“Star Wars” fans, geek out. Disney and Lucasfilm will release “Star Wars Episode VII,” the start of a series of “Star Wars” movies that will come out every year starting in 2015, according to a [MovieFone article](http://news.moviefone.com/2013/04/17/disney-confirms-star-wars-episode-7-release_n_3103498.html). “Star Wars: Episode VII,” set to be directed by J.J. Abrams, will star the original actors Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and most likely Harrison Ford. Then the following movies will spin off to focus on individual characters such as Yoda and Boba Fett.
So why reprise a movie series 10 years after the last episode (“Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith” in 2005)? What made the folks behind Lucasfilms decide to launch several more episodes each year? Is it because we all love Yoda?
“Star Wars” has transcended and changed popular culture and society ever since the release of “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope” on May 25, 1977. The first films became popular quickly, despite the lack of attractiveness associated with science-fiction and fantasy genres at the time. After three more episodes came out between 1999 and 2005, “Star Wars” had already become a international phenomena.
Primarily, the “Star Wars” franchise completely innovated the movie industry. Back then, the science-fiction genre was not huge, but “Star Wars” made it huge. George Lucas used dirty, worn-down clothes and spaceships, a marked departure from the clean, impractical look of old sci-fi movies. Hot films such as “Alien” and “The Terminator” would follow suit.
Plus, with the establishment of the Lucasfilm division Industrial Light & Magic, the franchise transformed and advanced special effects in both “Star Wars” and future blockbusters such as “Jurassic Park,” “Forrest Gump” and “Men in Black.” It also influenced sound effects, as well. In line with Industrial Light & Magic, Lucas established the Skywalker Sound, which created that eerie sound emulating from the lightsabers.
Even if you haven’t seen “Star Wars” (I have seen parts of it, and I was like, ‘Why are aliens, robots and humans all existing together in this weird, dusty planet?’), you’ve heard of it. You know its theme songs. You recognize its characters: Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, R2-D2, Han Solo and the most iconic fictional evil figure of all, Darth Vader. It’s referenced in countless books, movies and TV shows. And even Yoda’s famous quotes are used in everyday conversation.
“Star Wars” was one of the first films that influenced how people lived their lives. People began to dress up in “Star Wars” gear, acted out scenes, owned lightsabers and even proclaimed their religion as Jedi. “Star Wars” was the vernacular term of the day when referring to the Strategic Defense Initiative created by President Ronald Reagan during the Cold War, and Reagan even called the Soviet Union “The Evil Empire,” similar to the evil Galactic Empire in the first film.
CNN had “holograms” of people during the 2008 election night, just as those from Star Wars. Amputees sport bionic hands inspired by the action figures. And the Death Star has inspired a “Death Star” bug-zapper aimed to zap flying mosquitoes, which could prevent malaria and save lives.
“Star Wars” has sparked the franchise trend since it was released (previously, other hit movies didn’t have sequels or prequels) and has encouraged other blockbuster movies to follow suit. (No matter how annoying they can be). It has spawned thousands of toys, video games and book series, and it has appealed to both adults and children. “Star Wars” has impacted how we experience movies, popular culture and everyday life. It’s still popular today, which is a good bet why Lucas will release more episodes. May the Force be with us all.
