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

      Do you remember the enchantment of experiencing Star Wars: A New Hope for the first time? (Perhaps you even watched it before it was called A New Hope).

      These behind-the-scenes photographs from Star Wars transport us back to a refined style of filmmaking from a more graceful era.

      Are you ready? May the force… you know the rest.

      Stay Cool, Threepio

      20th Century Fox

      Ensuring Anthony Daniels remained as comfortable as possible while in a hot costume during the shoot in Death Valley, California—which served as the stand-in for Luke’s planet Tatooine—was a significant concern.

      Star Wars also filmed various Tatooine scenes in Tunisia.

      Clothes Makes the Wookie

      20th Century Fox

      Alright, these may not be exactly "clothes," but… you understand what we mean.

      These fur pieces alongside the bandolier strap helped transform Peter Mayhew into the beloved co-pilot.

      Makeup artist Stuart Freeborn, who contributed to bringing Chewbacca to life, was also known for designing the apes in the 2001 “Dawn of Man” sequence and for creating Yoda in the first Star Wars sequel, The Empire Strikes Back.

      The Skywalker Twins

      20th Century Fox

      The chemistry and warmth between Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher as Luke and Leia quickly captured our affection for Star Wars, even though it was uncertain initially whether their feelings were romantic—like that quick kiss?—or sibling-like.

      This ambiguity persisted into The Empire Strikes Back until Leia and Han Solo finally connected, and Return of the Jedi eventually clarified why Luke and Leia shared such a bond.

      The Medal Scene

      20th Century Fox

      The award scene that grandly closes Star Wars: A New Hope turned out to be 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, featuring Harrison Ford, right, as Han Solo, who perhaps overdoes it a bit.

      Ford, who also appeared in Lucas' film 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 a car enthusiast from Modesto, California who went on to create perhaps the greatest film franchise ever, evolving from a complex story of “Luke Starkiller” into an epic saga about a boy, a girl, and a mysterious Force that connects the entire universe.

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

      Stormtroopers Unmasked

      Credit: 20th Century Fox

      20th Century Fox

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

      Neither could have predicted it would become one of the most celebrated, successful, and cherished films of all time.

      The People’s Princess

      20th Century Fox

      Carrie Fisher was just 19 when she starred in Star Wars. The daughter of Eddie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds, she was part of Hollywood royalty—which didn’t mean her upbringing was without challenges. Her father famously left her mother to marry her close friend, Elizabeth Taylor, when Carrie Fisher was only two.

      Yet, as Princess Leia, Fisher always projected the image of intergalactic royalty. And she was skilled with a blaster, too.

      Fisher's memoir, The Princess Diaries, detailing her experiences on Star Wars—including her insights on her secret relationship with Harrison Ford—is a must-read for fans of the franchise.

      Ready for His Close-Up

      20th Century Fox

      Chewbacca—well, Peter Mayhew as Chewbacca—takes a much-deserved rest from filming Star Wars.

      You know, that fur looks heavy.

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

      20th Century Fox

      Creating the imposing figure of Darth Vader took several individuals: Actor and bodybuilder David Prowse (above) masterfully embodied Vader's augmented costume, while James Earl Jones lent his iconic voice.

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

      And of course, the young Darth Vader would later be portrayed by Hayden Christensen in the prequels.

      Darth Vader vs. Ben Kenobi: The Rehearsal

      20th Century Fox

      The above image of Prowse and Alec Guinness, who played Ben Kenobi, serves as a reminder that despite the awe and grandeur Star Wars evokes, it was the result of hard work and dedication from real people without any Jedi abilities.

      Guinness was the only cast member who was a recognized screen