Audio | |
Radio program(s) | List of radio dramas |
Original music | Music |
Miscellaneous | |
Toy(s) | Merchandise |
Theme park attraction(s) | List of attractions |
Star Wars is an American epic space opera media franchise created by George Lucas, which began with the eponymous 1977 film and quickly became a worldwide pop culture phenomenon. The franchise has been expanded into various films and other media, including television series, video games, novels, comic books, theme park attractions, and themed areas, comprising an all-encompassing fictional universe. Star Wars is one of the highest-grossing media franchises of all time.
The original 1977 film, retroactively subtitled Episode IV: A New Hope, was followed by the sequels Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983), forming the original Star Wars trilogy. Lucas later returned to the series to write and direct a prequel trilogy, consisting of Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999), Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002), and Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005). In 2012, Lucas sold his production company to Disney, relinquishing his ownership of the franchise. This led to a sequel trilogy, consisting of Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015), Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017), and Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019).
All nine films, collectively referred to as the "Skywalker Saga", were nominated for Academy Awards, with wins going to the first two releases. Together with the theatrical live action "anthology" films Rogue One (2016) and Solo (2018), the combined box office revenue of the films equate to over US$10 billion, making Star Wars the third-highest-grossing film franchise of all time.
Premise
The Star Wars franchise depicts the adventures of characters "a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away" across multiple fictional eras, in which humans and many species of aliens (often humanoid) co-exist with droids, which may be programmed for personal assistance or battle. Space travel between planets is common due to lightspeed hyperspace technology. The planets range from wealthy, planet-wide cities to deserts scarcely populated by primitive tribes. Virtually any Earth biome, along with many fictional ones, has its counterpart as a Star Wars planet which, in most cases, teem with sentient and non-sentient alien life. The franchise also makes use of other astronomical objects such as asteroid fields and nebulae. Spacecraft range from small starfighters to large capital ships, such as the Star Destroyers, as well as space stations such as the moon-sized Death Stars. Telecommunication includes two-way audio and audiovisual screens, holographic projections, and hyperspace transmission.
The universe of Star Wars is generally similar to the real universe but its laws of physics are less strict allowing for more imaginative stories. One result of that is a mystical power known as the Force which is described in the original film as "an energy field created by all living things ... binds the galaxy together". The field is depicted as a kind of pantheistic god. Through training and meditation, those whom "the Force is strong with" exhibit various superpowers (such as telekinesis, precognition, telepathy, and manipulation of physical energy); it is believed nothing is impossible for the Force. These superpowers are wielded by two major knightly orders at conflict with each other: the Jedi, peacekeepers of the Galactic Republic who act on the light side of the Force through non-attachment and arbitration, and the Sith, who use the dark side by manipulating fear and aggression. While Jedi Knights can be numerous, the Dark Lords of the Sith (or 'Darths') are intended to be limited to two: a master and their apprentice.
The franchise is set against a backdrop of galactic conflict involving republics and empires, such as the evil Galactic Empire. The Jedi and Sith prefer the use of a weapon called the lightsaber, a blade of plasma that can cut through virtually any surface and deflect energy bolts. The rest of the population, as well as renegades and soldiers, use plasma-powered blaster firearms. In the outer reaches of the galaxy, crime syndicates such as the Hutt cartel are dominant. Bounty hunters are often employed by both gangsters and governments, while illicit activities include smuggling and slavery.
The combination of science fiction and fantasy elements makes Star Wars a very universal franchise, capable of telling stories of various genres.
Films
Main article: List of Star Wars filmsThe Skywalker Saga
Film | U.S. release date | Directed by | Screenplay by | Story by | Produced by | Refs. | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Original trilogy: Episodes IV–VI | |||||||
A New Hope | May 25, 1977 (1977-05-25) | George Lucas | Gary Kurtz | ||||
The Empire Strikes Back | May 21, 1980 (1980-05-21) | Irvin Kershner | Leigh Brackett and Lawrence Kasdan |
George Lucas | |||
Return of the Jedi | May 25, 1983 (1983-05-25) | Richard Marquand | Lawrence Kasdan and George Lucas |
Howard Kazanjian | |||
Prequel trilogy: Episodes I–III | |||||||
The Phantom Menace | May 19, 1999 (1999-05-19) | George Lucas | George Lucas | George Lucas | Rick McCallum | ||
Attack of the Clones | May 16, 2002 (2002-05-16) | George Lucas and Jonathan Hales |
|||||
Revenge of the Sith | May 19, 2005 (2005-05-19) | George Lucas | |||||
Sequel trilogy: Episodes VII–IX | |||||||
The Force Awakens | December 18, 2015 (2015-12-18) | J. J. Abrams | Lawrence Kasdan & J. J. Abrams and Michael Arndt |
Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams and Bryan Burk | |||
The Last Jedi | December 15, 2017 (2017-12-15) | Rian Johnson | Kathleen Kennedy and Ram Bergman | ||||
The Rise of Skywalker | December 20, 2019 (2019-12-20) | J. J. Abrams | Chris Terrio & J. J. Abrams | Derek Connolly & Colin Trevorrow and J.J. Abrams & Chris Terrio |
Kathleen Kennedy, J. J. Abrams and Michelle Rejwan |
The Star Wars film series centers around three sets of trilogies, the nine films of which are collectively referred to as the "Skywalker Saga". The saga was produced non-chronologically, beginning in media res with the release of the original trilogy between 1977 and 1983. This was followed by the prequel trilogy, released between 1999 and 2005, and the sequel trilogy, released between 2015 and 2019.
Each trilogy focuses on a generation of the Force-sensitive Skywalker family and their struggle against the evil Sith lord Palpatine (Darth Sidious). The original trilogy depicts the heroic development of Luke Skywalker as a Jedi and his fight against Palpatine's Galactic Empire alongside his sister, Leia. The prequels tell the tragic backstory of their father, Anakin, who is corrupted by Palpatine and becomes Darth Vader. The sequels follow the conflict between Leia's son, Ben Solo, and Luke and Leia's protegé, Rey, and their eventual alliance against Palpatine after the fall of the Empire.
Original trilogy
Main article: Star Wars original trilogy The original trilogy's main cast includes (from left to right) Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker), Harrison Ford (Han Solo), Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia), and David Prowse (Darth Vader).In 1971, George Lucas wanted to film an adaptation of the Flash Gordon serial, but could not obtain the rights, so he began developing his own space opera. After directing American Graffiti (1973), he wrote a two-page synopsis, which 20th Century Fox decided to invest in. By 1974, he had expanded the story into the first draft of a screenplay. Fox expected the film would be of limited financial success, and so it was given a relatively low budget, with production being moved to Elstree Studios in England to help save on cost.
Star Wars was released on May 25, 1977, and first subtitled Episode IV: A New Hope in the 1979 book The Art of Star Wars. The film's success led Lucas to make it the basis of an elaborate film serial. With the backstory he created for the sequel, Lucas decided that the series would be a trilogy of trilogies. Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back was released on May 21, 1980, also achieving wide financial and critical success. The final film in the trilogy, Episode VI: Return of the Jedi, was released on May 25, 1983.
