12 Fascinating Behind-the-Scenes Facts About Star Wars Revealed

LOS ANGELES, CA – May 4, 2025 – The world celebrates Star Wars Day, honoring the iconic film series created by George Lucas. The franchise includes nine main episodes and several standalone films, with Disney expanding its reach since acquiring Lucasfilm in 2012.

George Lucas aimed to inspire young audiences with a sense of adventure and space exploration. In 1976, he shared, “The reason I’m making Star Wars is that I want to give young people some sort of faraway exotic environment for their imaginations to run around in.”

Among the notable stories behind the franchise, actor Ewan McGregor spoke about reprising his role as Obi-Wan Kenobi in Disney’s series, saying, “I’m always trying to sound like him, but I have to feel like him.”

Actor Samuel L. Jackson pursued a role in the prequels passionately. In 1996, he declared on a British talk show, “I would love to be in one of these movies.” His persistence paid off twenty years later when he was cast in the series.

Mark Hamill, who played Luke Skywalker, initially believed he would be playing a sidekick to Han Solo. He shared, “When I tested, I figured Harrison’s the leading man. I’m like the annoying sidekick.” This perspective shifted as he realized the story followed Luke’s journey.

The Star Wars universe continued to expand with Disney’s 2024 release of a new series featuring Jude Law as a pirate captain. Law reflected on the franchise’s impact on his career, stating, “It was a big part of my love affair with film.”

In a pivotal scene from The Empire Strikes Back, Darth Vader, voiced by James Earl Jones, delivers the iconic line, “No, I am your father.” Hamill recalled the secrecy surrounding that moment, stating that only a few people knew the truth during filming.

While filming on the planet Dagobah, where Luke trains with Yoda, Hamill encountered snakes, one of which bit him during production. He humorously referred to it as a “little love nip.”

The fiery lightsaber battle in Revenge of the Sith featured real volcanic eruptions from Mount Etna, as the crew filmed in Italy. Lucasfilm editor revealed that the eruptions added an authentic backdrop to the intense scene.

Hayden Christensen, who played Anakin Skywalker, insisted on wearing the Darth Vader suit himself during his transformation into the iconic villain. “I just very politely asked if it was possible. And George [Lucas] allowed me that privilege,” he said.

To create Yoda, Lucas initially considered using a monkey in a mask but ultimately hired legendary puppeteer Frank Oz, leading to Yoda’s beloved appearance.

The Mandalorian’s breakout star was Baby Yoda, brought to life by an elaborate puppeteering system while using CGI when necessary for specific scenes. VFX supervisor Richard Bluff explained the meticulous process involved.

In casting for Episode VII, director J.J. Abrams was impressed by Daisy Ridley’s audition, which included a memorable interrogation scene with Adam Driver. Abrams noted her ability to convey complex emotions during this pivotal moment.

Influential filmmaker Akira Kurosawa significantly impacted Lucas’ storytelling style, particularly with The Hidden Fortress. Lucas said, “I decided that that would be a nice way to tell the Star Wars story,” drawing parallels between the two droids and Kurosawa’s lowliest characters.