In 1978, the world was already captivated by the magic of Star Wars. The first movie had been released in 1977, and fans were eager for more.
So, what Star Wars movie came out in 1978? The answer is none.
That’s right, despite the popularity of the first film, there was no Star Wars movie released in 1978. However, that doesn’t mean that there wasn’t any exciting Star Wars content to consume during that year.
Expanded Universe Content
While there may not have been a new movie, fans were treated to a wealth of expanded universe content. This included books like “Splinter of the Mind’s Eye” by Alan Dean Foster and Marvel Comics’ ongoing series which began in 1977.
One notable comic arc from this time was titled “The Wheel.” It followed Luke Skywalker and his friends as they attempted to rescue Han Solo from an intergalactic casino.
Toys and Merchandise
Another way that fans could get their Star Wars fix in 1978 was through toys and merchandise. This included action figures, playsets, and even a board game.
One of the most popular toys released during this time was the Kenner Star Wars action figures line. These figures allowed fans to recreate their favorite scenes from the movies or imagine new adventures for their favorite characters.
The Star Wars Holiday Special
Despite there not being a new movie release in 1978, fans were treated to something special – The Star Wars Holiday Special. This made-for-TV event aired on November 17th and featured appearances from many of the original cast members.
The story followed Chewbacca as he attempted to make it home for Life Day – a Wookiee holiday similar to Christmas. Along the way, we see appearances from fan-favorite characters like Boba Fett and a musical number from Jefferson Starship.
Conclusion
So, while there was no new Star Wars movie released in 1978, fans were still able to enjoy a variety of expanded universe content, toys, and even a holiday special. These offerings helped keep the excitement and anticipation for the next movie alive, and it’s safe to say that fans were not disappointed when “The Empire Strikes Back” was released in 1980.