Prequel trilogy
Main article: Star Wars prequel trilogy The prequel trilogy's main cast includes (from left to right) Ewan McGregor (Obi-Wan Kenobi), Natalie Portman (Padmé Amidala), Hayden Christensen (Anakin Skywalker), and Ian McDiarmid (Palpatine).According to producer Gary Kurtz, loose plans for a prequel trilogy were developed during the outlining of the original two films. In 1980, Lucas confirmed that he had the nine-film series plotted, but due to the stress of producing the original trilogy, he had decided to cancel further sequels by 1981. In 1983, Lucas explained that "There was never a script completed that had the entire story as it exists now ... As the stories unfolded, I would take certain ideas and save them ... I kept taking out all the good parts, and I just kept telling myself I would make other movies someday."
Technical advances in the late 1980s and early 1990s, including the ability to create computer-generated imagery (CGI), inspired Lucas to consider that it might be possible to revisit his saga. In 1989, Lucas stated that the prequels would be "unbelievably expensive". In 1992, he acknowledged that he had plans to create the prequel trilogy. A theatrical rerelease of the original trilogy in 1997 "updated" the 20-year-old films with the style of CGI envisioned for the new trilogy.
Episode I: The Phantom Menace was released on May 19, 1999, Episode II: Attack of the Clones on May 16, 2002, and Episode III: Revenge of the Sith on May 19, 2005. The first two films were met with mixed reviews, with the third being received somewhat more positively. Together with the original trilogy, Lucas has referred to the first six episodic films of the franchise as "the tragedy of Darth Vader".
Sequel trilogy
Main article: Star Wars sequel trilogy The sequel trilogy's main cast includes (from left to right) Adam Driver (Kylo Ren), Daisy Ridley (Rey), John Boyega (Finn), and Oscar Isaac (Poe Dameron).Prior to releasing the original 1977 film, and made possible by its success, Lucas planned "three trilogies of nine films". However, he announced to Time in 1978 that he planned "10 sequels". He confirmed that he had outlined the prequels and sequels in 1981. At various stages of development, the sequel trilogy was to focus on the rebuilding of the Republic, the return of Luke as a Jedi Master (a role similar to that of Obi-Wan Kenobi in the original trilogy), Luke's sister (not yet determined to be Leia), Han, Leia, R2-D2 and C-3PO. However, after beginning work on the prequel trilogy, Lucas insisted that Star Wars was meant to be a six-part series and that there would be no sequel trilogy.
Lucas decided to leave the franchise in the hands of other filmmakers, announcing in January 2012 that he would make no more Star Wars films. That October, the Walt Disney Company agreed to buy Lucasfilm and announced that Episode VII would be released in 2015. The co-chairman of Lucasfilm, Kathleen Kennedy, became president and served as executive producer of new Star Wars feature films. Lucas provided Kennedy his story treatments for the sequels during the 2012 sale, but in 2015 it was revealed Lucas's sequel outline had been discarded. The sequel trilogy also meant the end of the Star Wars Expanded Universe stories, which were discarded from canon to give "maximum creative freedom to the filmmakers and also preserve an element of surprise and discovery for the audience."
Episode VII: The Force Awakens was released on December 16, 2015, Episode VIII: The Last Jedi on December 13, 2017, and Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker on December 18, 2019, in many countries. The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi were both critical and box office successes. Episode IX received a mixed reception from critics and audiences.
Standalone films
Film | U.S. release date | Directed by | Screenplay by | Story by | Produced by | Refs. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story | December 16, 2016 (2016-12-16) | Gareth Edwards | Chris Weitz and Tony Gilroy | John Knoll and Gary Whitta | Kathleen Kennedy, Allison Shearmur and Simon Emanuel | |
Solo: A Star Wars Story | May 25, 2018 (2018-05-25) | Ron Howard | Jonathan Kasdan & Lawrence Kasdan |
Several Star Wars films have been produced separately from the Skywalker Saga. In 2008, Lucasfilm released the animated film The Clone Wars, which is set during the prequel trilogy and serves as the theatrical pilot of the television series of the same name. Following Disney's acquisition of Lucasfilm in 2012, an "anthology" film series set between the main episodes of the Skywalker Saga entered development in parallel with the production of the sequel trilogy, described by Disney chief financial officer Jay Rasulo as origin stories.
The anthology films' main casts include (from left to right) Felicity Jones (Jyn Erso) and Diego Luna (Cassian Andor) from Rogue One and Alden Ehrenreich (Han Solo) and Woody Harrelson (Tobias Beckett) from Solo.The first film released was 2016's Rogue One, which tells the story of the rebels who steal the plans for the Death Star, the Galactic Empire's superweapon, just before the events of the original Star Wars film. A second film, 2018's Solo, tells Han Solo's backstory, set 10 years prior to A New Hope. The series Obi-Wan Kenobi was originally planned as a film, but changed to a miniseries due to Solo underperforming at the box office.
Upcoming films
Film | U.S. release date | Directed by | Screenplay by | Story by | Produced by | Status | Refs. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
The Mandalorian & Grogu | May 22, 2026 (2026-05-22) | Jon Favreau | Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni | Jon Favreau, Kathleen Kennedy and Dave Filoni | Post-production | ||
Untitled New Jedi Order film | TBA | Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy | TBA | Kathleen Kennedy | Pre-production | ||
Untitled Dawn of the Jedi film | James Mangold | James Mangold and Beau Willimon | In development | ||||
Untitled New Republic film | Dave Filoni | Kathleen Kennedy and Jon Favreau |
In April 2023, three new Star Wars films were announced to be set within different eras of the franchise. An untitled film written and directed by James Mangold will be set during the "dawn of the Jedi". Dave Filoni will direct a film set between the original and sequel trilogies during the New Republic era, serving as the climax of the various live-action television series that began with The Mandalorian in 2019. Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy will direct a third film about a new Jedi Order, set fifteen years after the sequel trilogy.
In January 2024, it was announced that Jon Favreau would direct a new Star Wars film, titled The Mandalorian & Grogu. In February of the same year, Bob Iger announced that the film would be the first release of the next slate of Star Wars movies. The Mandalorian & Grogu is scheduled for release on May 22, 2026.
Other potential projects
Lucasfilm has a number of Star Wars films in various stages of development, including:
- Untitled Rian Johnson trilogy: In November 2017, a trilogy of movies written by The Last Jedi writer/director Rian Johnson was announced to be in development. In April 2023, Kennedy stated that trilogy of films is still in open development at the studio, with the writer/director working on the story, although it is not currently a priority.
