A long, long time ago, in cineplexes not very far away, a little movie called Star Wars came out and unexpectedly became one of the most influential films in history. In fact, it was such a success, it led to a follow-up, The Empire Strikes Back, which became one of the most acclaimed sequels of all time. So, naturally that meant there had to be a third installment in this burgeoning franchise. Seldom had there ever been more pressure on a project to deliver the goods. Then, on May 25, 1983, Return of the Jedi landed in theaters to positive reviews and close to half a billion dollars in worldwide ticket sales. A trilogy was complete but rather than being the end of a saga, Return of the Jedi was what propelled Star Wars into another universe. Now, 40 years after the release of Return of the Jedi, it’s clear how important it was in the Star Wars pantheon. To show it some proper respect, this magazine looks back at the film and all that made it historic: the breakthrough special effects, the creation of the Admiral’s signature phrase “It’s a trap!” as well as the real story behind Jabba’s hut, Leia’s bikini and more. After all, the Star Wars franchise never soared higher than this era when the Skywalker story seemed to come to a satisfying conclusion and nobody knew Jar Jar Binks would soon suck that joy from the universe.
THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO STAR WARS
A WELCOME RETURN • THE THIRD TIME WAS TRULY A CHARM FOR THE STAR WARS FRANCHISE.
BUILDING A UNIVERSE • HOW A TRIBUTE TO CINEMATIC SERIALS BECAME A FILM FORCE TO RECKON WITH.
Star Man • George Lucas turned his childhood passions into a global sensation.
THE END OF THE BEGINNING • RETURN OF THE JEDI WAS SUPPOSED TO BE THE END OF THE STAR WARS TRILOGY. INSTEAD, IT BECAME THE BRIDGE TO A POWERHOUSE FRANCHISE.
Who Wasn’t Who • A long, long time ago in a casting office far, far away, plenty of well-known actors came close to changing the way we’ve come to know the entire Star Wars saga.
SEEING STARS
EXPLORING THE GREAT ENDORS • LOVE THEM OR HATE THEM, THE EWOKS STOLE THE SHOW IN RETURN OF THE JEDI.
THE ADMIRABLE ADMIRAL • WITH THREE LITTLE WORDS, ONE STAR WARS CHARACTER WENT FROM ANONYMOUS TO AWESOMENESS.
STAR WORDS • THESE ARE THE QUOTES YOU’RE LOOKING FOR.
HAVING AN EFFECT • RETURN OF THE JEDI HELPED USHER IN A NEW AGE OF MOVIE MAGIC.
Looking Good • The Mandalorian takes Star Wars sagas to a whole new level.
WEAPON OF CHOICE • THE DEATH STAR WASN’T VERY NICE, SO THEY BLEW IT UP TWICE.
MAKING A HUTT FEEL AT HOME • JABBA AND HIS PALACE MATES WERE A WEIRD BUT WELCOME ADDITION TO STAR WARS LORE.
Bare-ly There • Carrie Fisher’s revealing bikini was a memorable part of Return of the Jedi, though maybe not for the right reasons.
THE CUTTING EDGE • LIGHTSABER SHOWDOWNS ARE A HIGHLIGHT IN EVERY STAR WARS MOVIE. HERE IS A RANKING OF THE BEST OF THE BEST BATTLES.
GOING DARK • FOR EMPEROR PALPATINE, IT’S ALWAYS BEEN GOOD TO BE BAD.
ON THE HORIZON • AT LEAST ON THE SMALL SCREEN, THERE IS A LOT MORE STAR WARS COMING SOON.
GET TO KNOW YOUR STORM TROOPER • A FIELD GUIDE TO STAR WARS’ CREEPY COMMANDOS.
STAR WARS: THE RISE OF THE MERCH • FROM TOYS TO TATTOOS TO TOILET PAPER, FANS HAVE FOUND PLENTY OF WAYS TO TAKE THEIR FAVORITE FRANCHISE HOME.
Get Carded • These Star Wars collectibles will never get lost in the shuffle.
STAR WHOOPS! • ACCIDENTS WILL HAPPEN, EVEN IN THE STAR WARS UNIVERSE.
WHAT DO YOU KNOW? • TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF RETURN OF THE JEDI WITH THIS SPECIAL QUIZ.
Star Wars - Return Of The Jedi Turns 40!
PHOTO CREDITS