Since the first film was released in 1977, Star Wars has become one of the most beloved and successful franchises in movie history. There are many fun and fascinating tidbits about each production.
While some diehard fans know a lot of Star Wars trivia, even the most dedicated aficionados don’t know every last detail. Learning these amazing facts will be eye-opening for the average viewer.
1. Family Connections in the Trilogies
Many do not know that multiple familial connections exist among all three Star Wars trilogies. In the original trilogy (1977-1983), actor Denis Lawson portrays Wedge Antilles, an X-Wing fighter pilot, friend to Luke Skywalker, and one of the few characters who survives all three films.
Lawson also went on to voice Wedge in several Star Wars shows and games and reprises the role in The Rise of Skywalker (2019). Beyond his role, Lawson is also actor Ewan McGregor’s uncle. As the young version of the Jedi Obi-Wan Kenobi, McGregor continues his family’s journey within the franchise to an even higher degree, undoubtedly making his uncle proud.
Carrie Fisher appears as Princess Leia in the sequel trilogy (2015-2019). Her daughter, Billie Lourd, plays Lieutenant Connix, a Resistance member. Even though Lourd’s part is a small one, seeing mother and daughter on screen together always amazes viewers. Lourd also stood in for her mother in scenes for The Rise of Skywalker after Fisher’s untimely passing in 2016.
2. Samuel L. Jackson Asked For a Purple Lightsaber
Samuel L. Jackson, who portrays Jedi Master Mace Windu in the prequel films (1999-2005), had a unique request for George Lucas. Traditionally, lightsabers only come in three colors: green, blue, and red. In The Attack of the Clones, Jackson wanted to stand out in the grand arena battle at the film’s climax, so he asked for a purple lightsaber.
According to Jackson, Lucas initially seemed to dismiss the idea, but the actor got a surprise when it came time to film re-shoots. On The Graham Norton Show, Jackson said he got the color he wanted and that the sword’s hilt also has an engraving of a certain expletive Jackson has become known for.
3. John Williams Has a Cameo in “The Rise of Skywalker”
Many consider composer John Williams the greatest of all time. He got his reward in a brief but incredible cameo in The Rise of Skywalker. With only a few exceptions, Williams has exclusively composed the music for the Star Wars universe, creating some of the most recognizable soundtracks ever. It was only fitting that he made an on-screen appearance after over 40 years of exceptional work.
In a blink-and-you-miss-it moment, Williams plays Oma Tres (an anagram for maestro), a bartender on Kimji. Despite the short screen time, filmmakers made his appearance special by surrounding him with trinkets inspired by each of his Academy Award nominations. In this well-deserved moment, they immortalized Williams in a unique way.
4. Three Different People Are the Mandalorian
Although many fans think of actor Pedro Pascal as the Mandalorian, he’s only one of three individuals who bring the character to life. Pascal does indeed inhabit the character, providing the voice, face, and most of the screen time for Din Djarin. However, two others prove just as vital.
Stunt performers Brendan Wayne and Lateef Crowder also don the armor, with Pascal later dubbing the dialogue. This isn’t the first time the Star Wars universe utilized more than one performer for a single character.
David Prowse (A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi), Hayden Christensen (Revenge of the Sith, Obi-Wan Kenobi), Spencer Wilding (Rogue One), and Daniel Naprous (Rogue One) have all physically portrayed Darth Vader. James Earl Jones provides the voice for the iconic villain.
5. The Highest Rated Film Has a One-Time Director
Few deny the cultural impact of The Empire Strikes Back. Many consider this film their favorite in the franchise. The average fan or filmgoer probably thinks George Lucas directed this film. After all, he directed the original Star Wars and went on to helm the prequel trilogy. However, that myth also illuminates a fascinating and somewhat sad fact.
Irvin Kershner directed The Empire Strikes Back, the only film he directed in the Star Wars franchise. Given the movie’s quality, it’s baffling why he didn’t direct more in this series. It’s a shame and mystery that there is only one Kershner Star Wars movie.
6. George Lucas Took Inspiration From Classic Films
Even the most knowledgeable Star Wars fanatics may be unaware of the films and genres George Lucas drew inspiration from. Lucas considers Star Wars a Western fairy tale set in space. Indeed, the character archetypes, plot devices, and genre tropes from those types of films all exist in the Star Wars universe.