- Untitled David Benioff and D. B. Weiss trilogy: In February 2018, it was announced that David Benioff and D. B. Weiss would serve as writers and producers on a trilogy of new Star Wars movies. The plot would take place chronologically before the prequel trilogy, and center around the origin of the Jedi. By May 2019, the duo were also slated to serve as co-directors of the first installment in their three films. In October of the same year however, the filmmaking duo exited development of the projects due to scheduling conflicts with projects they are developing for Netflix. Kennedy stated that the studio is open to working with the duo, and developing their films once their schedule allows it. In January 2024, the filmmaking duo announced that the working title was The First Jedi and would have followed the titular ancient protagonist. The pair cast doubt on returning to their planned trilogy, commenting on its apparent influence on James Mangold's similarly premised Dawn of the Jedi movie.
- Untitled Taika Waititi film: In May 2020, Taika Waititi signed onto the project which was stated to be the first priority for the studio, with the filmmaker Waititi serving as director from a script he is co-writing with Krysty Wilson-Cairns. In May 2022, the movie was named as the next Star Wars film to begin production ahead of Rogue Squadron, with Kennedy stating that the studio was tentatively looking towards late 2023 for a debut, but had not yet officially set a release date. By April 2023, she stated that the project is still in development, with Waititi continuing to work on the script.
- Rogue Squadron: An anthology film, following the events of Rogue One, will be directed by Patty Jenkins with a script written by Matthew Robinson. In April 2023, Kennedy stated that the script is still in development, with the studio considering changing the project into a television series. In March 2024, Jenkins announced that she had once again commenced working on the script; confirming that developments for the project are ongoing.
- Untitled J.D. Dillard film: In February 2020, a film was announced to be in development from director J. D. Dillard and writer Matt Owens; although, Dillard announced he was no longer to direct that film in November 2022.
- Star Wars: A Droid Story: In December 2020, an animated film centered around the adventures of R2-D2 and C-3PO was announced as being in development; the story will introduce a new heroic character to the franchise, alongside the two returning droids. The project will be a joint-venture production between Lucasfilm Animation, and Industrial Light & Magic. The film is being developed to debut via streaming, exclusively through Disney+.
- Untitled Shawn Levy film: In November 2022, Shawn Levy entered talks to direct a Star Wars film, following his work on Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) and the fifth and final season of Stranger Things. In September 2023, Levy said that development on his Star Wars film began, but would not continue until after the conclusion of the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike.
- Lando: In December 2020, a spin-off series to Solo: A Star Wars Story was announced as being in development. The miniseries which was being developed exclusively for Disney+ was revealed to be centered around Landonis "Lando" Calrissian III, titled Lando. Donald Glover was confirmed at that time to be reprising the lead role, while Justin Simien was named as the series creator and showrunner. By July 2020 however, Donald and Stephen Glover were hired to replace Simien, write and redevelop the show. In September 2023, the show was repurposed to be released as a theatrical film instead.
- Untitled Simon Kinberg trilogy: In November 2024, Simon Kinberg was hired to write and produce the new trilogy of Star Wars movies. The series of movies was reported to be Episode X–XII, though this was also disputed by other sources.
Television
Main article: List of Star Wars television seriesSeries | Seasons | Episodes | Originally released | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
First released | Last released | Network | ||||||||||
Animated series | ||||||||||||
Droids | 1 | 13 | September 7, 1985 – June 7, 1986 (1985-09-07 – 1986-06-07) | ABC | ||||||||
Ewoks | 2 | 26 | September 7, 1985 – December 13, 1986 (1985-09-07 – 1986-12-13) | |||||||||
The Clone Wars | 7 | 133 | October 3, 2008 – May 4, 2020 (2008-10-03 – 2020-05-04) | Cartoon Network / Netflix / Disney+ | ||||||||
Rebels | 4 | 75 | October 3, 2014 – March 5, 2018 (2014-10-03 – 2018-03-05) | Disney XD | ||||||||
Resistance | 2 | 40 | October 7, 2018 – January 26, 2020 (2018-10-07 – 2020-01-26) | Disney Channel | ||||||||
The Bad Batch | 3 | 47 | May 4, 2021 – May 1, 2024 (2021-05-04 – 2024-05-01) | Disney+ | ||||||||
Visions | 2 | 18 | September 22, 2021 – present (2021-09-22 – present) | |||||||||
Tales | 2 | 12 | October 26, 2022 – present (2022-10-26 – present) | |||||||||
Young Jedi Adventures | 2 | 36 | May 4, 2023 – present (2023-05-04 – present) | Disney+ / Disney Jr. | ||||||||
Animated micro-series and shorts | ||||||||||||
Clone Wars | 3 | 25 | November 7, 2003 – March 25, 2005 (2003-11-07 – 2005-03-25) | Cartoon Network | ||||||||
Blips | 1 | 8 | May 3 – September 4, 2017 (2017-05-03 – 2017-09-04) | YouTube | ||||||||
Forces of Destiny | 2 | 32 | July 3, 2017 – May 25, 2018 (2017-07-03 – 2018-05-25) | |||||||||
Galaxy of Adventures | 2 | 55 | November 30, 2018 – October 2, 2020 (2018-11-30 – 2020-10-02) | |||||||||
Roll Out | 1 | 16 | August 9, 2019 – April 1, 2020 (2019-08-09 – 2020-04-01) | |||||||||
Galaxy of Creatures | 2 | 24 | October 14, 2021 – February 21, 2023 (2021-10-14 – 2023-02-21) | StarWarsKids.com | ||||||||
Galactic Pals | 1 | 12 | April 12 – November 1, 2022 (2022-04-12 – 2022-11-01) | |||||||||
"Zen – Grogu and Dust Bunnies" | Short | 1 | November 12, 2022 (2022-11-12) | Disney+ | ||||||||
Fun with Nubs | 1 | 10 | June 14 – July 26, 2024 (2024-06-14 – 2024-07-26) | StarWarsKids.com | ||||||||
Live-action series | ||||||||||||
The Mandalorian | 3 | 24 | November 12, 2019 – April 19, 2023 (2019-11-12 – 2023-04-19) | Disney+ | ||||||||
The Book of Boba Fett | 1 | 7 | December 29, 2021 – February 9, 2022 (2021-12-29 – 2022-02-09) | |||||||||
Obi-Wan Kenobi | 1 | 6 | May 27 – June 22, 2022 (2022-05-27 – 2022-06-22) | |||||||||
Andor | 1 | 12 | September 21, 2022 – present (2022-09-21 – present) | |||||||||
Ahsoka | 1 | 8 | August 22, 2023 – present (2023-08-22 – present) | |||||||||
The Acolyte | 1 | 8 | June 4 – July 16, 2024 (2024-06-04 – 2024-07-16) | |||||||||
Skeleton Crew | 1 | 5 | December 2, 2024 – present (2024-12-02 – present) | |||||||||
Game shows | ||||||||||||
Jedi Temple Challenge | 1 | 10 | June 10 – August 5, 2020 (2020-06-10 – 2020-08-05) | StarWarsKids.com |
Animated series
The first two animated series, Droids and Ewoks, were produced in the 1980s. They were followed by the Clone Wars animated micro-series in 2003 and the 2008 series of the same name. Following Disney's acquisition of Lucasfilm, all animated series released prior to 2014, apart from the 2008 series, were discarded from the franchise's canon. Subsequent animated series include Rebels, released in 2014; Resistance, released in 2018; and The Bad Batch, released in 2021.
