12 Behind-the-Scenes Images from Star Wars That We Adore - MovieMaker Magazine

      Do you remember the thrill of watching Star Wars: A New Hope for the first time? (Perhaps you experienced it even before it was dubbed A New Hope).

      These behind-the-scenes photos from Star Wars transport us back to a time of sophisticated filmmaking from a more refined era.

      Are you ready? May the force… well, you get the idea.

      Stay Cool, Threepio

      20th Century Fox

      Ensuring Anthony Daniels was as comfortable as possible within a cumbersome costume during filming in Death Valley, California—which doubled for Luke’s home planet Tatooine—was a significant concern.

      Star Wars also filmed many scenes set on Tatooine in Tunisia.

      Clothes Makes the Wookie

      20th Century Fox

      Alright, maybe these aren’t precisely “clothes,” but you understand what we’re getting at.

      These furry elements and the bandolier strap were crucial in transforming Peter Mayhew into everyone’s beloved co-pilot.

      One of the creators responsible for bringing Chewbacca to life was makeup artist Stuart Freeborn, who also designed the apes in the 2001 “Dawn of Man” sequence and Yoda in The Empire Strikes Back.

      The Skywalker Twins

      20th Century Fox

      The chemistry and warmth between Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher as Luke and Leia made us quickly fall in love with Star Wars, despite initial ambiguity about their relationship—was the kiss romantic or sibling-like?

      The uncertainty lingered into The Empire Strikes Back, until Leia and Han Solo finally connected—Return of the Jedi ultimately clarified the bond between Luke and Leia.

      The Medal Scene

      20th Century Fox

      The award scene that triumphantly concludes Star Wars: A New Hope was even more spectacular than we realized, as these behind-the-scenes photos show.

      The dress code? Denim on denim.

      Ham Solo

      20th Century Fox

      Above is an outtake from one of the most iconic moments in Star Wars: A New Hope, where Harrison Ford, as Han Solo, somewhat overacts.

      Ford, who appeared in George Lucas’ American Graffiti and his friend Francis Ford Coppola’s The Conversation, famously landed the role of Han Solo while helping to audition other actors for the film.

      Hands Off, Pal

      20th Century Fox

      George Lucas, center, was an auto enthusiast from Modesto, California, who went on to create what may be the greatest film franchise in history, evolving from a complex narrative of “Luke Starkiller” into an epic tale about a boy, a girl, and a mysterious Force that binds the universe.

      He’s seen above with Peter Cushing as Moff Tarkin and Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia Organa, his youthful rival.

      Stormtroopers Unmasked

      Credit: 20th Century Fox

      20th Century Fox

      It’s intriguing to think that when young actors Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford slipped into these white suits, they had no idea whether they were creating something remarkable or a complete failure.

      Neither could have predicted that it would become one of the most celebrated, successful, and cherished films ever made.

      The People’s Princess

      20th Century Fox

      Carrie Fisher was just 19 when she starred in Star Wars. As the daughter of Eddie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds, she was part of Hollywood royalty, although her childhood was not without challenges. Her father famously abandoned her mother to marry her best friend, Elizabeth Taylor, when Carrie was merely two.

      However, as Princess Leia, Fisher made it clear that she was intergalactic royalty, and she was also quite adept with a blaster.

      The Princess Diaries, Fisher’s memoir recounting her experiences on Star Wars—including insights into her secret relationship with Harrison Ford—is a must-read for Star Wars enthusiasts.

      Ready for His Close-Up

      20th Century Fox

      Chewbacca—well, Peter Mayhew portraying Chewbacca—takes a well-deserved break from filming Star Wars.

      Just look at all that fur; it’s quite heavy.

      The Body (But Not the Face or the Voice) of Darth Vader

      20th Century Fox

      Bringing to life the imposing figure of Darth Vader required several individuals: Actor and bodybuilder David Prowse (above) embodied Vader’s mechanized suit, while James Earl Jones lent his voice.

      When we finally glimpsed Vader’s pale, severely scarred face in Return of the Jedi, it belonged to yet another actor: Sebastian Lewis Shaw.

      And the young Darth Vader was portrayed by Hayden Christensen in the prequels.

      Darth Vader vs. Ben Kenobi: The Rehearsal

      20th Century Fox

      The image above, featuring Prowse and Alec Guinness, who played Ben Kenobi, serves as a reminder that despite the awe and grandeur it evokes, Star Wars resulted from the effort and dedication of real individuals without Jedi abilities.

      Guinness was the only cast member who was a genuine screen legend before Star Wars was released, having won an Oscar for Best Actor in 1957’s The Bridge on the