25 Historic Star Wars: A New Hope Behind-The-Scenes Photos
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It's that time of year again, in which we celebrate Star Wars because the date May 4 sounds sort of like that famous phrase from the franchise. Who doesn't love Star Wars day, honestly? And what better way of doing it than by looking back at the film that kicked it all off back in 1977?
It's a movie that changed cinema forever and launched a franchise that is as strong as ever. In 1977, Star Wars: A New Hope arrived in theaters, introducing the world to the adventures of Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, and Chewbacca. From there, nothing was the same. Now, over 40 years later, there are countless movies, TV shows, books, video games, toys, and anything else you could possibly want.
So since we're looking back on A New Hope, take a look below at 25 behind-the-scenes photos from production on the iconic film. Not only do they show how the original movie was made, but also provide some very entertaining looks at the cast before they became worldwide phenomenons.
Image: 20th Century Fox
Here, Harrison Ford (Han Solo), Carrie Fisher (Leia Organa), Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker), and Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca) are enjoying a break on the Millennium Falcon.
Image: 20th Century Fox
Director George Lucas and Anthony Daniels (C-3PO) on the Tatooine set, which was actually in Tunisia.
Image: 20th Century Fox
Unfortunately, the Millennium Falcon doesn't actually fly.
Image: 20th Century Fox
A love only siblings could share. Hamill and Fisher are seen here bonding in between takes.
Image: 20th Century Fox
Alec Guinness (Obi-Wan Kenobi) takes the time to relax with a smile while filming with Hamill, Daniels, and Kenny Baker (R2-D2).
Image: 20th Century Fox
In this photo, stuntman Peter Diamond removes his Tusken Raider mask during a break in filming.
Image: 20th Century Fox
Here, Baker is set up in his R2-D2 suit between takes.
Image: 20th Century Fox
This candid look at one of the most iconic meetings in A New Hope is a sight to behold.
Image: 20th Century Fox
Even in their downtime, Hamill, Fisher, and Ford clearly enjoy hanging out.
Image: 20th Century Fox
In this show, Daniels gets to ditch his C-3PO helmet, while Hamill tinkers with his costume's wiring.
Image: 20th Century Fox
Who better to teach Hamill and Ford to be Stormtroopers than the guy who invented them?
Image: 20th Century Fox
This photo may show how Luke's Landspeeder "flies," but it doesn't ruin the magic.
Image: 20th Century Fox
In this look behind the scenes, Mayhew gets his Chewbacca prosthetics applied.
Image: 20th Century Fox
Here, Lucas helps Hamill and Fisher figure out their movements -- and how to wield a blaster -- for a scene.
Image: 20th Century Fox
A sea of Stormtrooper helmets.
Image: 20th Century Fox
They may not have actually been on Tatooine, but this photo shows just how scenic their filming locations are.
Image: 20th Century Fox
Here, Ford, Daniels and Mayhew spend a little time with Fisher before she shoots a scene.
Image: 20th Century Fox
Hamill and Fisher rehearse their lines with Lucas.
Image: 20th Century Fox
Ford takes a moment to ham it up during what looks like a pretty serious moment.
Image: 20th Century Fox
Yes, even Luke Skywalker and Han Solo hold hands.
Image: 20th Century Fox
Lucas and Fisher work out Princess Leia's next moves in this behind-the-scenes shot.
Image: 20th Century Fox
While the Sandcrawler looked gargantuan on-screen, who knew it was actually this tiny?
Image: 20th Century Fox
Still, production had to build a big version for closeups.
Image: 20th Century Fox
Here, Mayhew, Ford and Hamill have a little fun before bringing the fight to the Empire.
Image: 20th Century Fox
In this photo, Prowse and Guinness rehearse the epic lightsaber battle between Darth Vader and Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Image: 20th Century Fox