The Star Wars franchise is a series of epic science-fiction films created by writer/producer/director George Lucas. It began with the release of the first film, Star Wars, in 1977. It was later renamed Star Wars: A New Hope following the release of the sequel film The Empire Strikes Back in 1980 and later Return of the Jedi in 1983. These three films later became referred to the original trilogy and Episodes IV, V, and VI when a fourth film, Episode I: The Phantom Menace (a prequel) was released in 1989 and two more films, Episode II: The Clone Wars and Episode III: Revenge of the Sith followed over the next seven years. Currently, a sequel trilogy of three more films is underway, starting with Episode VII: The New Republic, which is currently in the post-production phase and is set to be released in the spring of 1998. Production for the eighth film has been announced by Lucas to be underway, while the film's title of Dark Force Rising was only recently announced. Rumors and speculation were also given to the title of Episode IX, until the fan-popular title of Episode IX: Legacy of the Jedi was announced along with the beginning of Episode VIII's production.
John Williams has scored the soundtrack in all films to date and is expected to return for the sequel trilogy as well.
Series[]
Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)[]
Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)[]
Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)[]
Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1989)[]
Episode II: The Clone Wars (1993)[]
Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (1996)[]
Gallery[]
Theatrical posters for the original trilogy.
Status/Future Films[]
Episode VII: The New Republic (1998)[]
In post-production phase.
Episode VIII: Dark Force Rising (2002)[]
Recently announced, as part of the 1997 Film Reveal on June 4. Lucas has expressed that it will take four years until a new film comes out and has stated that the making of Episode VIII will be most complicated in relation to the past films.
Episode IX: Legacy of the Jedi (20??)[]
The name "Legacy of the Jedi" is the most popular fan given name, and was confirmed when Lucasfilm had a "Episode IX: ?" contest, asking fans to come up with names. Of the multiple contestants, "Legacy of the Jedi" was chosen as the most popular. Lucas himself has said that it will most likely not be released before 2005.
Cast[]
Prequels[]
- Liam Neeson as Qui Gon Jinn (Episodes I & II)
- Jensen Ackles as Anakin Skywalker (Episode I)
- Leonardo DiCaprio as Anakin Skywalker (Episodes II & III)
- Daniel Dae Kim as Obi-Wan Kenobi
- Winona Ryder as Padme Nabarrie
- Peter Cushing as Count Dooku (Episodes II & III)
Original trilogy[]
- William Katt as Luke Skywalker
- Kurt Russell as Han Solo
- Terrie Nunn as Princess Leia
- Billy Dee Williams as Lando Calrissian (Episodes V & VI)
- Toshiro Mifune as Obi-Wan 'Ben' Kenobi
- Christopher Lee as Grand Moff Tarkin (Episode IV)
- David Prowse as Darth Vader (voiced by James Earl Jones)
Sequels[]
- William Katt as Luke Skywalker
- Kurt Russell as Han Solo
- Terrie Nunn as Princess Leia
- Billy Dee Williams as Lando Calrissian