George Lucas and the Star Wars Franchise (1973-1999)

1. THX 1138 released as Lucas’s first feature

   Mar 11, 1971Labels: THX 1138

   • THX 1138
   • Britannica

2. Lucasfilm founded as George Lucas’s company

   Dec 10, 1971Labels: Lucasfilm

   • Lucasfilm
   • Britannica

3. American Graffiti becomes a breakout hit

   Aug 11, 1973Labels: American Graffiti

   • American Graffiti
   • Britannica

4. Industrial Light & Magic formed for Star Wars

   May 26, 1975Labels: Industrial Light

   • ILM
   • ILM com

5. Sprocket Systems founded (later Skywalker Sound)

   Sep 7, 1975Labels: Sprocket Systems, Skywalker Sound

   • Skywalker Sound
   • Britannica

6. Star Wars released and becomes a phenomenon

   May 25, 1977Labels: Star Wars

   • Star Wars 1977
   • HISTORY

7. Lucasfilm incorporated as Lucasfilm Ltd.

   Sep 12, 1977Labels: Lucasfilm Ltd

   • Lucasfilm

8. Kenner “Early Bird” package launches toy demand

   Oct 1, 1977Labels: Kenner Early

   • Rebelscum
   • Wired

9. Lucas purchases land that becomes Skywalker Ranch

   Sep 1, 1978Labels: Skywalker Ranch

   • Skywalker Ranch
   • Skywalker Sound

10. Star Wars Holiday Special airs on CBS

    Nov 17, 1978Labels: Star Wars

    • Holiday Special
    • Vanity Fair

11. The Empire Strikes Back expands the saga

    May 21, 1980Labels: The Empire

    • Empire Strikes Back
    • Britannica

12. Return of the Jedi closes the original trilogy

    May 25, 1983Labels: Return of

    • Return of the
    • Britannica

13. Star Wars Special Edition begins theatrical re-releases

    Jan 31, 1997Labels: Special Edition

    • Forbes

14. The Phantom Menace launches the prequel trilogy

    May 19, 1999Labels: The Phantom

    • Phantom Menace
    • Britannica