Star Wars – An Exploration
In a year far far away a movie franchise was created by a man called George Lucas. The date in question? The twenty-seventh of December 1977.
Now, this may not feel like a long time ago but it’s nearing 44 years since the first (Star Wars: A New Hope) graced Cinemas in the United Kingdom!
Warning – If you have not seen Star Wars (first of all why not?) and be on the lookout there may be spoilers ahead!
Fact #1 – A monkey, Yoda almost was. How did you find my impression? Awful? Yeah, I will not do that again!
The Star Wars story
Known to many die-hard fans, the original film Episode IV: A New Hope was meant to be a single, standalone story. Meant to take place in the middle of the action because that is a dramatic way to tell a story. The once nine long story arc was condensed into the original Star Wars film.
The story of the original trilogy focuses on the quest of Luke Skywalker to become a Jedi, then his struggle with the evil Imperial agent Darth Vader, and then after struggles of the Rebel Alliance to free the galaxy from the clutches of the Galactic Empire.
Fact #2 – The lightsabre noise comes from the familiar hum of an old television. The noise of a lightsabre is created by the combination of the hum of an old televisions picture tube and the buzz of a film projectors motor.
Star Wars and Ireland
Ahead of episode eight of the nine-piece series, you may remember a string of headlines of stars arriving for filming in Northern Ireland.
Everybody from Luke Skywalker, Rey and Kylo Ren arrived at Belfast International Airport.
Probably the most notable scene-stealer is Skellig Michael in County Kerry. The site, which is 7 miles off the coast appears in; The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi as well as The Rise of Skywalker.
Other spots you might recognise include; Malin Head in Donegal, Loop Head in Clare, Brow Head in Cork, Sybil Head and Dunmore Head on the Dingle Peninsula also in County Kerry.
Fact #3 – Ireland is where the stars learnt a lot of new skills. For example, how to pull pints and joined in the traditional music sessions with the locals.
Disney takeover
In 2012 the Walt Disney Company acquired LucasFilm Ltd for over 4 Billion Dollars!
Since this, it has opened up a whole new galaxy. Pardon the pun! Three more films have joined the Star Wars Saga and more delights including, the Mandalorian and Galaxy’s Edge at Disney Land and Disney World with even more one the way!
Lucas said that he had spent his whole life creating Star Wars so, “giving it up was very, very painful. But it was the right thing to do”. Especially so he could spend time with his daughter, born in 2013.
Upcoming Projects
Some may disagree but, Disney taking over the rights to the Star Wars franchise has breathed a new lease of life into the Star Wars universe.
Now, multi-generations can enjoy 16 Star Wars projects either coming to Disney+ soon. Or in the works! We will all be stocked up with streaming material for the foreseeable.
If you haven’t already we recommend watching the Mandalorian and the newest release to the Star Wars Universe The Bad Batch which was released on Star Wars day – May the fourth!
Conclusion
Like we mentioned Star Wars has spanned over four decades, and if our blog was not enough to get your fill to check out the official star wars website for more facts and fun from the second-highest film franchise ever!
If you’re a movie fanatic why not check out our blog on the titanic movie whilst you here.
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