10 Star Wars Fun Facts That Might Surprise You

Are you a Star Wars fan who thinks you know everything about the galaxy far, far away? Think again! 

There are many hidden secrets and fascinating facts about the Star Wars movies that even the most die-hard fans might not be aware of. 

In this article, we will share 10 Star Wars fun facts that will surprise you and make you appreciate the saga even more. 

From behind-the-scenes stories to obscure references, let’s begin!

1. Lightsabers were wrapped in reflective tape

The Jedi’s lightsaber is not just a weapon; it’s a symbol.

George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars, envisioned something more advanced. “The first lightsaber was actually made from the flash attachment of a 4×5 camera. We removed the round flash part and transformed it into a lightsaber,” explained Lucas.

Mark Hamill shared insights into the lightsaber’s special effects, saying, “The effect of the lightsaber was a rotating pole that had movie screen material applied to it so that it would reflect its light source packet many times the intensity. The problem was that when you moved it out of a certain area, it went from glowing and looking great to just a rotating pole.”

Lucas further detailed the technique used to enhance the lightsaber’s glow: “We rotated with reflective tape so that it would flash and it would create light on actors.”

They shared this in the video about “Star Wars Featurette: The Birth of the Lightsaber”

2. Star Wars: The Phantom Menace Leads to $293 Million Productivity Loss in US Economy

The release of “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace” in 1999 had a surprising impact on the US economy, resulting in an estimated $293 million loss in productivity. 

On the day of its Wednesday premiere, 5.7 million people flocked to theaters, and approximately 2.2 million of these were full-time workers who called in sick to catch the film on opening day, causing a significant productivity shock.

Anticipating similar trends, when “Star Wars: Attack of the Clones” was set to premiere on a Thursday in 2002, the employment consultancy firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc. issued alerts to businesses. 

They predicted the “Star Wars sickness” or “Darth Flu” would lead 2.6 million fans to call in sick to experience the premiere. This was expected to cost the US economy around $319 million in lost productivity

3. Vader is portrayed by four different actors

The original “Star Wars” trilogy featured Darth Vader as a character played by four actors. James Earl Jones was the voice behind Vader’s mask, while David Prowse, a tall bodybuilder, acted as Vader on screen. 

Bob Anderson, a professional fencer, performed as Vader’s stunt double. 

In “Return of the Jedi,” when Vader’s mask is removed, we see Sebastian Shaw’s face, according to Reader’s Digest Asia.

An interesting tidbit from The Hollywood Reporter reveals that James Earl Jones was the only actor among them who knew the real twist of Vader being Luke’s father. 

During filming, the line said was “Obi-Wan killed your father!” which Jones later changed to the famous line we all know, through dubbing.

4. R2-D2 is played by an actor in costume

Kenny Baker, standing at 3 feet 8 inches, played R2-D2 in six “Star Wars” movies, including the beloved original trilogy. However, he was initially hesitant to accept the role, as reported by The New York Times.

Baker recalled thinking, “I don’t want to be stuck in a robot. What for, for goodness sake?” Despite these reservations, he ended up taking the role, which famously involved no speaking parts. Interestingly, the beeping sounds R2-D2 is known for weren’t made by Baker.

The role had a significant impact on Baker’s life. Reflecting on his experience, he mentioned that knowing what he knows now, he would have accepted the role even without payment. “Had I known, I would have done it for nothing,” Baker said

5. Many scenes were achieved with models

The intricate models seen in the “Star Wars” films were crafted by a renowned Hollywood special effects team, as highlighted in a video titled “Star Wars Visual Effects, from AT-ATs to Tauntauns.”

Creating these miniature and optical effects for “Star Wars” was a massive undertaking, costing $3.5 million and taking two years, according to the video’s narrator.

These models were shot against a blue screen, which allowed for the addition of different backgrounds and effects post-filming. This technique even made it possible to capture miniature explosions on camera. To simulate movement, the team often relied on stop-motion photography and various camera methods.

The narrator further explained how computer-controlled camera movements enabled more complex and dynamic shots. By recording these movements, the filmmakers could achieve a level of visual storytelling that was both intricate and engaging.

6. Matte painting Star Wars backdrops

Numerous iconic Star Wars scenes were created using matte paintings, with “The Empire Strikes Back” featuring seventy of these artworks, as noted on the Star Wars website. 

These paintings were used for various purposes: some added details to existing shots, while others provided expansive views of the “Star Wars” universe. 

In certain instances, such as adding more stormtroopers to a scene, matte paintings were employed for enhancement. 

One of the most memorable uses of matte painting was in depicting the Battle of Hoth in “The Empire Strikes Back.”

If you’re interested in a behind-the-scenes look at how these matte paintings brought the “Star Wars” universe to life, follow this link from the Star Wars website.

7. Loud background noise

Watching a Star Wars film, you might be struck by the loud background noise, but for the actors filming these scenes, it was an even greater challenge. 

During “The Empire Strikes Back,” in a key scene between Luke and Darth Vader, the wind machines used for effects were so overpowering that Mark Hamill couldn’t hear Darth Vader’s lines. Acting in such conditions proved to be quite the task. 

On Twitter, Hamill revealed his strategy for overcoming this obstacle. “I used visual cues to know when to respond,” he explained. “It was like acting in a silent movie, except LOUD.”

8. Oily Blue milk

The blue milk famously seen in the Star Wars Cantina scenes might look appealing on screen, but it wasn’t a favorite among the cast. 

Mark Hamill shared that the blue milk was actually “long life” milk, a type commonly used by campers because it doesn’t need to be kept cold. 

To achieve its vibrant color, blue food coloring was mixed in. 

However, the taste left much to be desired. “It was oily, warm, and slightly sweet, and it literally made me gag. Despite that, I was committed to drinking it on-camera,” Hamill tweeted.

9. The Unexpected Off-Screen Tension Between Star Wars Beloved Droids

On-screen, C-3PO and R2-D2 showcased an iconic friendship, but behind the scenes, the actors who played these beloved droids reportedly had a strained relationship. 

Kenny Baker, who brought R2-D2 to life, described Anthony Daniels, the man inside C-3PO, as standoffish, according to Hollywood.com. 

Baker shared an experience where Daniels brushed him off rudely. “Anthony doesn’t really socialize; he prefers to keep to himself,” Baker explained. “He wouldn’t even join us for a drink. 

One time, I greeted him, and he just turned away, saying, ‘Can’t you see I’m having a conversation?’ I was so angry. It was incredibly rude and made me furious. I couldn’t believe it.”

10. Unscripted moments

By this point, it’s clear that Mark Hamill holds deep affection for both the Star Wars saga and his late co-star, Carrie Fisher. 

Their shared moment in “The Last Jedi,” where Luke tenderly kisses Leia’s forehead, touched fans deeply yet was not originally scripted. 

Hamill shared on Twitter how emotional that day on set was, as it felt like Luke was bidding a final farewell, knowing his sacrifice was imminent. 

“The kiss happened in the spur of the moment, unscripted, capturing the essence of his/my feelings more profoundly than any dialogue could,” he explained.