A short time ago in a galaxy not so far away George Lucas created a franchise that would deeply embed itself into pop culture. With nine mainline movies spanning over 40 years and more than a couple spinoffs, the franchise has grossed over 65 billion dollars. 

In 1977, Lucas released his first movie in the movie franchise, A New Hope. The movie was praised for using special effects and miniature models to create life like action scenes in space.

“I think it has transformed the movie industry. The special effects that were developed by Lucasfilm and Industrial Light & Magic for the Star Wars films have been subsequently used in countless other films with great success,” Xavier teacher Mr. Schaub said. 

Star Wars broke out of the movie theater and made its way to modern pop culture. The series has been parodied many times as well with movies like Spaceballs and in song with Weird Al’s “The Saga Begins,” a Star Wars themed version of Don McLean’s “American Pie.” It has even spread into American history with President Reagan’s naming his anti-air defense initiative Project Star Wars.

“I have been a Star Wars fan for probably 10+ years. It has had a huge impact on my life. I even had a collection of lightsabers, Star Wars blasters and other memorabilia,” senior Nathan Freesmeier said. “It has a huge impact on modern day culture. People are always talking about “The Mandalorian,” new movies coming out or the latest game coming out.”

Movies are not the only way people have experienced the Star Wars universe. Series upon series of different novels have been published. Even more recently the universe has been expanded via new shows like Disney+’s “The Mandalorian” as well as new video games like Respawn Entertainment’s: Jedi Fallen Order. 

“With all of the conveniences of streaming TV shows and movies, it would take more for me to go out and watch a movie in an actual theater,” Librarian Mrs. Marshall said. “I know Disney produces quality movies, so I’ll go spend money on a ticket and then I’ll spend money on actually buying the movie for my family. It’s worth it to me.”

Star Wars is still going strong and one can go see the most recent edition to the series, The Rise of Skywalker, in movie theaters today.