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Yoda, ancient Jedi master.
Production
Go behind the scenes on the 1980 Sci-Fi movie starring Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Alec Guinness
Billy Dee Williams, Anthony Daniels, Kenny Baker, Frank Oz, David Prowse, Peter Mayhew (II), Jeremy Bulloch, John Hollis, Jack Purvis, Des Webb, Clive Revill, Kenneth Colley, Julian Glover, Michael Sheard, Michael Culver Update Cast
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Denis Lawson plays Wedge Antilles. Wedge was not originally scripted to appear in this film, but intense fan interest prompted Lucas to include him.Rewind Archive
As always, security was so intense that George Lucas, determined to keep the ending a secret, had Darth Vader (David Prowse) say "Obi Wan Kenobi is your father" and only during post-production, did they overdub this to the immortal line: "I am your father".Rewind Archive
Deleted scenes of Wampa madness: R2-D2 encountered one within the Rebel base, Later on, the snow beasts were lured into a stronghold within the complex. Princess Leia also mentions the "creatures" while discussing the Imperial probe droid. Another scene had Han, Leia and C-3PO running through a corridor. Han went to take a short-cut through a door with a sign on it, but Leia warned him "that's where those creatures are kept". They run off, but not before C-3PO removes the sign, hoping that the stormtroopers will enter the room.Thanks to Rebecca Veight
When Mark Hamill was having trouble with the Dagobah scenes with Yoda, Miss Piggy was brought in to make him laugh. As everyone should know, Muppet creator Frank Oz was responsible for bringing Yoda to life.Thanks to Rebecca Veight
Before Lawrence Kasdan, veteran writer Leigh Brackett had written a first draft of the screenplay. Two weeks after handing it in she tragically died of cancer. many of the things that make "Empire" so special can be attributed to this remarkable woman's first draftsThanks to Deanna
The famous Princess Leia/Han Solo "I love you", "I know" exchange was actually improvised. The script actually called for Han to reply "I love you, too." However, after doing the scene many times, Harrison Ford was getting impatient and replied "I know". The line stuck.Thanks to Charles / 1138
The Empire Strikes Back was actually the first in the series to be released with an Episode number and title at the beginning story scroll. "Episode IV: A New Hope" was not given to the first film until the 1978 re-release. Lucas would later admit that contrary to popular belief, the series was not all planned out from the get-go. He really only intended to do one film, and in fact doubted whether it would succeed. During writing, the story and script just became way too big for just one movie. It was at this point that ideas were shelved.When Star Wars was successful he decided to make a trilogy, and would include the plot developments and ideas in the sequels that he simply did not have the time or resources to include in the first film. It was around the time that Empire was released that Lucas began talking to the press about a NINE episode saga, placing the 1977 release in the middle of a large series.
Thanks to Axel H.
David Prowse is not the owner of Darth Vaders booming voice. Vader is dubbed by James Earl Jones, a seasoned veteran actor who wouldn't fit Prowse's shoes physically. Which means that keeping the lid on the fact that Vader was the father of Luke was an easy task, since Vader's voice was put on in post-production anyway.Thanks to Robert Baum
When Jeremy Bulloch went in for the role of Boba Fett and donned the costume, he figured that the Wookie scalp which adorned his shoulder was some sort of hairpiece and he tried to put it under his helmet. Bulloch would later appear in a small role in Lucas' concluding chapter of the first Star Wars trilogy, 2005's Revenge of the Sith, as a pilot of the Rebel Blockade Runner.Thanks to WRAITH 81
Empire had a budget of $33 million dollars to make and it earned $538 million worldwide making it the highest grossing film of 1980 and becoming the 43rd highest grossing film of all time.Thanks to WRAITH 81
In the designing of Yoda the Jedi master, model maker Stuart Freeborn used his own face then added the wrinkles of Albert Einstein for added wisdom.Thanks to WRAITH 81
Dave Prowse, who spoke all Vader's lines on set, was given a false page that contained the dialogue line "Obi-Wan killed your father." The only four people to know the real dialogue were George Lucas, Iirvin Kershner, Mark Hamill and James Earl Jones -until the film premiered.Thanks to WRAITH 81
Before the AT-AT attack on hoth, some rebel soldiers jump into a trench. You can see black smoke passing by them and the battle has not started yet.Next Section: Deleted Scenes
Deleted Scenes
There are often scenes cut from the final version of a movie. Sometimes these will have been seen by preview audiences, or be included in Blu-ray or DVD extras etc.
The following missing scenes from The Empire Strikes Back are believed legit. If you disagree or have additional info, please update us.Thanks to James Kennedy
There is more to add to the deleted scene where C-3PO tears off the warning sign on the door to the room housing captured wampa ice creatures in the Echo Base.Photographic evidence shows that there was a scene of Vader pausing outside this door, sensing the creatures inside, then moving on to leave the surprise for some unsuspecting Imperial snowtroopers.
I have seen at least one photo of huge furry arms reaching out into the hallway at a group of snowtroopers, and there is a color promo shot of Vader posed with his hands on his belt outside the door with the remnants of the yellow warning sign still there.
Next Section: Alternate Versions
Alternate Versions
Sometimes, there will be several versions of a movie floating about on cable, tv or video etc. Other times, a Director may release a special cut of the movie on Blu-ray or DVD.
Aw, man.. We don't know of any alternate versions of "The Empire Strikes Back". If you know better, please add one for others to enjoy. It's quick & easy
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1980 20th Century Fox
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