The original Star Wars film, later retitled Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, premieres and becomes a cultural phenomenon, setting the stage for its sequels including The Empire Strikes Back.
Principal photography for The Empire Strikes Back starts, marking the beginning of production for the highly anticipated sequel to Star Wars.
The Empire Strikes Back, the second installment in the original Star Wars trilogy, premieres in theaters and receives critical acclaim, solidifying its place as a classic.
The Empire Strikes Back is released for home viewing on VHS, expanding its audience and allowing fans to watch the film repeatedly.
The Rebel Alliance establishes a secret base on the icy planet Hoth to evade the Galactic Empire.
The Imperial fleet locates the hidden Rebel base on Hoth, initiating a search and attack plan.
The Galactic Empire launches an assault on the Rebel base on Hoth, commencing the Battle of Hoth.
Rebel forces evacuate the base as the Empire overruns their defenses, with key members escaping in various ships.
The group flees Hoth aboard the Millennium Falcon to evade Imperial pursuit.
Luke journeys to the swamp planet Dagobah to seek training from Jedi Master Yoda.
Luke starts his Jedi training under Master Yoda’s guidance on Dagobah.
Han and Leia navigate through an asteroid field trying to escape Darth Vader’s relentless pursuit.
Imperial forces chase the Millennium Falcon, eventually leading to their arrival at Cloud City.
Han, Leia, Chewbacca, and C-3PO arrive at the mining colony of Cloud City seeking assistance from Lando Calrissian.
Darth Vader and Imperial forces betray Lando’s hospitality, capturing Han and Leia.
Han Solo is captured and frozen in carbonite as a test to prepare him for transport to Jabba the Hutt.
Leia and Chewbacca are taken prisoner by Darth Vader.
Luke arrives at Cloud City to rescue his friends despite Yoda’s warnings.
Luke fights Darth Vader in a lightsaber duel but is defeated and loses his hand.
Darth Vader reveals his true identity to Luke during their duel.
Remaining rebels escape, leaving Han frozen and taken by Boba Fett to Jabba the Hutt.
