What is the very first Star Wars movie? For many fans, the answer is clear: it’s “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope,” released in 1977. This iconic film, directed by George Lucas, ignited a global phenomenon and paved the way for a galaxy far, far away. However, delving deeper into the history of the Star Wars franchise, we discover that there are actually several movies that could be considered the “first” Star Wars film, depending on how one defines the term.
Before “A New Hope,” Lucas had already created a short film titled “The Star Wars,” which was produced in 1970. This black-and-white film is a rough cut of the story that would eventually become the foundation for the entire Star Wars saga. Although it is a mere 7 minutes long and lacks the visual effects and full-fledged narrative of the later films, “The Star Wars” is often seen as the first Star Wars movie due to its role in shaping the original concept.
Another contender for the title of the first Star Wars movie is “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace,” which was released in 1999. This film is part of the prequel trilogy and serves as a prequel to “A New Hope.” However, many fans argue that “The Phantom Menace” is not the true first Star Wars movie because it is a continuation of the story rather than the beginning.
Some may also consider “Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones” and “Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith” as part of the first Star Wars movie, as they further expand on the story that began with “A New Hope.” These two films, released in 2002 and 2005, respectively, are often seen as the bridge between the original trilogy and the prequel trilogy.
In conclusion, the very first Star Wars movie is a topic of debate among fans. While “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope” is widely recognized as the film that launched the franchise, it is important to acknowledge the contributions of “The Star Wars” short film and the prequel trilogy in shaping the story. Ultimately, the first Star Wars movie is a matter of personal interpretation and the perspective one takes on the saga’s history.