Several micro-series and shorts have also been released by Lucasfilm since Disney's acquisition, with the earlier animated series falling under Disney's "Vintage" collection of Star Wars content.
Live-action series
The Star Wars franchise includes several live-action series. The first series, The Mandalorian, was released in 2019 for the streaming service Disney+ and is set between the original and sequel trilogies of the Skywalker Saga. Due to its success, the series spawned multiple live-action spin-offs set during the same fictional era, including The Book of Boba Fett, released in 2021; Ahsoka, released in 2023; and Skeleton Crew, released in 2024. These series follow the plight of the New Republic and its allies against the remnants of the fallen Galactic Empire.
A story focused on Obi-Wan Kenobi was planned as a film before becoming a live-action series after the box office failure of Solo in 2018. The series was released on Disney+ in 2022 and is set between the prequel and original trilogy films. It was followed by the live-action series Andor in the same year; both series follow their titular characters during the reign of the Empire.
The Acolyte is a series created by Leslye Headland set at the end of the High Republic era before the events of the Skywalker Saga, and follows an investigation into a series of murders of Jedi Masters.
Films and specials
Film | U.S. release date | Directed by | Teleplay by | Story by | Produced by | Network |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Star Wars Holiday Special | November 17, 1978 (1978-11-17) | Steve Binder | Pat Proft, Leonard Ripps, Bruce Vilanch, Rod Warren, and Mitzie Welch | Joe Layton, Jeff Starsh, Ken Welch, and Mitzie Welch | CBS | |
The Ewok Adventure | November 25, 1984 (1984-11-25) | John Korty | Bob Carrau | George Lucas | Thomas G. Smith and Patricia Rose Duignan | ABC |
Ewoks: The Battle for Endor | November 24, 1985 (1985-11-24) | Jim Wheat and Ken Wheat | Thomas G. Smith and Ian Bryce |
Fictional timeline
See also: Star Wars in other media § Legends fictional timelineThe Star Wars canon fictional universe spans multiple eras, of which three are focused around each of the film trilogies. The following eras were defined in January 2021, and further refined and expanded in April 2023:
- Dawn of the Jedi: The first Jedi wields the Force, which will be depicted in an upcoming untitled film.
- The Old Republic: The Galactic Republic is founded and the Jedi Order emerges to protect it. A schism within the Jedi leads to the creation of the Sith.
- The High Republic: Under the protection of the Jedi, the Republic grows into a golden age. This era includes The Acolyte, The High Republic literary works and the animated series Young Jedi Adventures.
- Fall of the Jedi: The Republic's Supreme Chancellor, Palpatine (secretly the Sith lord Darth Sidious), orchestrates the Clone Wars, overthrows the Republic, exterminates the Jedi Order and corrupts Anakin Skywalker. This era includes the prequel trilogy films, the beginning of the episodic Skywalker Saga, and the animated series Tales of the Jedi and The Clone Wars.
- Reign of the Empire: Palpatine's Galactic Empire rules the galaxy and the remaining Jedi are hunted down. This era includes Solo: A Star Wars Story, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Andor, Rogue One, the animated series The Bad Batch and Rebels, and the video games Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor and Vader Immortal.
- Age of Rebellion: The Rebellion against the Empire spreads across the galaxy, while the Jedi return with the emergence of Luke Skywalker. This era includes the original trilogy films and the video games Star Wars Battlefront II and Star Wars: Squadrons.
- The New Republic: Following the Empire's defeat, the emergent New Republic attempts to reunite the galaxy, while threatened by the remnants of the Empire. This era includes The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, Ahsoka, and Skeleton Crew.
- Rise of the First Order: The remnants of the Empire transform into the First Order but are fought by the Resistance, climaxing with the defeat of Palpatine and the Sith by the Jedi Rey. This era includes the sequel trilogy films, the animated series Star Wars Resistance and the video game Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy's Edge.
- New Jedi Order: Rey builds a new Jedi Order, which will be depicted in an upcoming untitled film.
The Expanded Universe of spin-off media depicts different levels of continuity, which were deemed non-canonical and rebranded as Legends on April 25, 2014, to make most subsequent works align to the episodic films, The Clone Wars film, and television series.
Other media
Main article: Star Wars in other mediaFrom 1976 to 2014, the term Expanded Universe (EU) was an umbrella term for all officially licensed Star Wars storytelling material set outside the events depicted within the theatrical films, including novels, comics, and video games. Lucasfilm maintained internal continuity between the films and television content and the EU material until April 25, 2014, when the company announced all of the EU works would cease production. Existing works would no longer be considered canon to the franchise and subsequent reprints would be rebranded under the Star Wars Legends label, with downloadable content for the massively multiplayer online game The Old Republic the only Legends material to still be produced. The Star Wars canon was subsequently restructured to only include the existing six feature films, the animated film The Clone Wars (2008), and its companion animated series. All future projects and creative developments across all types of media would be overseen and coordinated by the story group, announced as a division of Lucasfilm created to maintain continuity and a cohesive vision on the storytelling of the franchise. Multiple comics series from Marvel and novels published by Del Rey were produced after the announcement. Since the new canon has been introduced, there has been a multitude of pieces of Expanded Universe continuity that have become a part of canon.
Print media
Star Wars in print predates the release of the first film, with the November 1976 novelization of Star Wars, initially subtitled "From the Adventures of Luke Skywalker". Credited to Lucas, it was ghostwritten by Alan Dean Foster. The first "Expanded Universe" story appeared in Marvel Comics' Star Wars #7 in January 1978 (the first six issues being an adaptation of the film), followed by Foster's sequel novel Splinter of the Mind's Eye the following month.
Novels
Further information: List of Star Wars booksAfter penning the novelization of the original film, Foster followed it with the sequel Splinter of the Mind's Eye (1978). The novelizations of The Empire Strikes Back (1980) by Donald F. Glut and Return of the Jedi (1983) by James Kahn followed, as well as The Han Solo Adventures trilogy (1979–1980) by Brian Daley, and The Adventures of Lando Calrissian trilogy (1983) by L. Neil Smith.
Timothy Zahn's bestselling Thrawn trilogy (1991–1993) reignited interest in the franchise and introduced the popular characters Grand Admiral Thrawn, Mara Jade, Talon Karrde, and Gilad Pellaeon. The first novel, Heir to the Empire, reached #1 on the New York Times Best Seller list, and the series finds Luke, Leia, and Han facing off against tactical genius Thrawn, who is plotting to retake the galaxy for the Empire. In The Courtship of Princess Leia (1994) by Dave Wolverton, set immediately before the Thrawn trilogy, Leia considers an advantageous political marriage to Prince Isolder of the planet Hapes, but she and Han ultimately marry. Steve Perry's Shadows of the Empire (1996), set between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, was part of a multimedia campaign that included a comic book series and video game. The novel introduced the crime lord Prince Xizor, another popular character who would appear in multiple other works. Other notable series from Bantam include the Jedi Academy trilogy (1994) by Kevin J. Anderson, the 14-book Young Jedi Knights series (1995–1998) by Anderson and Rebecca Moesta, and the X-wing series (1996–2012) by Michael A. Stackpole and Aaron Allston.
