May the fourth be with you on Star Wars Day
It is Star Wars Day; a day dedicated to paying homage to one of the greatest movie franchises ever created.
A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away there was a family who changed the cinematic world forever.
The year was 1977 and Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope had just been released, a movie destined to create the dawn of one of the most popular movie franchises ever created, spanning 30 years in the making.
The epic adventures of Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia, Yoda, Darth Vader and the sinister Emperor Palpatine has left such an impact on society that May 4 is known as Star Wars Day.
While not an official holiday, Star War fans are known to use the catch phrase: ‘May the fourth be with you’, in honour of the Star Wars series.
As Star War enthusiasts pride themselves on their extensive knowledge of the galaxy where Jedis valiantly fight against Sith lords, here are five facts you might not know about the Star Wars Universe:
1. Ewoks replaced Wookiees in Return of the Jedi
In Episode VI: Return of the Jedi, an army of Wookiees were meant to help out at Endor, but George Lucas opted to use Ewoks instead. An interesting fact: the word Ewok is never used in the movies.
2. There were no clone troopers in Episode III
Not a single clone helmet or piece of armor was created for Episode III: Revenge of the Sith.
All the clone troopers were created by CGI, meaning not a single person was used.
3. Yoda was meant to be a monkey
Yoda is one of the most iconic Star Wars characters ever created, with his unusual way of speech and great wisdom leading the Jedi forces forward. Not many know, however, he was originally meant to be a monkey using a cane to walk, while wearing a mask.
4. Spielberg’s E.T. is linked to Star Wars
Whoever has watched the classic E.T. and Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace should surely make the connection.
In E.T., the popular extraterrestrial sees a child dressed as Yoda during Halloween and ‘recognises’ him.
In The Phantom Menace, E.T. like creatures can be seen in the Senate meeting.
5. Chewbacca’s voice is a mix of animals
Chewbacca’s voice was not actually made up, but is rather a mix of bears, walruses, lions and badgers.
As Star Wars get to pay tribute to their favourite Stars Wars characters today, it is important to remember that tomorrow is the Revenge of the Fifth, which is a play on the words Revenge of the Sith.
