Star Wars is one of the most iconic and beloved franchises in the world. The epic space opera has captured the hearts of millions across generations with its unique story, characters, and captivating visuals.
But for those who are new to the franchise, it can be confusing to understand where it all began- was Star Wars a book or a movie first? Let’s dive into this question and explore the origins of this legendary franchise.
Star Wars: A Brief History
Star Wars was created by George Lucas in 1977, and it quickly became a cultural phenomenon. The franchise has since expanded to include nine main saga films, two standalone movies, multiple animated series, novels, comics, video games and more.
The Original Star Wars Movie
The first-ever Star Wars movie was released on May 25th, 1977. The movie was titled “Star Wars” but later renamed “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope.” The film tells the story of Luke Skywalker’s journey from a farm boy on Tatooine to becoming a Jedi Knight.
The Star Wars Books
After the success of the first film, George Lucas decided to expand the universe through novels and comics. In 1976-77 Alan Dean Foster wrote two books that were based on Lucas’s original screenplay for “Star Wars” – “Splinter of the Mind’s Eye” and “The Star Wars Novelization”. These books were followed by a large number of other novels written by different authors that explored different aspects of the Star Wars universe.
The Relationship Between the Books and Movies
While there are many books in the Star Wars universe, they are all considered part of what is called ‘the Expanded Universe’. The movies – episodes I through IX – tell one cohesive story arc that follows specific characters such as Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia Organa, Han Solo, and Darth Vader. The books and comics, on the other hand, often explore side stories or events that happen outside of the main story arc.
Conclusion
So, to answer the question – was Star Wars a book or a movie first? The answer is that Star Wars started as a movie in 1977.
While there are many books and comics that have been written about the Star Wars universe since then, they were not the original source material for the franchise. However, both movies and books have played an important role in expanding and enriching this beloved universe.
In conclusion, the Star Wars franchise has become an integral part of popular culture worldwide. Whether you prefer to enjoy it through movies or books, there is no denying its impact on entertainment and storytelling as we know it today.