Del Rey took over Star Wars book publishing in 1999, releasing what would become a 19-installment novel series called The New Jedi Order (1999–2003). Written by multiple authors, the series was set 25 to 30 years after the original films and introduced the Yuuzhan Vong, a powerful alien race attempting to invade and conquer the entire galaxy. The bestselling multi-author series Legacy of the Force (2006–2008) chronicles the crossover of Han and Leia's son Jacen Solo to the dark side of the Force; among his evil deeds, he kills Luke's wife Mara Jade as a sacrifice to join the Sith. Although no longer canon, the story is paralleled in The Force Awakens with Han and Leia's son Ben Solo, who becomes the evil Kylo Ren.
Three series set in the prequel era were published by Scholastic for younger audiences: the 18-book Jedi Apprentice (1999–2002) chronicles the adventures of Obi-Wan Kenobi and his master Qui-Gon Jinn in the years before The Phantom Menace; the 11-book Jedi Quest (2001–2004) follows Obi-Wan and his own apprentice, Anakin Skywalker in between The Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones; and the 10-book The Last of the Jedi (2005–2008), set almost immediately after Revenge of the Sith, features Obi-Wan and the last few surviving Jedi. In 2019, a new prequel era novel, starring Qui-Gon and the young Obi-Wan, was published by Del Rey under the title Star Wars: Master and Apprentice.
Although Thrawn had been designated a Legends character in 2014, he was reintroduced into the canon in 2016 for the third season of the Rebels animated series, with Zahn returning to write more novels based on the character and set in the new canon.
Comics
Main articles: Star Wars comics and List of Star Wars comic booksMarvel Comics published a Star Wars comic book series from 1977 to 1986. Original Star Wars comics were serialized in the Marvel magazine Pizzazz between 1977 and 1979. The 1977 installments were the first original Star Wars stories not directly adapted from the films to appear in print form, as they preceded those of the Star Wars comic series. From 1985 to 1987, the animated children's series Ewoks and Droids inspired comic series from Marvel's Star Comics line. According to Marvel Comics former Editor-In-Chief Jim Shooter, the strong sales of Star Wars comics saved Marvel financially in 1977 and 1978. Marvel's Star Wars series was one of the industry's top selling titles in 1979 and 1980. The only downside for Marvel was that the 100,000 copy sales quota was surpassed quickly, allowing Lippincott to renegotiate the royalty arrangements from a position of strength.
In the late 1980s, Marvel dropped a new Star Wars comic it had in development, which was picked up by Dark Horse Comics and published as the popular Dark Empire series (1991–1995). Dark Horse subsequently launched dozens of series set after the original film trilogy, including Tales of the Jedi (1993–1998), X-wing Rogue Squadron (1995–1998), Star Wars: Republic (1998–2006), Star Wars Tales (1999–2005), Star Wars: Empire (2002–2006), and Knights of the Old Republic (2006–2010).
After Disney's acquisition of Lucasfilm, it was announced in January 2014 that in 2015 the Star Wars comics license would return to Marvel Comics, whose parent company, Marvel Entertainment, Disney had purchased in 2009. Launched in 2015, the first three publications were titled Star Wars, Darth Vader, and the miniseries Princess Leia.
First announced as Project Luminous at Star Wars Celebration in April 2019, the Star Wars: The High Republic publishing initiative was revealed in a press conference in February 2020. Involving the majority of the then current officially licensed publishers, a new era set 200 years before the Skywalker Saga was explored in various books and comics. Including ongoing titles by Marvel and IDW Publishing, written by Cavan Scott and Daniel José Older respectively.
Marvel Comics will publish a one-shot comic book on September 4, 2024, that bridges the gap between the High Republic publishing initiative and the events of The Acolyte. Titled Star Wars: The Acolyte – Kelnacca, the one-shot was written by High Republic writer Cavan Scott with art by Marika Cresta. It focuses on Kelnacca, the Wookiee Jedi introduced in The Acolyte.
Audio
Soundtracks and singles
Further information: Music of Star WarsJohn Williams composed the soundtracks for the nine episodic films. He stated he would retire from the franchise with The Rise of Skywalker, but he composed a theme for Obi-Wan Kenobi for the miniseries and Han Solo's theme for Solo: A Star Wars Story. Williams also created the main theme for Galaxy's Edge.
Several other composers worked on other soundtracks, including John Powell (Obi-Wan Kenobi), Michael Giacchino (Rogue One), and Ludwig Göransson (The Mandalorian).
Audio novels
Further information: The Story of Star Wars and List of Star Wars booksThe first Star Wars audio work is The Story of Star Wars, an LP using audio samples from the original film and a new narration to retell the story, released in 1977. Most later printed novels were adapted into audio novels, usually released on cassette tape and re-released on CD. As of 2019, audio-only novels have been released not directly based on printed media.
Radio
Further information: Star Wars (radio)Radio adaptations of the films were also produced. Lucas, a fan of the NPR-affiliated campus radio station of his alma mater the University of Southern California, licensed the Star Wars radio rights to KUSC-FM for US$1. The production used John Williams's original film score, along with Ben Burtt's sound effects.
The first was written by science-fiction author Brian Daley and directed by John Madden. It was broadcast on National Public Radio in 1981, adapting the original 1977 film into 13 episodes. Mark Hamill and Anthony Daniels reprised their film roles.
The overwhelming success, led to a 10-episode adaptation of The Empire Strikes Back debuted in 1983. Billy Dee Williams joined the other two stars, reprising his role as Lando Calrissian.
In 1983, Buena Vista Records released an original, 30-minute Star Wars audio drama titled Rebel Mission to Ord Mantell, written by Daley. In the 1990s, Time Warner Audio Publishing adapted several Star Wars series from Dark Horse Comics into audio dramas: the three-part Dark Empire saga, Tales of the Jedi, Dark Lords of the Sith, the Dark Forces trilogy, and Crimson Empire (1998). Return of the Jedi was adapted into 6-episodes in 1996, featuring Daniels.
Video games
Further information: Star Wars video games and List of Star Wars video gamesThe Star Wars franchise has spawned over one hundred computer, video, and board games, dating back to some of the earliest home consoles. Some are based directly on the movie material, while others rely heavily on the non-canonical Expanded Universe (rebranded as Star Wars Legends and removed from the canon in 2014). Star Wars games have gone through three significant development eras, marked by a change in leadership among the developers: the early licensed games, those developed after the creation of LucasArts, and those created after the closure of the Lucasfilm division by Disney and the transfer of the license to Electronic Arts.
