National Star Wars Day

A group of friends dressed as iconic Star Wars characters, posing with lightsabers in a sci-fi convention setting.. — National star wars day illustration

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away... Wait, wrong script. Let's try that again. Welcome to our article about National Star Wars day, when the force of the internet becomes particularly strong with mentions of this galaxy-enveloping franchise. A day when you'll probably hear 'May the Fourth be with you' more times than you can shake a lightsaber at.

When is Star Wars Day?

It's national star wars day on the 4th May.

A Brief History of National Star Wars Day

National Star Wars Day is not as old as the franchise itself, but it has become an online phenomenon that beautifully showcases just how much this epic space opera has permeated our culture. While George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars, had nothing to do with the inception of this day, we're sure he's not Darth Miffed about it. The phrase 'May the Fourth be with you', a delightful pun on the famous movie line 'May the force be with you', first appeared in a newspaper advertisement by the British Conservative Party on May 4th, 1979, to congratulate Margaret Thatcher on her becoming Prime Minister.

How the Internet Fell in Love with it

Fast forward a few decades, the advent of social media platforms further gave wings to this phrase, and thus, a day was born. Our data indicates an huge surge of online mentions on 4th May, 2015 - the web turned into a de facto Tatooine with Star Wars references flying faster than Millennium Falcon's Kessel Run. Whether it was Jedi-memes, Yoda-inspired life wisdom, or Sith Lord selfies, the internet embraced the day with arms wide open, or should we say, light sabers aloft?

How to Celebrate

So how should you celebrate this day, you ask? Re-watch the films, flaunt your best Princess Leia hairstyle, rustle up some Wookiee cookies, or engage in a friendly lightsaber duel with family or friends. Remember, as Jedi Master Yoda teaches us – 'Do. Or do not. There is no try.' And in that spirit, do celebrate National Star Wars Day you must!

History behind the term 'Star Wars'

1977

The Birth of Star Wars

In 1977, the world was introduced to the epic space saga known as Star Wars. Created by George Lucas, this groundbreaking film combined elements of science fiction, adventure, and fantasy in a way that captivated audiences like never before. The tale of Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, and Darth Vader quickly became a pop culture phenomenon, revolutionizing the film industry and leaving a lasting impact on the world.

1978

Expansion through Merchandising

In 1978, Star Wars continued to make waves with the release of a wide range of merchandise. From action figures and toys to clothing and lunchboxes, the Star Wars brand expanded beyond the big screen and into the lives of fans everywhere. This move not only solidified the franchise's place in popular culture but also demonstrated the immense marketing potential of movies.

1980

The Empire Strikes Back

In 1980, the second installment of the original Star Wars trilogy, The Empire Strikes Back, was released. This film further deepened the story and introduced iconic characters like Yoda and Lando Calrissian. It also unveiled one of the most famous plot twists in cinematic history: Darth Vader revealing that he is Luke Skywalker's father. The Empire Strikes Back solidified Star Wars as a cultural phenomenon and set the stage for the highly anticipated conclusion of the trilogy.

1983

Return of the Jedi and the Original Trilogy's Conclusion

In 1983, Return of the Jedi hit theaters, marking the epic conclusion to the original Star Wars trilogy. This film tied up loose ends, revealed the redemption of Darth Vader, and provided a satisfying resolution to the battle between the Rebel Alliance and the Galactic Empire. Return of the Jedi became another massive success, firmly establishing Star Wars as one of the most beloved franchises of all time.

1999

The Prequel Trilogy Begins

In 1999, George Lucas returned to the Star Wars universe with Episode I: The Phantom Menace, the first installment of the highly anticipated prequel trilogy. This new trilogy aimed to expand upon the story and offer insights into the origins of characters and events. Despite mixed reception from fans and critics, the prequel trilogy generated significant buzz and kept the Star Wars legacy alive for a new generation of viewers.

2012

Disney Acquires Lucasfilm

In 2012, The Walt Disney Company acquired Lucasfilm, the production company behind Star Wars, for a staggering $4.05 billion. This acquisition sparked excitement among fans as it meant future Star Wars films would be helmed by Disney, a company renowned for its successful franchises. The purchase not only ensured the continuation of the Star Wars saga but also opened up new possibilities for the expansion of the universe through spin-offs, television shows, and theme park attractions.

2015

The Force Awakens and the Sequel Trilogy

In 2015, Star Wars made a triumphant return with the release of Episode VII: The Force Awakens, the start of the sequel trilogy. Directed by J.J. Abrams, this film introduced a new generation of characters, such as Rey, Finn, and Kylo Ren, while also featuring beloved veterans like Han Solo, Princess Leia, and Luke Skywalker. The Force Awakens reignited the Star Wars passion among fans and became a box office sensation, setting the stage for the two subsequent films of the sequel trilogy.

2020

The Mandalorian and New Horizons

In 2020, Star Wars expanded its narrative through the release of the television series The Mandalorian. This highly acclaimed and culturally significant show introduced the world to the adorable character known as Baby Yoda (technically called The Child) and redefined how Star Wars stories could be told on the small screen. The success of The Mandalorian paved the way for other ambitious projects, including additional TV shows, spin-offs, and further exploration of the vast Star Wars universe.

Did you know?

The 'May the Fourth be with you' phrase first originated from a British newspaper ad in 1979. It wasn't from Yoda, surprisingly, or Obi-Wan, but the British Conservative Party!