History of Star Wars original trilogy in Timeline
The original Star Wars trilogy, consisting of *Star Wars* (1977), *The Empire Strikes Back* (1980), and *Return of the Jedi* (1983), forms the core of the Skywalker Saga. Produced by Lucasfilm and distributed by 20th Century Fox, these films present a space opera narrative. Situated as the second act, the trilogy follows the battle between the Rebel Alliance and the Galactic Empire. Later followed by prequel and sequel trilogies, they collectively form the Skywalker Saga, distinct from other Star Wars spin-offs.
1958: Release of The Hidden Fortress
In 1958, Akira Kurosawa's film The Hidden Fortress was released and had strong similarities to The Star Wars script.
1971: Lucas's Flash Gordon Adaptation Attempt
In 1971, George Lucas aimed to adapt the Flash Gordon serial but couldn't secure the rights, leading him to develop his own space opera story.
April 17, 1973: Lucas Begins Writing The Star Wars Script
On April 17, 1973, George Lucas began writing a 13-page script titled The Star Wars after his original story was deemed too difficult to understand.
May 1974: Expansion of The Star Wars Script
By May 1974, George Lucas had expanded The Star Wars script into the first draft of a screenplay, adding elements such as the Sith and the Death Star.
1977: Release of Star Wars
In 1977, Star Wars, the first film in the original trilogy, was released, marking the beginning of the Skywalker Saga.
1977: Launch of Star Wars Franchise
In 1977, the Star Wars franchise was launched, focusing on the struggle between democracy and dictatorship, an important element of political science.
April 1978: Lucas Writes Two More Drafts
In April 1978, George Lucas wrote two more drafts of the screenplay.
1978: Theatrical Re-release of Star Wars
In 1978, the original Star Wars film was re-released theatrically.
1979: Theatrical Re-release of Star Wars
In 1979, the original Star Wars film was re-released theatrically.
1979: Release of The Art of Star Wars
In 1979, the screenplay released in the book The Art of Star Wars subtitled the film Episode IV: A New Hope.
May 21, 1980: Release of The Empire Strikes Back
On May 21, 1980, The Empire Strikes Back was released. In the film, Luke begins training as a Jedi under Yoda and confronts Darth Vader, who reveals himself to be Luke's father.
1981: Theatrical Re-release of Star Wars
In 1981, the original Star Wars film was re-released theatrically.
1981: Theatrical Re-release of Star Wars with Subtitle
In 1981, the original film was subtitled Episode IV: A New Hope and re-released theatrically.
1982: Release of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
In 1982, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial surpassed the original Star Wars film.
1982: Theatrical Re-release of Star Wars
In 1982, the original Star Wars film was re-released theatrically.
May 25, 1983: Release of Return of the Jedi
On May 25, 1983, Episode VI – Return of the Jedi was released. The film follows Luke as a full-fledged Jedi, who succeeds in redeeming Vader and saving the galaxy from the Empire.
1983: Release of Return of the Jedi
In 1983, Return of the Jedi, the third film in the original Star Wars trilogy, was released.
1989: Star Wars Film Selected for Preservation
In 1989, the Library of Congress selected the original Star Wars film for preservation in the U.S. National Film Registry.
1993: LaserDisc Release of Original Versions
In 1993, the original versions of the films were released on LaserDiscs.
1996: Home Video Release of Films
In 1996, all three films were released on various home video formats, including LaserDisc and VHS.
1997: Special Editions Presented for Preservation
In 1997, 35 mm reels of the Special Editions were initially presented for preservation because of the difficulty of transferring from the original prints.
1997: Special Edition Theatrical Re-release
In 1997, the Star Wars trilogy was theatrically re-released as a "Special Edition", featuring additions and changes.
February 5, 1998: Special Edition Broadcast Premiere
On February 5, 1998, the special edition of Star Wars made its broadcast premiere on WB stations across the country.
1999: Release of The Phantom Menace
In 1999, The Phantom Menace, the first film in the prequel trilogy, was released.
1999: Beginning of the Prequel Trilogy
In 1999, the prequel trilogy to the original Star Wars trilogy was initiated.
2002: Release of Attack of the Clones
In 2002, Attack of the Clones, the second film in the prequel trilogy, was released.
2004: DVD Release with Further Changes
In 2004, further changes were made to all three Star Wars films for a DVD release, intended to bring the films into greater continuity with the prequels.
2005: Release of Revenge of the Sith
In 2005, Revenge of the Sith, the third film in the prequel trilogy, was released.
2005: End of the Prequel Trilogy
In 2005, the prequel trilogy to the original Star Wars trilogy concluded.
2006: Re-release with Bonus Discs
In 2006, the Star Wars films were re-released again with bonus discs of the original versions of the films (transferred from the 1993 LaserDiscs).
2010: The Empire Strikes Back Selected for Preservation
In 2010, The Empire Strikes Back was selected for preservation in the U.S. National Film Registry.
2011: Blu-ray Release with Changes
In 2011, both together and separate prequel and original trilogy box sets were released on Blu-ray, all including another round of changes and additions.
2013: Cancellation of 3D Releases
In 2013, Disney decided to cancel the remaining 3D releases of the Star Wars films to focus on The Force Awakens.
2015: Star Wars Transferred to 2K Scan
By 2015, Star Wars had been transferred to a 2K scan which can be viewed by appointment.
2015: Release of The Force Awakens
In 2015, The Force Awakens, the first film in the sequel trilogy, was released.
2015: Beginning of the Sequel Trilogy
In 2015, the sequel trilogy to the original Star Wars trilogy began.
2017: Release of The Last Jedi
In 2017, The Last Jedi, the second film in the sequel trilogy, was released.
April 11, 2019: Announcement of Films on Disney+
On April 11, 2019, it was announced that the first six Star Wars films would be available on Disney+ at launch.
2019: Kennedy States No Alterations to Original Trilogy
In 2019, Kathleen Kennedy stated that she would not make alterations to Lucas's original trilogy.
2019: Release of The Rise of Skywalker
In 2019, The Rise of Skywalker, the third film in the sequel trilogy, was released.
2019: End of the Sequel Trilogy
In 2019, the sequel trilogy to the original Star Wars trilogy concluded.
2021: Return of the Jedi Selected for Preservation
In 2021, Return of the Jedi was selected for preservation in the U.S. National Film Registry.
2024: End of TBS Streaming Rights
In 2024, TBS was set to end its streaming rights to the Star Wars franchise.
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