Star Wars Day 2023: The release of “Star Wars” in 1977 permanently altered Hollywood. Even after four decades, we are still captivated. “Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker” was released in theatres last December. The principal Star Wars film franchise has concluded with the release of “The Force Awakens” and “The Last Jedi,” the final installments of the sequel trilogy. Therefore, Happy Star Wars Day on May 4!
It is celebration time on Tatooine.
In 2011, the first organised Star Wars Day was held in Toronto. The event featured an Original Trilogy Trivia Game Show, a costume contest, and the screening of tribute films, mash-ups, parodies, and adaptations created by fans. Since Disney’s acquisition of Lucasfilm in late 2012, the holiday has been officially celebrated at Disneyland and Walt Disney World.
WHEN IS STAR WARS DAY 2023?
May the Force be with you on July 4! May 4 is Star Wars Day, which celebrates a galaxy far, far away.
HISTORY OF STAR WARS DAY
The “Star Wars” universe is an enormous accomplishment. It is difficult to imagine a time when “Star Wars” did not exist, given its extraordinary cultural impact and popularity. It all began with Frank Herbert’s “Dune” novel. Published for the first time in 1965, it is widely regarded as the source of inspiration for “Star Wars,” given the striking similarities between its characters and plot. In any case, George Lucas set his story in outer space and risked making a science fiction film in 1977, a time when the genre was essentially defunct in Hollywood. Nobody anticipated that the first “Star Wars” film would perform as well as it did. With a production budget of only $9,500,000 and a limited theatrical release, it was anticipated to fail at the box office. There was no possibility that this science fiction epic could be a success. “Star Wars” (later renamed “Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope”) was released on May 25, 1977.
Through word-of-mouth and rave reviews, “Star Wars” experienced a meteoric rise in popularity and transformed the entire film industry, leaving studios utterly bewildered by its success. The saga of the Skywalker family was introduced to the world, along with revered characters such as Han Solo, Yoda, Chewbacca, and perhaps the darkest villain of all time, Darth Vader. The first installment of “Star Wars” grossed over $100 million by the end of summer and won six Academy Awards and a Special Achievement Award for its groundbreaking special effects. George Lucas accomplished a remarkable feat for the time and given the limited budget by producing advanced effects and filming impressive space sequences using only miniature figures and sets.
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Star Wars: Episodes
Star Wars: Episode V — The Empire Strikes Back, released in 1980, and Star Wars: Episode VI — Return of the Jedi, released in 1983, followed the triumph of the first film. Additionally, the franchise expanded into various commercial divisions.
Twenty years after the release of his first film, Lucas issued his second trilogy of films, the ‘prequel trilogy.’ “Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace” was released in 1999, followed by “Star Wars: Episode II — Attack of the Clones” in 2002 and “Star Wars: Episode III — Revenge of the Sith” in 2005, all featuring a new cast of renowned actors such as Natalie Portman and Ewan McGregor. The plot was not as well-received as that of the original trilogy, but the digital technology and special effects of the sequels were vastly superior, and they were consequently box office successes. For the new generation of “Star Wars” fans, a book series, an animated television series, action figures, video games, and apparel were created to increase the franchise’s marketability.
In 2012, Walt Disney Studios acquired the franchise and commenced production on a third trilogy, the’sequel trilogies.’ In 2015, the seventh installment, “Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens,” was released. The universe was expanded with new characters while remaining true to the original spirit of “Star Wars.” The 2017 release of “Star Wars: Episode VIII — The Last Jedi” was followed by “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” in 2019. Several stand-alone films were also connected to the main plot, including “Star Wars: Rogue One” (2016) and “Solo” (2018).
If you are unfamiliar to the Star Wars universe, the following is the recommended viewing order:
“A New Hope” (1977), “The Empire Strikes Back” (1980), and “Return of the Jedi” (1983) comprise the original trilogy.
“The Phantom Menace” (1999), “Attack of the Clones” (2002), and “Revenge of the Sith” (2005) comprise the prequel trilogy.
“The Force Awakens” (2015), “The Last Jedi” (2017), and “The Rise of Skywalker” comprise the sequel trilogy.
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STAR WARS BY THE NUMBERS
- 2,187 – the number of Princess Leia’s cell in the Detention Centre.
- Disney has invested $4 billion in the Star Wars franchise.
- 2 billion is the quantity of lives lost when the Death Star destroys Alderaan.
- 6 feet 8 inches is Darth Vader’s height.
- The time required for Sarlaccs to digest their sustenance is one millennium.
- Six bounty hunters are hired by Darth Vader to locate the Millennium Falcon.
- The midi-chlorian count of Anakin Skywalker exceeds 20,000.
- Over 2,500 Stormtroopers are deployed to Imperial Star destroyers.
- In the first Star Wars film, Darth Vader appears for a total of 12 minutes.
- 6,000,000+ – the number of forms of communication that C-3PO is familiar with
STAR WARS DAY ACTIVITIES
On May 31, “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge,” a 14-acre Disney theme park expansion, will open at the Disneyland Resort in Southern California. Three months later, a second “Star Wars” park will open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World in Florida.
Organise a viewing party
Invite friends over for a marathon of films. (It is up to you whether you show them the behind-the-scenes footage.) For the event, hang decorations and prepare nerdy refreshments.
The dress-up holiday
Not only are costumes worn for Halloween. Wear your most rebellious attire, or a themed T-shirt if that’s more your style.
WHY WE LOVE STAR WARS DAY
Gadgets
Creator of “Star Wars” George Lucas envisioned light sabres, holograms, and numerous types of spaceships. And as successive generations of tech-savvy science fiction enthusiasts mature, the day when these concepts become a reality grows ever closer.
The cultural icon “Star Wars” has transcended the film industry, achieving a level of cultural significance that few books or films can match. Since 2015, the four “Star Wars” films released by Disney have grossed more than $4.8 billion.
Adventure
By recognising the fictions we create, we can experience greater happiness in our lives. In addition, envisioning ourselves as the heroes of our own lives improves our ability to effect positive change in the world.
STAR WARS DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | May 4 | Thursday |
| 2024 | May 4 | Saturday |
| 2025 | May 4 | Sunday |
| 2026 | May 4 | Monday |
| 2027 | May 4 | Tuesday |
