Star Wars
Origins
Star Wars is an American epic space opera franchise, created by George Lucas and centered around a film series that began with the eponymous 1977 movie. The saga quickly became a worldwide pop-culture phenomenon. The franchise includes movies, books, television series, video games, and comics, making it a cornerstone of modern popular culture.
Film Series
The Star Wars film series is made up of three trilogies and stand-alone movies. The three trilogies are referred to as the "Original Trilogy", the "Prequel Trilogy", and the "Sequel Trilogy".
Original Trilogy
The Original Trilogy began with Star Wars (later subtitled Episode IV: A New Hope) released on May 25, 1977. This was followed by two sequels: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980), and Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983). The Original Trilogy follows the journey of Luke Skywalker, who becomes a Jedi Knight and battles the evil Galactic Empire and its dark lord, Darth Vader.
Prequel Trilogy
The Prequel Trilogy includes Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999), Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002), and Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005). The prequels focus on Anakin Skywalker, his training as a Jedi, and eventual fall to the dark side to become Darth Vader.
Sequel Trilogy
The Sequel Trilogy comprises Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015), Episode VIII - The Last Jedi (2017), and Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker (2019). The trilogy follows a new generation of heroes and the resurgence of the dark side.
Expanded Universe
The Star Wars Expanded Universe includes all officially licensed Star Wars storytelling material set outside the events depicted within the theatrical films, such as novels, comics, and video games. These stories contribute to the background and depth of the Star Wars universe.
Themes and Impact
Star Wars is renowned for its rich themes and influences. These include philosophy, religion, politics, and mythology, which add depth and layers to the movies. The franchise's impact on modern popular culture is profound, influencing other science fiction works and pop culture phenomena.