The Empire Strikes Back – 45th Anniversary

By Reggie's Take on May 21, 2025

“The Empire Strikes Back” is the second film in the Star Wars franchise and the fifth chronological chapter of the “Skywalker Saga,” set three years after the events of “Star Wars” (also known as “A New Hope”) celebrates its 45^th anniversary.

Following the success of “Star Wars,” George Lucas entrusted directorial responsibilities to Irvin Kershner. Filming commenced in March 1979 and concluded in September of that same year.

Mark Hamill (Luke), Carrie Fisher (Leia), Harrison Ford (Han), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), and Kenny Baker (R2-D2) all reprised their roles. Additionally, Billy Dee Williams was cast as Lando Calrissian, a character he found intriguing and described as a “pretty cool guy” akin to himself.

Initially, some critics felt that while “The Empire Strikes Back” was good, it did not match the enjoyment level of 1977’s “Star Wars.” They believed that the darker material and more mature storylines detracted from the original’s sense of fun.

However, over time, “The Empire Strikes Back” has come to be regarded by both critics and fans as the best film in the franchise and one of the greatest movies ever made. Empire magazine named it the third-best film of all time, and a review by Roger Ebert lauded it as the best of the original trilogy, commending its depth of storytelling and its ability to evoke a sense of wonder in the audience.

“The Empire Strikes Back” remains a popular movie and is considered groundbreaking for its cliffhanger ending, special effects, and its significant influence on mainstream cinema.

Released on May 21, 1980, the highly anticipated sequel became the highest-grossing film of that year, earning $401.5 million in global revenue. The film received numerous award nominations and secured two Academy Awards, two Grammy Awards, and a BAFTA. In 2010, the United States Library of Congress selected it for preservation in the National Film Registry.