Lucas also credits filmmaker Akira Kurosawa as a strong influence, especially his film The Hidden Fortress. Viewers can find similarities between Star Wars and Kurosawa’s themes, story beats, and visual style.
Notably, fans of the 1960 classic Disney film Swiss Family Robinson will notice how similar that film’s climate battle resembles the Rebellion and Ewok’s battle against the Empire in Return of the Jedi.
7. Production Took Place in 18 Countries
Fans may not think of Star Wars as a franchise with a wide range of filming locations. Most think of soundstages and studios with green screens. However, all Star Wars films feature visually unique locations.
Filmmakers know that special effects can only achieve so much, and nothing compares to location shoots. Production took place in 18 countries, including Tunisia, Italy, Guatemala, Iceland, Ireland, Bolivia, Switzerland, the United States, and Spain.
8. One of Mark Hamill’s Flubs Stayed
Flubs and mistakes happen. They’re part of every production. However, sometimes, these boo-boos become happy accidents that create funny moments. Sometimes, filmmakers accidentally leave these mistakes in the film. Viewers can see the latter in A New Hope.
Near the end of the film, when Luke triumphantly returns, he embraces his friends Leia and Han. However, instead of shouting “Leia,” Mark Hamill yells “Carrie.” He doesn’t precisely enunciate her name, hence why this mistake remains in this film. Still, keen listeners can hear this line and laugh.
9. Natalie Portman Wore 42 Costumes
As Queen Amidala/Senator Padmé, Natalie Portman wore an array of gorgeous, intricate costumes throughout three films: The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, and Revenge of the Sith. Her character’s lofty status meant she needed an extensive wardrobe.
Altogether, Portman wore 42 costumes — a number few other actors can claim. Costume designer Trisha Briggar gave Padmé various gowns, headpieces, and other items inspired by numerous cultures. Two standouts include her ombré gown and yellow dress adorned with floral appliqué, which she wears during the Naboo scenes in Attack of the Clones.
10. Father and Son Writers
Not many fathers and sons can say they both worked on an iconic film series, but Lawrence and Jonathan Kasdan can. Lawrence penned the screenplay for The Empire Strikes Back (along with Leigh Brackett), solidifying his iconic Star Wars status. He also wrote Return of the Jedi, The Force Awakens, and Solo: A Star Wars Story.
The father-son connection came with Solo because he wrote that screenplay with his son Jonathan. Carrying on the family writing legacy is special in its own right, but writing as a father-son team takes it to a different level.
11. Each Film Ends on a Wide Shot
More a keen observation than a piece of trivia, the everyday Star Wars fan likely has never made this connection about each film’s ending. Every movie in the three trilogies ends with a wide shot, typically with at least one main character. Many of these shots include multiple characters framed in the shot, creating a visually appealing, emotional moment.
Likewise, many of these final shots feature the characters from behind and the same music. There are exceptions. The Last Jedi features an unnamed child looking to the sky with hope. Moreover, Rogue One and Solo feature close-ups of objects. Still, all the main films feature this creative choice, which helps create a cohesive style.
12. Some of the Best Lines Were Improvised
Movies have a longstanding history of iconic improvised lines, such as Jaws and A Few Good Men. Star Wars is no exception, and many of the films feature ad-libs and unscripted moments.
The original trilogy features incredible improvisation, particularly A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back. Most know that Harrison Ford improvised Han Solo’s “I know” after Leia’s “I love you.” However, few know that his rambling about a “weapons malfunction” in A New Hope did not have a set script.
Likewise, Mark Hamill’s “I can’t see a thing in his helmet” while in a stormtrooper uniform was Hamill himself saying this to Ford. It got a laugh, so they kept it in the film. Carrie Fisher also came up with the bittersweet moment between Leia and Luke in The Last Jedi, where she jokes about changing her hair. These represent a handful of the many lines actors improvised.
13. Daniel Craig Has a Small Role in “The Force Awakens”
Did you know that James Bond actor Daniel Craig has a cameo in The Force Awakens? It’s difficult to spot him in the film because of one important fact: you never see his face. Craig portrays Stormtrooper FN-1824, so if viewers pay attention, they’ll see him.
According to Craig, while doing Bond fittings at Pinewood Studios, he asked the Star Wars assistant director if he could have a small part. The next day, he’s playing the stormtrooper whom Rey quite easily influences using the Force. Craig happily plays the weak-minded trooper, thrilled to be part of this universe in a small way.
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