Star Wars 40th Anniversary
Recently, we, as a galaxy, celebrated the 40th Anniversary of the first “Star Wars” movie. Since that fateful premiere in May 1977, the franchise has produced about a dozen films, numerous TV shows, thousands of spoofs and parodies, and millions of devoted fans. Here’s an overview of the series.
After fan fictions about the Old Republic and book series such as “Jedi Academy,” chronologically, “The Phantom Menace” is the first movie in the franchise, which came out in 1999. It’s an introduction to the Force, to the “Star Wars” universe, and to Anakin Skywalker, a major character in the saga. It’s about how the Jedi, along with the Galactic Republic, help the gorgeous planet of Naboo defend themselves against the Trade Federation.
The next film, set ten years after the previous one, is about how the Jedi protect the Queen of Naboo from an unknown foe. This film, “Attack of the Clones,” came out in 2002.
The third film, “Revenge of the Sith,” takes place three years after the previous film and was released in 2005. It shows the final transformations of a former Jedi into Darth Vader. It is the last installment of the “prequel trilogy.”
The fourth movie actually came out in 1977, and was called “A New Hope.” It is about the Galactic Rebellion, with a new ally named Luke Skywalker, attempting to gain freedom from the Galactic Empire.
The fifth film, “The Empire Strikes Back,” came out in 1980. It is how Luke grows as a Jedi learner.
The sixth film, “Return of the Jedi,” came out in 1983. It shows the climactic showdown between the Galactic Empire and the Rebel Alliance. It is considered the last installment of the “original trilogy.”
The seventh film, “The Force Awakens,” came out not too long ago in 2015. It tells the story of a girl named Rey who helps the newly-formed Resistance fight the First Order, which rose from the ashes of the Empire.
Other films, TV shows, and media have been made, but these are the canon films. When Disney gained ownership of the Star Wars franchise in 2012 for $4 billion, they announced they planned to do six more films, making a 12-movie saga. I hope you enjoyed this article and watch these films. May The Force Be With You!
