Star Wars: A New Hope (1977) — Release, Merchandising, and Cultural Impact (1976-1980)

1. Lucas forms Industrial Light & Magic

   May 26, 1975Labels: Industrial Light, George Lucas

   • ILM
   • ILM About

2. Principal photography begins in Tunisia

   Mar 22, 1976Labels: Tatooine location, Tunisia

   • Star Wars film
   • Audiori timeline

3. Star Wars novelization published before the film

   Nov 12, 1976Labels: Alan Dean, Novelization

   • Novelization

4. John Williams records the film’s score

   Mar 5, 1977Labels: John Williams, London Symphony

   • Soundtrack

5. Star Wars opens in 32 U.S. theaters

   May 25, 1977Labels: U S, Limited release

   • Star Wars film
   • May 1977

6. Soundtrack album releases and becomes a hit

   Jun 1, 1977Labels: Soundtrack album, John Williams

   • Soundtrack

7. Marvel launches its Star Wars comic series

   Jul 1, 1977Labels: Marvel Comics, Star Wars

   • Marvel issue
   • Comics overview

8. Kenner plans Early Bird Certificate toy strategy

   Dec 31, 1977Labels: Kenner Products, Early Bird

   • SWCA catalog

9. First action figures arrive via Early Bird mail-away

   Feb 1, 1978Labels: Kenner Products, Action figures

   • Early Bird
   • SWCA kit

10. Splinter of the Mind’s Eye expands the story world

    Mar 1, 1978Labels: Splinter of, Alan Dean

    • Splinter novel

11. Star Wars dominates the 50th Academy Awards

    Apr 3, 1978Labels: 50th Academy, Technical Oscars

    • Oscars
    • 50th Oscars

12. 1978 theatrical expansion boosts box-office totals

    Jul 21, 1978Labels: Re-release, Theatrical expansion

    • Star Wars film

13. Star Wars Holiday Special airs once on CBS

    Nov 17, 1978Labels: Star Wars, CBS

    • Holiday Special

14. Empire Strikes Back production begins as franchise solidifies

    Mar 13, 1979Labels: The Empire, Sequel production

    • Empire film