Early licensed games (1979–1993)
The first officially licensed electronic Star Wars game was Kenner's 1979 table-top Star Wars Electronic Battle Command. In 1982, Parker Brothers published the first Star Wars video game for the Atari 2600, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, followed soon the year later by Star Wars: Jedi Arena, the first video game to depict lightsaber combat. They were followed in 1983 by Atari's rail shooter arcade game Star Wars, with vector graphics to replicate the Death Star trench run scene from the 1977 film. The next game, Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (1984), has more traditional raster graphics, while the following Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1985) has vector graphics.
Platform games were made for the Nintendo Entertainment System, including the Japan-exclusive Star Wars (1987), an international Star Wars (1991), and Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1992). Super Star Wars (1992) was released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, with two sequels over the next two years.
LucasArts and modern self-published games (1993–2014)
Main article: LucasArtsLucasfilm founded its own video game company in 1982, becoming best known for adventure games and World War II flight combat games, but as George Lucas took more interest in the increasing success of the video game market, he wanted to have more creative control over the games and founded his own development company, LucasArts. Improved graphics allowed games to tell complex narratives, which allowed for the retelling of the films, and eventually original narratives set in the same continuity, with voice-overs and CGI cutscenes. In 1993, LucasArts released Star Wars: X-Wing, the first self-published Star Wars video game and the first space flight simulator based on the franchise. It was one of the bestselling video games of 1993 and established its own series of games. The Rogue Squadron series was released between 1998 and 2003, also focusing on space battles set during the films.
Dark Forces (1995), a hybrid adventure game incorporating puzzles and strategy, was the first Star Wars first-person shooter. It featured gameplay and graphical features not then common in other games, made possible by LucasArts' custom-designed game engine, the Jedi. The game was well received, and it was followed by four sequels. The series introduced Kyle Katarn, who would appear in multiple games, novels, and comics. Katarn is a former stormtrooper who joins the Rebellion and becomes a Jedi, a plot arc similar to that of Finn in the sequel trilogy films. A massively multiplayer online role-playing game, Star Wars Galaxies, was in operation from 2003 until 2011. After Disney bought Lucasfilm, LucasArts ceased its role as a developer in 2013, although it still operates as a licensor.
EA Star Wars (2014–present)
Following its acquisition of the franchise, Disney reassigned video game rights to Electronic Arts. Games made during this era are considered canonical, and feature more influence from the Star Wars filmmakers. Disney partnered with Lenovo to create the augmented reality video game Jedi Challenges, released in November 2017. In August 2018, it was announced that Zynga would publish free-to-play Star Wars mobile games. The Battlefront games received a canonical reboot with Star Wars: Battlefront in November 2015, which was followed by a sequel, Battlefront II, in November 2017. A single-player action-adventure game, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, with an original story and cast of characters, was released in November 2019. A space combat game titled Star Wars: Squadrons, which builds upon the space battles from Battlefront, was released in October 2020.
Theme park attractions
Main article: List of Star Wars theme parks attractionsIn addition to the Disneyland ride Star Tours (1987) and its successor, Star Tours: The Adventures Continue (2011), many live attractions have been held at Disney parks, including the traveling exhibition Where Science Meets Imagination, the Space Mountain spin-off Hyperspace Mountain, a walkthrough Launch Bay, and the night-time A Galactic Spectacular. An immersive themed area called Galaxy's Edge (2019) opened at Disneyland and opened at Walt Disney World in mid-2019. A themed hotel, Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, operated from 2022 to 2023 at Walt Disney World.
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Title | Park(s) | Opening date | Closing date |
---|---|---|---|
Star Tours | Disneyland | January 9, 1987 (1987-01-09) | July 27, 2010 (2010-07-27) |
Tokyo Disneyland | July 12, 1989 (1989-07-12) | April 2, 2012 (2012-04-02) | |
Disney's Hollywood Studios | December 15, 1989 (1989-12-15) | September 7, 2010 (2010-09-07) | |
Disneyland Paris | April 12, 1992 (1992-04-12) | March 16, 2016 (2016-03-16) | |
Star Wars Weekends | Disney's Hollywood Studios | 1997 (1997) | November 2015 (2015) |
Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination | Multiple locations | October 19, 2005 (2005-10-19) | March 23, 2014 (2014-03-23) |
Jedi Training Academy | Disneyland | July 1, 2006 (2006-19-01) | November 15, 2015 (2015-11-15) |
Disney's Hollywood Studios | October 9, 2007 (2007-10-09) | October 5, 2015 (2015-10-05) | |
Star Tours: The Adventures Continue | Disney's Hollywood Studios | May 20, 2011 (2011-05-20) | N/A (operating) |
Disneyland | June 3, 2011 (2011-06-03) | ||
Tokyo Disneyland | May 7, 2013 (2013-05-07) | ||
Disneyland Paris | March 26, 2017 (2017-03-26) | ||
Star Wars: Hyperspace Mountain | Disneyland | November 14, 2015 (2015-11-14) | May 31, 2017 (2017-05-31) |
Hong Kong Disneyland | June 11, 2016 (2016-06-11) | N/A (operating) | |
Disneyland Paris | May 7, 2017 (2017-05-07) | ||
Star Wars Launch Bay | Disneyland | November 16, 2015 (2015-11-16) | |
Disney's Hollywood Studios | December 4, 2015 (2015-12-04) | ||
Shanghai Disneyland | June 16, 2016 (2016-06-16) | ||
Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple | Disney's Hollywood Studios | December 1, 2015 (2015-12-01) | |
Disneyland | December 8, 2015 (2015-12-08) | ||
Disneyland Paris | July 11, 2015 (2015-07-11) | ||
Hong Kong Disneyland | June 25, 2016 (2016-06-25) | ||
Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular | Disney's Hollywood Studios | June 17, 2016 (2016-06-17) | |
Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser | Disney's Hollywood Studios | March 1, 2022 (2022-03-01) | September 30, 2023 (2023-09-30) |
Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge | Disneyland | May 31, 2019 (2019-05-31) | N/A (operating) |
Disney's Hollywood Studios | August 29, 2019 (2019-08-29) | ||
Star Wars: Millennium Falcon - Smugglers Run | Disneyland | May 31, 2019 (2019-05-31) | |
Disney's Hollywood Studios | August 29, 2019 (2019-08-29) | ||
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance | Disney's Hollywood Studios | December 5, 2019 (2019-12-05) | |
Disneyland | January 17, 2020 (2020-01-17) |
Multimedia projects
A multimedia project involves works released across multiple types of media. Shadows of the Empire (1996) was a multimedia project set between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi that included a novel by Steve Perry, a comic book series, a video game, and action figures. The Force Unleashed (2008–2010) was a similar project set between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope that included a novel, a 2008 video game and its 2010 sequel, a graphic novel, a role-playing game supplement, and toys.
Merchandising
Main articles: Kenner Star Wars action figures, List of Kenner Star Wars action figures, Star Wars: The Vintage Collection, Lego Star Wars, Star Wars trading card, and Star Wars role-playing gamesThe success of the Star Wars films led the franchise to become one of the most merchandised franchises in the world. While filming the original 1977 film, George Lucas decided to take a $500,000 pay cut to his salary as director in exchange for full ownership of the franchise's merchandising rights. By 1987, the first three films have made US$2.6 billion in merchandising revenue. By 2012, the first six films produced approximately US$20 billion in merchandising revenue.
