Happy Anniversary Empire Strikes Back

On this day in 1980 the original Star Wars universe received part two, er, Episode V, perhaps the best of the six movies to date. The Empire Strikes Back is now 29 years old. With the 30th Anniversary of the film looming in 2010, expect big things in the spring next year. It may not lead to entire reboot of the Star Wars toy line like the 30th Anniversary of A New Hope but we may finally get Celebration 5!


The Empire Strikes Back earned more than $538 million worldwide during its original release and subsequent rereleases. When adjusted for inflation, Empire ranks 12th all -time in box office gross.

New Celebration 5 Information

It's not a lot but it is something. The Baltimore Business Journal is reporting that Lucasfilm, Ltd. is considering Baltimore as host city for Star Wars Celebration V in mid- to late-Spring 2009 or 2010. According to the Journal, there are 4 other cities still being considered: Minneapolis, Chicago, Orlando, and Indianapolis, which hosted Celebration II (2002) and III (2005). Celebration IV was in Los Angeles in 2007. The first Celebration was held in Denver in 1999. There has also been a Celebration Europe (2006) and later this month will be the first Celebration Japan. The rumors on the 'net right now believe that Lucasfilm may make a formal announcement of plans for CV at either San Diego Comic-Con or Celebration Japan. Celebration V would most likely be held fro a few days between April 15th and May 31st, based on previous Celebration dates.

Star Wars: Celebration 5 in 2009?

In the spring before each prequel (1999, 2002, and 2005) there was a massive Star Wars event held called Celebration. It was giant collection of Star Wars fans brought together to celebrate the upcoming release of the new film (The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, and Revenge of the Sith). There was also a fourth Celebration last spring to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the debut of Star Wars. Fans love these events. It is a time to meet fellow fans, see the saga stars, and buy more merchandise. There was a Celebration Europe last year and there will be a Celebration Japan this summer. Fans want more. A Celebration, at the minimum, every three years. Better yet, every year. Or even better, EVERY YEAR. With the Star Wars universe continually growing (The Clone Wars debuts in August 2008 and the new live-action show is set for fall 2009) the chances of a Celebration happening every few years, at least for now, is a real possibility. Let the rumors begin. Steve Sansweet, resident Star Wars expert, mentioned a few things while at Jedi-Con in Germany last weekend. The Star Wars faithful and staff are looking into a second Celebration Europe (possibly in Berlin) and a Celebration Australia. But that's not all. He also said that Lucas is looking into a Celebration 5...and it WOULD NOT be held in Los Angeles this time! w00t! The rumored lead candidate city? Chicago. Less than 2 hours from my apartment in Indiana. Sweeeeet. Now, I plan on going to Celebration 5 regardless of city. However, the closer it is the cheaper it will be. Sansweet says that the Star Wars executives are looking for a midwestern or eastern city this time. Celebration 1 was in Denver, CO, 2 and 3 were in Indianapolis, IN (yeah, wish that would happen again), and 5 was in Los Angeles, CA. Reviews were negative for the LA Convention Center so Lucasfilm is all but guaranteed to be changing venues. Chicago is rumored to be in the lead. Celebration 5 in 2009? One can only hope.