The origins of May 4 as Star Wars Day has an interesting history tied to several things including the former British PM. Read to know more.
The origin story of May 4 as Star Wars Day
Since the release of Star Wars: A New Hope in 1977, the series has gained millions of fans across the world. It also boasts a dedicated community of fans enjoying and appreciating sci-fi action and intergalactic feuds that deeply features stories of the good and the bad. Today, the fictitious universe basts 12 feature films, several video games, spinoff TV series, theme parks, cruises, and merchandise. The phrase “May the force be with you,” has deep significance for the fans. The iconic one-liner is used by several characters including Luke Skywalkers, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Master Yoda to wish good luck.
In terms of puns, it is not a big leap for “May the Force” to turn into ‘May the Fourth.” While it was made for the first time in 1979, a couple of years after the release of the first movie. By then, the movie had firmly established itself within American pop culture. Newspaper writers were trying to use phrases from the movie in addition to merchandise sellers using them in Star Wars-themed items. Across the sea, the movies significantly impacted British viewers. Hence when the people’s favorite Margaret Thatcher became UK’s PM on May 4, 1979, the London Evening News editors could not control themselves. The paper released a full-page advert titled “May the Fourth Be With You, Maggie. Congratulations!”
More on the famous pun
After its famous use following the ad about Thatcher, sound engineer Randy Thom who worked in the franchise revealed he “just thought of the pun” while working on Return of the Jedi. He found it funny. Hence, would send the crew messages every year on May 4, wishing “May the Fourth be with You.” Another famous use was by Franchinse’s marketing team in 2005 while promoting Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith. The movie was released a couple of weeks before May fourth. A scheme helped in advertising where those buying three tickets will receive an additional one.