Star Wars is one of the most iconic movie franchises of all time, with fans from every single corner of the globe. If you’re a super fan, or even if you’ve never seen a single film in the Star Wars universe, this is your required reading for May the Fourth. Here are 10 things you didn’t know about Star Wars.
10. The Iconic Lightsaber Noises Come from a Very Mundane Object
The iconic lightsaber sounds, so beloved by fans, actually came from a combination of noises. The sound of an old TV, and the buzz of a film projector’s motor were combined to form the sounds that we hear coming from those deadly sci-fi weapons.
9. Return of the Jedi was Almost Very Different at the End
In story development for Return of the Jedi, George Lucas brought up an idea that could have changed the franchise as a whole. Instead of the iconic end, Luke would have removed Darth Vader’s helmet and put it on as he proclaimed “Now I am Vader”, turning to the dark side.
8. Harrison Ford Almost Didn’t Play Han Solo
Han Solo is probably Harrison Ford’s most well-known parts, but he almost lost the role to Burt Reynolds, Al Pacino, Jack Nicholson, and Christopher Walken – each of whom were up for the part!
7. David Prowse, Who Played Darth Vader, is Banned from Official Star Wars Events
David Prowse, who played Darth Vader’s physical form, was banned from all official Star Wars events, because George Lucas finds him annoying. A friend of Prowse spoke to The Sun, “He believes he’s been an embarrassment, or annoying to Lucas.”
6. Yoda’s Species Has No Name
Yoda’s origins are incredibly mysterious. According to George Lucas, “He has no background. He comes and goes. He’s the subversive, secret, mysterious stranger that enters the film and then exits at the end.” Who knew Yoda had so many secrets?
5. Liam Neeson Cost the Franchise $150,000 Extra in Production Costs
On the set for The Phantom Menace, where Liam Neeson played Qui-Gon Jinn, the production team didn’t account for his 6”4 height. The sets are built as tall as the actors, and when Neeson couldn’t fit through the doors, they had to rebuild all of them. This racked up an extra $150,000 worth of production costs.
4. Star Wars and 2001: A Space Odyssey Had The Same Production Team
George Lucas was a massive fan of Stanley Kubrick, so when he started production for Star Wars, he hired as many people who worked on 2001: A Space Odyssey as he could. They were called “The Class of 2001.”
3. Carrie Fisher Thought Jodie Foster Got Her Role
Carrie Fisher thought she lost her part as Princess Leia to Jodie Foster. According to an Empire interview from 2007, Foster considered the role of Princess Leia but decided to turn it down. When Fisher discovered that Foster was in the running for the part, she thought “Well, I’m not going to get to have lunch with monsters.” Although, in the end, all was well for Fisher.
2. Star Wars Collectible Coins are Legal Tender
You know those Star Wars collectible coins that every fanboy seems to have? They’re technically not useless. Niue, a tiny South Pacific island, actually accepts them as legal tender.
1.More than Enough Fan Tribute Videos
Number one on the list of 10 things you didn’t know about Star Wars: There are enough shot-for-shot fan tribute videos and recreators, to recreate A New Hope and Empire Strikes Back. That’s absolutely insane – what are people up to?
Stars Wars Fans Know No Limits
One thing we’ve learned from the 10 things you didn’t know about Star Wars? The franchise is as crazy on the inside as it seems from the outside. Oh, and Star Wars fans are diehard and will seriously do anything for the franchise. On this May the Fourth, we’ll say it once more: “May the force be with you.”
