Star Wars is an American media franchise created by George Lucas. The space opera saga began with the original Star Wars film in 1977 and became a worldwide pop culture phenomenon. It has expanded into various films and other media, including television series, video games, novels, comic books, theme park attractions, and themed areas, comprising an all-encompassing fictional universe. Star Wars is one of the highest-grossing media franchises of all time and has a large following.
Films
The original film, later retitled Episode IV: A New Hope, was followed by the sequels Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983), forming the original Star Wars trilogy. Lucas later returned to write and direct a prequel trilogy: Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999), Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002), and Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005).
In 2012, Lucas sold his production company to Disney, relinquishing his ownership of the franchise. This led to a sequel trilogy consisting of Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015), Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017), and Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019). All nine films form the “Skywalker Saga.”
Additional films include spin-offs such as Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and Solo: A Star Wars Story, as well as the upcoming Star Wars: Starfighter, scheduled for release in 2027.
Other media
The franchise includes television series, video games, novels, comic books, and theme park attractions. The 1977 original film was written and directed by George Lucas and produced by Lucasfilm Ltd.
Cultural significance and collectibles
Star Wars props and memorabilia are highly sought after at auctions. In 2025, a lightsaber used by Darth Vader in the duel where he tells Luke Skywalker “I am your father” is going up for sale at Heritage Auctions, expected to fetch at least $1 million. The auction includes more than two dozen lightsaber props spanning Episodes I through IX and other films and TV shows from the universe George Lucas created. In July, a lightsaber with Luke Skywalker’s severed hand from The Empire Strikes Back sold for $3.75 million, the highest price ever fetched for a prop used in a Star Wars film according to the auction house.