Kenner Products made the first Star Wars action figures to coincide with the release of the original film, and today the original figures are highly valuable. Since the 1990s, Hasbro holds the rights to create action figures based on the saga. Pez dispensers began to be produced in 1997. Star Wars was the first intellectual property to be licensed in Lego history. Lego has produced animated parody short films and mini-series to promote their Star Wars sets. The Lego Star Wars video games are critically acclaimed bestsellers.
In 1977, the board game Star Wars: Escape from the Death Star was released. A Star Wars Monopoly and themed versions of Trivial Pursuit and Battleship were released in 1997, with updated versions released in subsequent years. The board game Risk has been adapted in two editions by Hasbro: The Clone Wars Edition (2005) and the Original Trilogy Edition (2006). Three Star Wars tabletop role-playing games have been developed: a version by West End Games in the 1980s and 1990s, one by Wizards of the Coast in the 2000s, and one by Fantasy Flight Games in the 2010s.
Star Wars Trading Cards have been published since the first "blue" series, by Topps, in 1977. Dozens of series have been produced, with Topps being the licensed creator in the United States. Each card series are of film stills or original art. Many of the cards have become highly collectible with some very rare "promos", such as the 1993 Galaxy Series II "floating Yoda" P3 card often commanding US$1,000 or more. While most "base" or "common card" sets are plentiful, many "insert" or "chase cards" are very rare. From 1995 until 2001, Decipher, Inc. had the license for, created, and produced the Star Wars Customizable Card Game.
Themes
See also: Star Wars sources and analoguesStar Wars features elements such as knighthood, chivalry, and Jungian archetypes such as "the shadow". There are also many references to Christianity, such as in the appearance of Darth Maul, whose design draws heavily from traditional depictions of the devil. Anakin was conceived of a virgin birth, and is assumed to be the "Chosen One", a messianic individual. However, unlike Jesus, Anakin falls from grace, remaining evil as Darth Vader until Return of the Jedi. According to Adam Driver, sequel trilogy villain Kylo Ren, who idolizes Vader, believes he is "doing what he thinks is right". George Lucas has said that the theme of the saga is redemption.
The saga draws heavily from the hero's journey, an archetypical template developed by comparative mythologist Joseph Campbell. Each character—primarily Anakin, Luke, and Rey—follows the steps of the cycle or undergoes its reversal, becoming the villain. A defining step of the journey is "Atonement with the Father". Obi-Wan's loss of a father figure could have impacted his relationship with Anakin, whom both Obi-Wan and Palpatine are fatherlike mentors to. Luke's discovery that Vader is his father has strong repercussions on the saga and is regarded as one of the most influential plot twists in cinema. Supreme Leader Snoke encourages Kylo Ren to kill his father, Han Solo. Kylo uses the fact that Rey is an orphan to tempt her into joining the dark side. According to Inverse, the final scene in The Last Jedi, which depicts servant children playing with a toy of Luke and one boy using the Force, symbolizes that "the Force can be found in people with humble beginnings."
Historical influences
Political science has been an important element of Star Wars since the franchise launched in 1977, focusing on a struggle between democracy and dictatorship. Battles featuring the Ewoks and Gungans against the Empire and Trade Federation, respectively, represent the clash between a primitive society and a more advanced one, similar to the Vietnam-American War. Darth Vader's design was initially inspired by Samurai armor, and also incorporated a German military helmet. Originally, Lucas conceived of the Sith as a group that served the Emperor in the same way the Schutzstaffel (SS) served Adolf Hitler, but this was condensed into one character in the form of Vader. Stormtroopers borrow the name of World War I German "shock" troopers. Imperial officers wear uniforms resembling those of German forces during World War II, and political and security officers resemble the black-clad SS down to the stylized silver death's head on their caps. World War II terms were used for names in the films; e.g. the planets Kessel (a term that refers to a group of encircled forces) and Hoth (after a German general who served on the snow-laden Eastern Front). Shots of the commanders looking through AT-AT walker viewscreens in The Empire Strikes Back resemble tank interiors, and space battles in the original film were based on World War I and World War II dogfights.
Palpatine being a chancellor before becoming the Emperor in the prequel trilogy alludes to Hitler's role before appointing himself Führer. Lucas has also drawn parallels to historical dictators such as Julius Caesar, Napoleon Bonaparte, and politicians like Richard Nixon. The Great Jedi Purge mirrors the events of the Night of the Long Knives. The corruption of the Galactic Republic is modeled after the fall of the democratic Roman Republic and the formation of an empire.
On the inspiration for the First Order formed "from the ashes of the Empire", The Force Awakens director J. J. Abrams spoke of conversations the writers had about how the Nazis could have escaped to Argentina after WWII and "started working together again."
- The aerial warfare of WWII inspired the space fights.
- The flag and iconography of the Empire resembles those of the Nazi Party and Germany during its rule.
Cultural impact
Main article: Cultural impact of Star Wars The lightsaber and the blaster are iconic elements of the franchise.The Star Wars saga has had a significant impact on popular culture, with references to its fictional universe deeply embedded in everyday life. Phrases like "evil empire" and "May the Force be with you" have become part of the popular lexicon. The first Star Wars film in 1977 was a cultural unifier, enjoyed by a wide spectrum of people. The film can be said to have helped launch the science-fiction boom of the late 1970s and early 1980s, making science-fiction films a mainstream genre. The widespread impact made it a prime target for parody works and homages, with popular examples including Hardware Wars, Spaceballs, The Family Guy Trilogy and Robot Chicken: Star Wars.
In 1989, the Library of Congress selected the original Star Wars film for preservation in the U.S. National Film Registry, as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant." The Empire Strikes Back was selected in 2010, and Return of the Jedi was selected in 2021. 35 mm reels of the 1997 Special Editions were the versions initially presented for preservation because of the difficulty of transferring from the original prints, but it was later revealed that the Library possesses a copyright deposit print of the original theatrical releases.
Industry
The original Star Wars film was a huge success for 20th Century Fox, and was credited for reinvigorating the company. Within three weeks of the film's release, the studio's stock price doubled to a record high. Prior to 1977, 20th Century Fox's greatest annual profits were $37 million, while in 1977, the company broke that record by posting a profit of $79 million. The franchise helped Fox to change from an almost bankrupt production company to a thriving media conglomerate. With over $10.3 billion in worldwide box office receipts, Star Wars is the second-highest-grossing film franchise of all time.
Star Wars fundamentally changed the aesthetics and narratives of Hollywood films, switching the focus of Hollywood-made films from deep, meaningful stories based on dramatic conflict, themes and irony to sprawling special-effects-laden blockbusters, as well as changing the Hollywood film industry in fundamental ways. Before Star Wars, special effects in films had not appreciably advanced since the 1950s. The commercial success of Star Wars created a boom in state-of-the-art special effects in the late 1970s. Along with Jaws, Star Wars started the tradition of the summer blockbuster film in the entertainment industry, where films open on many screens at the same time and profitable franchises are important. It created the model for the major film trilogy and showed that merchandising rights on a film could generate more money than the film itself did.
