The Fourth Awakens

Picture Credit: Walt Disney Pictures/Lucasfilm

Thirty–eight years ago, on May 25 1977, Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, brought us the stories of the young Jedi Knight, Luke Skywalker, his long–lost sister Leia Organa, and the smugglers Han Solo and Chewbacca. This kicked off a multi—billion dollar franchise regarded as one of the greatest film series of all time, making major film stars out of Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford, Peter Mayhew and Billy Dee Williams among others. The films have also spawned a larger media franchise of books, comic books, video games, and television series as part of the franchise’s Expanded Universe.

Thirty–six years ago, on May 4, 1979, the use of the pun “May the Fourth Be with You” began with then-British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher receiving congratulations from her party in a newspaper ad. The date is now an unofficial holiday, with celebrations occurring in various locations around the world. Days of trivia, costume contests, fan–made films and other themed events surround and bind would–be Jedi like the mystical Force that grants them their abilities. Toronto, Ontario, Canada started the first organized celebration in 2011 and shows no signs of slowing down.

This year’s event takes on further significance because Episode VII: The Force Awakens releases on December 18, 2015, the first new film in the franchise in ten years, since 2005’s Revenge of the Sith. J.J. Abrams will direct the film, which will star the core of the original cast while introducing new characters thirty years after the events of Return of the Jedi. Fans will be introduced to three new protagonists in Finn, Rey and Poe Dameron, who are all trying to in the same way that Luke, Leia and Han did and will be swept into conflict. The old films ended with the Empire defeated and Luke Skywalker as the first of the new order of Jedi Knights. Will thirty years find him successful or will a new evil rise to threaten the galaxy once more?

The new trailer teases the current state of our favorite galaxy far, far away. The Sith have returned. Finn wears Stormtrooper body armor, indicating that the Empire has survived in some form since the Battle of Yavin. We also get a glimpse of a lightsaber with a guard. Fans are divided on this change but most are willing to wait–and–see before passing judgement. The best part of the trailer, however, is seeing Han Solo and Chewbacca appear on the screen for the first time in decades. X-Wing battles and runs across the deserts of Tatooine will bring back memories for older fans while giving new fans a place to join the action. The decision to premiere the film in December instead of May is different but not a detriment to the film.

Don’t take my word about how good the trailer is. We’ve included it below for your viewing pleasure. Tell us what you think in the comments below!