Star Wars
American space opera media franchise created by George Lucas.
Star Wars is an American media franchise created by George Lucas. It has expanded into various films and other media, comprising an all-encompassing fictional universe and is one of the highest-grossing media franchises of all time.
- created_by
- George Lucas
- field
- Media franchise
- nationality
- American
- known_for
- Space opera saga, the Skywalker Saga, the Force, Jedi and Sith
Lore & Background
All nine films, collectively the 'Skywalker Saga', were nominated for Academy Awards, with Oscars going to the first three releases.
Reader's Guide
Star Wars is set in a fictional galaxy in the distant past, spanning multiple eras where humans and alien species co-exist with droids. Space travel is common via lightspeed hyperspace technology. The franchise features a mystical power called the Force, an energy field created by all living things, used by the Jedi (light side) and Sith (dark side). The saga centers on the Skywalker family's struggle against the Sith lord Palpatine. The original trilogy follows Luke Skywalker; the prequels tell his father Anakin's fall to become Darth Vader; the sequels follow Leia's son Ben Solo and Rey. Combined box office revenue of live-action films exceeds US$10 billion, making Star Wars the third-highest-grossing film franchise in cinematic history.
Did You Know?
- All nine films of the Skywalker Saga were nominated for Academy Awards, with Oscars going to the first three releases.
- The combined box office revenue of Star Wars theatrical live-action films equals over US$10 billion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Star Wars about?
At its core, Star Wars is a space opera following the multi-generational conflict between the Jedi Order and the Sith, centered on a mystical energy field called the Force. The saga tracks the rise and fall of the Skywalker bloodline across several generations.
What is the Force in Star Wars?
The Force is an all-encompassing energy field that connects every living thing in the Star Wars universe. Characters such as Jedi and Sith channel it for both constructive and destructive ends, making it the central metaphysical concept of the saga.
Why is Star Wars so culturally significant?
Star Wars reshaped blockbuster filmmaking in the late 1970s and spawned a vast expanded universe spanning films, novels, and television. It remains one of the highest-grossing media franchises of all time and has left a lasting imprint on global popular culture.
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