Film critic Roger Ebert wrote in his book The Great Movies, "Like The Birth of a Nation and Citizen Kane, Star Wars was a technical watershed that influenced many of the movies that came after." It began a new generation of special effects and high-energy motion pictures. The film was one of the first films to link genres together to invent a new, high-concept genre for filmmakers to build upon. Finally, along with Steven Spielberg's Jaws, it shifted the film industry's focus away from personal filmmaking of the 1970s and towards fast-paced, big-budget blockbusters for younger audiences.
Some critics have blamed Star Wars and Jaws for "ruining" Hollywood by shifting its focus from "sophisticated" films such as The Godfather, Taxi Driver, and Annie Hall to films about spectacle and juvenile fantasy, and for the industry shift from stand-alone, one and done films, towards blockbuster franchises with multiple sequels and prequels. One such critic, Peter Biskind, complained, "When all was said and done, Lucas and Spielberg returned the 1970s audience, grown sophisticated on a diet of European and New Hollywood films, to the simplicities of the pre-1960s Golden Age of movies... They marched backward through the looking-glass." In an opposing view, Tom Shone wrote that through Star Wars and Jaws, Lucas and Spielberg "didn't betray cinema at all: they plugged it back into the grid, returning the medium to its roots as a carnival sideshow, a magic act, one big special effect", which was "a kind of rebirth".
The original Star Wars trilogy is widely considered one of the best film trilogies in history. Numerous filmmakers have been influenced by Star Wars, including Damon Lindelof, Dean Devlin, Roland Emmerich, John Lasseter, David Fincher, Joss Whedon, John Singleton, Kevin Smith, and later Star Wars directors J. J. Abrams and Gareth Edwards. Lucas's concept of a "used universe" particularly influenced Ridley Scott's Blade Runner (1982) and Alien (1979), James Cameron's Aliens (1986) as well as The Terminator (1984), George Miller's Mad Max 2 (1981), and Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001–2003). Christopher Nolan cited Star Wars as an influence when making the 2010 blockbuster film Inception.
Fan works
Main article: Star Wars fan filmsThe Star Wars saga has inspired many fans to create their own non-canon material set in the Star Wars galaxy. In recent years, this has ranged from writing fan fiction to creating fan films. In 2002, Lucasfilm sponsored the first annual Official Star Wars Fan Film Awards, officially recognizing filmmakers and the genre. Because of concerns over potential copyright and trademark issues, however, the contest was initially open only to parodies, mockumentaries, and documentaries. Fan fiction films set in the Star Wars universe were originally ineligible, but in 2007, Lucasfilm changed the submission standards to allow in-universe fiction entries. Lucasfilm has allowed but not endorsed the creation of fan fiction, as long as it does not attempt to make a profit.
Academia
As the characters and the storyline of the original trilogy are so well known, educators have used the films in the classroom as a learning resource. For example, a project in Western Australia honed elementary school students storytelling skills by role-playing action scenes from the movies and later creating props and audio/visual scenery to enhance their performance. Others have used the films to encourage second-level students to integrate technology in the science classroom by making prototype lightsabers. Similarly, psychiatrists in New Zealand and the U.S. have advocated their use in the university classroom to explain different types of psychopathology.
See also
- 501st Legion
- Architecture of Star Wars
- Comparison of Star Trek and Star Wars
- Jedi census phenomenon
- Jediism
- List of space science fiction franchises
- List of Star Wars characters
- List of Star Wars creatures
- List of Star Wars planets and moons
- Music of Star Wars
- Physics and Star Wars
- Star Wars Celebration
- Star Wars Day
- Star Wars documentaries
- Star Wars: The High Republic
- Space warfare in fiction
- The Force
- The Story of Star Wars
- Technology in Star Wars
- Wookieepedia, the Star Wars wiki
Notes
- ^ The film's release was preceded by its novelization in November 1976.
- Most existing spin-off media was made non-canon and rebranded as 'Legends' in April 2014.
- Lucas started by researching the inspiration behind Alex Raymond's Flash Gordon comic, leading him to the works of author Edgar Rice Burroughs—the John Carter of Mars series in particular.
- Played by Jake Lloyd as a child in Episode I
- Each film was released two days later in the U.S.
- The original trilogy depicts the galaxy as dirty and grimy in George Lucas's depiction of a "used universe".
- Not to be confused with the board game with the same name published in 1990
- In his early drafts, Lucas used the plot point of a dictator staying in power with the support of the military. In his comment (made in the prequel trilogy era) Lucas attributed this to Nixon's supposed intention to defy the 22nd Amendment, but the president resigned and never ran for a third term.
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Works cited
- Arnold, Alan (1980). Once Upon a Galaxy: A Journal of the Making of The Empire Strikes Back. Ballantine Books. ISBN 978-0-345-29075-5.
- Bouzereau, Laurent (1997). The Annotated Screenplays. Del Rey. ISBN 978-0-345-40981-2.
- Kaminski, Michael (2008) . The Secret History of Star Wars. Legacy Books Press. ISBN 978-0-9784652-3-0.
- Rinzler, Jonathan W. (2005). The Making of Star Wars, Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. Del Rey. ISBN 978-0-345-43139-4.
- ——— (2007). The Making of Star Wars: The Definitive Story Behind the Original Film (Star Wars). Del Rey. ISBN 978-0-345-49476-4.
Further reading
- Decker, Kevin S. (2005). Star Wars and Philosophy. Open Court. ISBN 978-0-8126-9583-0.
- Campbell, Joseph (1991). The Power of Myth. Anchor Books. ISBN 978-0-385-41886-7.
- Henderson, Mary (1997). Star Wars: The Magic of Myth. Bantam. ISBN 978-0-553-10206-2.
- Cavlelos, Jeanne (1999). The Science of Star Wars. St. Martin's Press. ISBN 978-0-312-20958-2.
- Nancy R. Reagin, Janice Liedl, ed. (2012). Star Wars and History. John Wiley & Sons. ISBN 978-0-470-60200-3.
- Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination. National Geographic & Boston Museum of Science. October 2005. ISBN 978-0-7922-6200-8.
- Belluomini, L. (2022). "The Mandalorian as Philosophy: 'This Is the Way'". In Johnson D. K. (ed.). The Palgrave Handbook of Popular Culture as Philosophy. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. pp. 1–25. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-97134-6_104-1. ISBN 978-3-319-97134-6. S2CID 245779254.
- Immerwahr, Daniel (2022). "21 the Galactic Vietnam: Technology, Modernization, and Empire in George Lucas's Star Wars" (PDF). Ideology in U.S. Foreign Relations. pp. 435–451. doi:10.7312/nich20180-022. ISBN 978-0-231-55427-5.
External links
- Official website
- Star Wars on Wookieepedia, a Star Wars wiki
- Star Wars Map – 2020 official; HiRez; website
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