Star Wars
A popular science fiction franchise owned by Disney, used as a case study for how politicization and DEI-related messaging can alienate a core fanbase.
First Mentioned
1/5/2026, 5:25:55 AM
Last Updated
1/5/2026, 5:30:03 AM
Research Retrieved
1/5/2026, 5:30:02 AM
Summary
Star Wars is an American epic space opera media franchise created by George Lucas that has evolved into a global cultural phenomenon since its debut in 1977. The franchise encompasses the nine-film 'Skywalker Saga'—consisting of the original, prequel, and sequel trilogies—alongside various spin-off films, television series, and an extensive expanded universe of literature and games. In 2012, The Walt Disney Company acquired Lucasfilm, leading to a new era of production under CEO Bob Iger. Beyond its commercial success, which includes over $10 billion in global box office revenue, the franchise has recently become a focal point for cultural debates regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Hollywood, specifically concerning the selection of new directors and the perceived impact of DEI initiatives on meritocracy within the film industry.
Referenced in 1 Document
Research Data
Extracted Attributes
Genre
Epic space opera
Owner
Lucasfilm (subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company)
Creator
George Lucas
Main Film Series
Skywalker Saga
First Film Release
1977-05-25
Total Box Office Revenue
Over $10,000,000,000 USD
Timeline
- Release of the original Star Wars film, later retitled Episode IV: A New Hope. (Source: Wikipedia)
1977-05-25
- Release of Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back. (Source: Wikipedia)
1980-05-21
- Release of Episode VI: Return of the Jedi, concluding the original trilogy. (Source: Wikipedia)
1983-05-25
- Release of Episode I: The Phantom Menace, beginning the prequel trilogy. (Source: Wikipedia)
1999-05-19
- Release of Episode II: Attack of the Clones. (Source: Wikipedia)
2002-05-16
- Release of Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. (Source: Wikipedia)
2005-05-19
- The Walt Disney Company acquires Lucasfilm from George Lucas for $4.05 billion. (Source: Wikipedia)
2012-10-30
- Release of Episode VII: The Force Awakens, beginning the sequel trilogy. (Source: Wikipedia)
2015-12-18
- Release of Episode VIII: The Last Jedi. (Source: Wikipedia)
2017-12-15
- Release of Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker, concluding the Skywalker Saga. (Source: Wikipedia)
2019-12-20
Wikipedia
View on WikipediaStar Wars
Star Wars is an American epic space opera media franchise created by George Lucas. The franchise began with the original Star Wars film (1977) and it quickly became a worldwide pop culture phenomenon. It has expanded into various films and other media, including television series, video games, novels, comic books, theme park attractions, and themed areas, comprising an all-encompassing fictional universe. Star Wars is one of the highest-grossing media franchises of all time. The original film, later retitled Episode IV: A New Hope, was followed by the sequels Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983), forming the original Star Wars trilogy. Lucas later returned to the series to write and direct a prequel trilogy, consisting of Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999), Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002), and Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005). In 2012, Lucas sold his production company to Disney, relinquishing his ownership of the franchise. This led to a sequel trilogy, consisting of Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015), Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017), and Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019). All nine films, collectively referred to as the "Skywalker Saga", were nominated for Academy Awards, with Oscars going to the first three releases. Together with the spin-off films Rogue One (2016) and Solo (2018), the combined box office revenue of Star Wars theatrical live-action films equals over US$10 billion, making Star Wars the third-highest-grossing film franchise in cinematic history.
Web Search Results
- Star Wars - Wikipedia
Star Wars is an American epic space opera media franchise created by George Lucas. The franchise began with the original Star Wars film "Star Wars (film)") (1977) and it quickly became a worldwide pop culture phenomenon. It has expanded into various films and other media, including television series, video games, novels, comic books, theme park attractions, and themed areas, comprising an all-encompassing fictional universe. Star Wars is one of the highest-grossing media franchises of all time. [...] | Created by | George Lucas | | Original work | Star Wars "Star Wars (film)") (1977) | | Owner | Lucasfilm | | Years | 1977–present | | Print publications | | Book(s) | List of reference books | | Novel(s) | List of novels | | Comics | List of comics | | Magazine(s) | Star Wars Insider (1987–present) | | Films and television | | Film(s) | List of films | | Television series | List of television series | | Games | | Role-playing | List of RPGs | | Video game(s) | List of video games | | Audio | [...] The Star Wars film series centers on three sets of trilogies, the nine films of which are collectively referred to as the "Skywalker Saga". The saga was produced non-chronologically, beginning with the original trilogy between 1977 and 1983. This was followed by the prequel trilogy, released between 1999 and 2005, and the sequel trilogy, released between 2015 and 2019.
