By Richard Seib
Star Wars is a franchise that has been celebrated for generations. The story of a young farm boy longing for adventure, making friends along the way, and learning the truth of his heritage connected with general audiences. Since its release in 1977, Star Wars, has evolved into something much larger. With one in four people being star wars fans and the series grossing a total of over $10 billion. Numbers like that would make most people ask, how did it become so popular? Today on the Current OC we answer these questions and more.
Star Wars’ inception began with the creative mind of George Lucas, who developed the concept after taking a look at the political climate of the time. However, for the story and general style, he took inspiration from classic black and white films he watched when he was young. His largest influence being Japanese film director Akira Kurosawa and his films The Hidden Fortress and Seven Samurai. The inspiration can clearly be seen by early concept art for the film. But back on topic, Star Wars was originally filmed on a budget of about $11 million with even George Lucas himself believing that it would be a flop. Safe to say that he undersold his idea by quite a bit ($775.8 Million).
In one of the most iconic scenes of the film, our main character is about to help save the day. Before he leaves, his best friend says the simple phrase “May the Force be With You”. Not only was this an emotional moment, I heard some people even cried, but it also became one of the most quoted lines in film history. However, the first ever use of the phrase “May the fourth” was back in 1979, when Margret Thatcher’s political party wanted to congratulate her for her recent win in becoming the United Kingdom’s Prime Minister.
2011 sparks the first May the Fourth celebration. It started at a theater in Toronto Canada, the night was filled with games, contests, and of course the films. As time went on, the event began to make its way across North America. Even though the original location was shut down shortly after, the company responsible for Star Wars, Lucasfim, has now carried the torch and has been hosting “May the Fourth” celebrations since. Having events in Orlando, Chicago, and Anaheim.
Although it may seem silly to some, the Star Wars franchise means a lot to people. It is more than a story about a farm boy going on an adventure. It’s about the struggle between good and evil, of paving your own path, of family, and of becoming more than what you once were. But most of all, it’s a story loved by millions that has inspired generations and will be celebrated for years to come.