Back in 2003, a kid named Ghyslain Raza accidentally became one of the internet’s first viral stars. You probably know him as the ‘Star Wars Kid’—the guy swinging a makeshift lightsaber like he’s Darth Maul.
What started as a private video turned into a global meme, but the story behind it is way more intense than you might think.
Here are 6 unknown facts about the legendary “Star Wars Kid.”
Table of Contents
1. Ghyslain Raza Sued, Won, and Became a Lawyer
After his private video was leaked online, Ghyslain Raza faced significant harassment and cyberbullying.
In response, he and his family filed a lawsuit against the classmates responsible for uploading the video, seeking $250,000 in damages for the emotional distress caused.
The lawsuit highlighted that Raza “had to endure, and still endures today, harassment and derision from his high-school mates and the public at large” and that he “will be under psychiatric care for an indefinite amount of time.”
The case was settled out of court in 2006 for an undisclosed amount.
Demonstrating remarkable resilience, Raza channeled his experiences into a positive trajectory. He pursued higher education and earned a law degree from McGill University in Montreal.
2. Forced to Leave School After Viral Fame
In 2003, Ghyslain Raza’s private video unintentionally became one of the earliest viral sensations. Unlike today’s platforms like YouTube or TikTok, the internet landscape was different, with users sharing short clips on personal blogs.
Raza recalled, “Today, this viral phenomenon is not exactly new, but at the time, it probably was the first time something would go viral at such a large scale in such a short time.”
Within two weeks, the video gained significant traction. A blogger highlighted it, followed by coverage from the New York Times.
Local media soon joined in, leading to intense scrutiny. Raza described the relentless attention: “They were at school. They came to my parents’ home. They tried to take a picture of me at any cost. They tried to take a picture through the window blinds.”
At school, peers mocked him, and the administration viewed the situation as negative publicity, requesting he not return the following year.
Consequently, Raza transitioned to home tutoring. Over nearly two decades, the video amassed hundreds of millions of views, referenced in shows like Arrested Development and South Park, with numerous remixes adding unique effects.
3. The “Star Wars Kid” Easter Egg in Tony Hawk’s Underground 2
If you played Tony Hawk’s Underground 2 back in the day, you might remember one of the coolest Easter eggs in the game: a nod to the legendary “Star Wars Kid.”
In the Boston level, if you break through a specific window, you’ll stumble upon a character that looks just like Ghyslain Raza swinging a makeshift lightsaber. He’s even performing his signature moves from the viral video.
This character, hilariously called the “Geeky Kid,” is also unlockable as a playable skater. All you have to do is complete every goal in Story Mode on easy difficulty, and voilà—you can skate around as the “Star Wars Kid” himself.
4. Ghyslain Raza and Denis Villeneuve Attended the Same High School
Ghyslain Raza and Denis Villeneuve both attended Séminaire Saint-Joseph de Trois-Rivières, a high school in Quebec.
Denis Villeneuve, now celebrated as one of the greatest filmmakers of our time, is the visionary director behind critically acclaimed films like Dune and Blade Runner 2049.
His impressive portfolio also includes Arrival, Sicario, and Prisoners, earning him global recognition for his masterful storytelling and visual style.
5. Ghyslain Raza Reflects in “Star Wars Kid” Documentary
In 2022, Ghyslain Raza participated in the National Film Board of Canada’s documentary Star Wars Kid: The Rise of the Digital Shadows.
Directed by Mathieu Fournier, the film explores Raza’s personal journey and examines the broader implications of digital culture, particularly the lasting impact of viral fame and the concept of digital shadows.
The documentary delves into Raza’s experience as one of the internet’s first viral sensations, shedding light on the challenges he faced and his reflections on living in an online world where past digital footprints can have enduring effects.
You can watch the documentary on the National Film Board of Canada’s website.
6. Academic Achievements
After the whirlwind of unexpected internet fame, Ghyslain Raza didn’t just move on—he leveled up. He dove into the world of law at McGill University, snagging bachelor’s degrees in both civil and common law.
But he didn’t stop there; he went on to earn a master’s in comparative law. His hard work paid off big time, earning him top honors like the Wainwright Dissertation Prize and the Henri-Capitant Prize for his deep dive into Quebec’s legal roots.
Now, Raza is taking it even further, pursuing a PhD at Queen’s University. Beyond the books, he’s all about preserving cultural heritage, actively working with organizations dedicated to keeping history alive.