User blog:ARTaylor/40 Years of Star Wars

Today is the fortieth anniversary of the release of Star Wars, first in theaters on May 25th, 1977. The film follows the adventures of Princess Leia, Luke Skywalker, and Han Solo as they become embroiled in an intergalactic conflict and must find a way to destroy a weapon that can destroy entire planets. The beloved space epic began one of the most successful franchises ever including thirteen other films and five series with another in development. Directed by George Lucas, Star Wars launched the career of Mark Hamill as Skywalker and captured the imaginations of millions.