- List of Star Wars films - Wikipedia
The original 1977 film Star Wars "Star Wars (film)") (later subtitled A New Hope) was followed by the sequels The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Return of the Jedi (1983); these films form the original trilogy. Beginning twenty-two years later, the prequel trilogy was released, consisting of Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999), Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002), and Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005). Then, after creator George Lucas sold [...] The main Star Wars film series is a trilogy of subtrilogies; as it neared completion, Lucasfilm began to refer to it as the "Skywalker Saga". It was released beginning with the original trilogy (Episodes IV, V, and VI, 1977–1983), followed by the prequel trilogy (Episodes I, II, and III, 1999–2005) and the sequel trilogy (Episodes VII, VIII, and IX, 2015–2019). The first film released, Star Wars "Star Wars (film)") (1977), is the fourth film chronologically and was later subtitled Episode IV – [...] The Star Wars franchise involves multiple live-action and animated films. The series was initially created as a trilogy set in medias res (partway through the plot) that was later expanded into a trilogy of trilogies, known as the "Skywalker Saga".
- How to Watch 'Star Wars' in Order: Movies, Series, & More - Hulu
### 7. The Clone Wars (2008) Star Wars: The Clone Wars is an animated film and TV series that started after Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, but it takes on the canon timeline between Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith. With new characters and deeper storylines, The Clone Wars expands upon the previously known Star Wars universe. Watch: Star Wars: The Clone Wars\ [...] 1. Episode I: The Phantom Menace 2. Episode II: Attack of the Clones 3. The Clone Wars (movie) 4. Episode III: Revenge of the Sith 5. Solo: A Star Wars Story 6. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story 7. Episode IV: A New Hope 8. Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back 9. Episode VI: Return of the Jedi 10. Episode VII: The Force Awakens 11. Episode VIII: The Last Jedi 12. Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker #### Star Wars Movies and Shows in Timeline Order [...] Dubbed simply Star Wars at the time of its release, the sci-fi action movie was originally intended to be a stand-alone film. It got an updated moniker when creator George Lucas decided to make the initial Star Wars film a trilogy (which later expanded to one of the biggest film and TV franchises of all time).
- Star Wars Movies In Order: How to Watch the Saga Chronologically
The Star Wars movies are spread across three trilogies, with spin-offs and side-stories filling in the universe’s mythic lore. First comes the prequel trilogy (The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, and Revenge of the Sith), introducing prodigy Anakin Skywalker and his fall from Jedi light side to become Darth Vader. You can wedge in 2008’s The Clone Wars between Attack and Revenge, which was followed up with its own, much better-received animated series. The Obi-Wan Kenobi show is set close [...] Finally, we approach the sequel trilogy, as Rey (last name pending) takes on the Jedi mantle in The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, and The Rise of Skywalker. Animated series Star Wars Resistance runs parallel across the three sequel-trilogy movies. Now see the full list of Star Wars movies and shows in order below! (And for more guides, check out Star Warsmovies ranked by Tomatometer.) —Alex Vo #1 Tomatometer icon 54% #1
- Star Wars | Wookieepedia - Fandom
The Star Wars story has been presented in a series of American films, which have spawned a large quantity of books and other media, which have formed the Expanded Universe. The Star Wars mythos is also the basis of many toys and games of varying types. The films and novels employ common science-fiction motifs. [...] Since Lucas wanted this movie to be bigger and more spectacular than Star Wars, more sets were made and new characters were introduced, which included the first black Star Wars character, Lando Calrissian, played by Billy Dee Williams, and a 2-foot puppet named Yoda voiced by Frank Oz. It was also the first time that Han Solo and Princess Leia kissed. But the biggest surprise was Darth Vader's revelation to Luke. A few minutes before shooting that scene, Kershner told Hamill that Vader was [...] - 2.4.2 The Phantom Menace - 2.4.3 Attack of the Clones - 2.4.4 Revenge of the Sith + 2.5 Post prequels + 2.6 Disney's acquisition and new beginnings - 2.6.1 The creator's retirement - 2.6.2 A fresh start and new developments - 2.6.3 New Star Wars cements itself - 2.6.4 A tumultuous landing - 2.6.5 Theatrical aspirations evaporate + 2.7 New Era of Star Wars storytelling - 2.7.1 Initial attempts - 2.7.2 Creating The Mandalorian
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Star Wars, Novi, Oakland County, Michigan, 48337, United States
Coordinates: 42.5019714, -83.4881667
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