A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away… well, technically it was 1977, and the galaxy was Hollywood. But for fans around the world, it felt like a different universe altogether. On May 25th of that year, “Star Wars: A New Hope” burst onto the big screen and changed the face of cinema forever with the original Star Wars Trilogy. Now, every May 4th, fans celebrate Star Wars Day with the iconic phrase:
“May the Fourth Be With You.” It’s a pun. A glorious, geeky pun. It first started gaining traction in the early 2000s among fans online, but fun fact—its first official use in pop culture came back in 1979 when the London Evening News ran an ad congratulating Margaret Thatcher on her election win: “May the Fourth Be with You, Maggie. Congratulations!” The Force was clearly strong with that headline writer.
The Original Trilogy: The Rebel Alliance of Cinema
While the Star Wars universe now spans prequels, sequels, TV shows, spin-offs, books, and everything from lunch boxes to themed crockpots, it all started with the original trilogy—the holy trinity of nerdom:
⭐ Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)
This is where it all began. A farm boy (Luke), a princess with buns of steel (Leia), a smuggler with charm and debt (Han), a walking carpet (Chewie), and two squabbling droids somehow became the most beloved band of rebels in movie history. Add in an evil asthmatic space wizard (Darth Vader), and you’ve got cinematic lightning in a bottle.
⭐ Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Darker, deeper, and home to the most quoted spoiler in movie history, this sequel dared to let the bad guys win (temporarily). We met Yoda, learned that family drama can cross light-years, and discovered that sometimes, your dad really is the worst.
⭐ Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)
Vader’s redemption arc, Luke’s glow-up into a full-fledged Jedi, and Ewoks who somehow overthrew the Empire with sticks and determination—this movie wrapped up the trilogy with heart, heroics, and a throne room battle that still gives fans goosebumps.
Why We Still Love the Original Star Wars Trilogy
Despite all the modern CGI and cinematic advancements, there’s a special magic in the original trilogy that can’t be recreated (though some cough special editions cough have tried). It’s gritty, charming, practical-effect-packed storytelling with unforgettable characters and an epic mythos. Whether you’re in it for the space battles, the lightsaber duels, the roguish charisma of Han Solo, or just to hear Vader breathe menacingly in surround sound, the original Star Wars trilogy is where the Force truly began.
How to Celebrate May the Fourth
- Watch the OG Trilogy (preferably the non-Special Edition, if you can find it).
- Dress up as your favorite character—even if it’s just Chewbacca pajama pants.
- Say “I love you.” And when someone says it back, whisper, “I know.”
- Try to use at least one Force-related pun at work. (Trust us, it’s worth it.)
- Post an obscure meme that only true fans will get. If someone reacts, you’ve found your people.
So whether you’re a lifelong Jedi or a scruffy-looking nerf herder just jumping into the fandom, May the Fourth is the perfect day to celebrate the original trilogy that made us believe in the Force, root for rebels, and cheer when the Death Star explodes.
May the Fourth Be With You. Always.
